Annonying Marriott is not consistent w/Their Properties
 

As a Platiunum and traveling in Europe I noticed several inconsistent Marriott Policies. In the US Courtyard means free internet as in other Asia locations. However my stay at AMS Courtyard they charge for Internet. I MEAN REALLY charge. 10 EURO for 4 hours, 17.50 for 12 and I forgot the rate for 24 hours but obviously higher. Also they charge for local calls which I understood were supposed to be free for Platinum. I could go on with other complaints after my stay earlier this week at AMS regular Marriott but won't
It would be nice if Marriott would enforce franchise benefits across its chain.
Did encounter one slight benefit in that as a platinum was offered an arrival gift at this AMS courtyard that the US properties do not do where the card offered 250 points for Sweet or salty food w/mineral water. Courtyard's in US are famous for the cookie and water in the room.

fyi Brand standards are set regionally throughout the world in similar fashion to other hospitality companies

If that's the case and my epxerience says so then why not do a full disclousure in their literature. An asterik to indicate that these benefits might be slighly different in different regions of the world. Not that difficult really!

While I agree with you that it would be nice to have consistency everywhere in the world, Marriott has put the "asterik" so to speak on their elite benefits. Here is their T&Cs for elite benefits: http://marriott.com/rewards/terms/elite.mi

And it is fairly explicit in stating that the free phone service is for elites only at participating North American Courtyards. It also states that the 250 points is normal for Platinums at non-North American Courtyards.

And as for the free internet access, the only thing I have found on Marriott is that they do say "free Internet access at participating Courtyards". This can be found at http://marriott.com/courtyard/amenities.mi So unfortunately, we will need to check with each Courtyard before we stay at one. Though my experience has been that most Courtyards in the US do provide free access. But since I have never stayed at a non-US based Courtyard, I can't comment on how common it is outside the US.

So while I agree with you that consistency would be nice, Marriott does let us know that they do not have it at all Courtyards worldwide.

"At Courtyard,® we make it our business to know business travelers. We know that often the real work begins when office hours end. That's why we offer favorite foods at the 24-hour Market ... free high-speed Internet access to connect you with work and home ... the comfort of designer bedding when it's time for that well-deserved rest ... and a big breakfast to start your day." Verbatim from the Courtyard webpage.

http://marriott.com/courtyard/default.mi

Yes, I did see that, but went to the "details" page to see if there were more specific or limiting information and that is where the "participating" note is listed.

But I will concede the point that there is no "asterik" on that page, so unless one were scouring the details, they would get the wrong information. So on this issue I stand corrected in that Marriott could probably be a little more forthcoming at listing the free internet access limitations. :eek:

My personal opinions aside you will notice the copy above is edited (by Marriott) and not complete, here is the complete copy from http://marriott.com/courtyard/amenities.mi

Services & Amenities




Today, Courtyard by Marriott boasts hundreds of properties across the US and 22 other countries. There's a Courtyard where you want to go. And, because Courtyard is designed to meet the exacting requirements of business travelers, it is also a perfect "base of operations" for family visits, reunions, weddings, or vacations. For business or leisure, Courtyard has what you need to make the most of your stay.


On-property Features

• The Market—a new feature offering 24-hour food, snacks, and refreshments (available at select locations)
• Bountiful breakfast served daily with a complete selection of hot and cold items, including cooked-to-order eggs
• Swimming pool and whirlpool
• Exercise room


• One or more small meeting rooms with audiovisual service available
• Cozy lounge with big-screen TV
• Guest laundry
• Special rates for extended stays
• Government rates at most locations
• Valet service
• Fax, copy, and print at the front desk and in some public areas
• Convenient dining options on-site or nearby


In-room Features

• FREE high-speed Internet access at participating Courtyards
• Spacious rooms with work space and separate seating areas
• King-size beds with cotton-rich linens, thicker mattresses, fluffier pillows
• Large work desk with no-glare lighting and an ergonomic chair
• 2 telephones with multiple lines, data ports, and voice mail
• Remote-controlled TV with a wide selection of channels, including HBO
• Swimming pool and whirlpool
• In-room movies
• Complimentary in-room coffee and tea
• Complimentary daily newspaper
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer
• Electronic locks and double-locking mechanism on each door
• In-room smoke detector and sprinklers

Good Dialogue on this. I guess my feelings is that this business is dependent on consistency (one of the reasons I give Marriott my 100+ nights a yr). However with words like .....Participating Courtyards..... then you leave open the ability of any franchise to interpet which offerings he or she offers in their consistency to marriott's brand.

A small crack may become a large hole. Just exposing my observations as a world travelor and a 160+ night a yr guy (already now giving Hilton my other 60+ nights a yr.) Its up to us as consumers to keep them honest.

Both you and hhoope01 correctly cite the fine print. But the main page, as you both note, says free internet and does not cite to any restrictions or asterisks. Our favorite hotel company should either see to it that internet is free at all Courtyards or change the web page language. Of course, as we all know, hs internet will eventually be complimentary at all major chains, just as television is now, but didn't used to be. Now, about that Courtyard breakfast...

Edited to add this is being sent using free hs internet at the Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Lake Union.

First of all I have a big problem with links from web sites that contain broken links. The Courtyard links all of you provided above I also tracked down through normal links on Marriott’s web site. The reason I did this was that the link in the right banner to Free in-room high-speed Internet access doesn't work in any of the links provided above. I thought it might be a cookie issue so I followed the path on Marriott.com and discovered that it also did not work from there. Perhaps Marriott needs to finish developing their web site before they put it up for public consumption.

BTW, posters in the other thread, What is your biggest Marriott pet peeve, want Marriott to be more varied from hotel to hotel. You give somebody what they ask and now we complain. :D As my mother used to say, you have to be careful what you ask for.