Almost done with Marriott re: Privacy Issues
Oct 24, 2006 | 2:33 pm
#16
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Originally Posted by rothrob
As an aside, I would also consider locking your suitcase(s) when you're away from your room. Even under normal circumstances that seems like common sense.
Oct 24, 2006 | 2:53 pm
#17
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Ren International Plaza Tampa
Nice folks at the front desk at the Tampa Ren International Plaza, but not real professional or well-trained, at least in my experience. A couple of years ago, as I was checking-in with my wife and filling out the forms, the clerk turned to my wife and said, "And I presume you are Mrs. Ohmark?" (I thought to myself, why is it your business, and what if she wasn't?) My wife meekly answered, "Yes.", and I didn't say anything.
Oct 24, 2006 | 3:27 pm
#18
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Originally Posted by DillMan
I've been PLT or PLT Premier for 7 years running. I have over 1200 nights banked, 160+ so far this year. I will be in hotels every single day between now and Dec 24th (including thanksgiving). Most of those will probably end up going to Marriott.
That said, I'm starting to look for other options. Marriott has, in the interest of other guest's comfort and their own "research" compromised my privacy on two occasions.
1.) My SO is a social smoker. I smoke cigars maybe once a month, but never indoors. Because I never knew the plans, I had smoking in my profile. While staying at the REN International Plaza (Tampa FL), I came back to my room around 5pm on a Saturday to find hotel security and a manager **IN MY SUITCASE**. They told me that they were checking on rooms occupied by people who had "smoking" in their profile since the ban was new. I have never smoked a cigarette in a Marriott hotel room. They found a humidor in my bags with a single cigar in it and subjected me to an interrogation about it. The manager said he would "let me off", however, I should "be more careful." I have never felt this invaded in my life.
2.) I checked into the TownePlace Suites in College Station TX this weekend. The front desk clerk asked what I was doing in town. I thought she was just being friendly. I said "oh, a personal occasion". She said "I need something more detailed than that." I thought, weird, but ok.....maybe she gets a bonus if x% of her guests answer a survey question or something. I said "grabbing a few drinks with friends since I have downtime the rest of the weekend." Would you believe it, when I get my folio via email, which goes to my SO's email as she prints everything out for my expense reports, the hotel put the following as my address:
Mr. Dillman
PERSONAL: Drinking and Seeing Girlfriend
<address>
I was in that town to see a friend, and have always been faithful to my SO, I am LIVID that this was put in my bill, which she has seen.
FYI, big brother is watching
That said, I'm starting to look for other options. Marriott has, in the interest of other guest's comfort and their own "research" compromised my privacy on two occasions.
1.) My SO is a social smoker. I smoke cigars maybe once a month, but never indoors. Because I never knew the plans, I had smoking in my profile. While staying at the REN International Plaza (Tampa FL), I came back to my room around 5pm on a Saturday to find hotel security and a manager **IN MY SUITCASE**. They told me that they were checking on rooms occupied by people who had "smoking" in their profile since the ban was new. I have never smoked a cigarette in a Marriott hotel room. They found a humidor in my bags with a single cigar in it and subjected me to an interrogation about it. The manager said he would "let me off", however, I should "be more careful." I have never felt this invaded in my life.
2.) I checked into the TownePlace Suites in College Station TX this weekend. The front desk clerk asked what I was doing in town. I thought she was just being friendly. I said "oh, a personal occasion". She said "I need something more detailed than that." I thought, weird, but ok.....maybe she gets a bonus if x% of her guests answer a survey question or something. I said "grabbing a few drinks with friends since I have downtime the rest of the weekend." Would you believe it, when I get my folio via email, which goes to my SO's email as she prints everything out for my expense reports, the hotel put the following as my address:
Mr. Dillman
PERSONAL: Drinking and Seeing Girlfriend
<address>
I was in that town to see a friend, and have always been faithful to my SO, I am LIVID that this was put in my bill, which she has seen.
FYI, big brother is watching
Oct 24, 2006 | 3:28 pm
#19
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Originally Posted by ohmark
Nice folks at the front desk at the Tampa Ren International Plaza, but not real professional or well-trained, at least in my experience. A couple of years ago, as I was checking-in with my wife and filling out the forms, the clerk turned to my wife and said, "And I presume you are Mrs. Ohmark?" (I thought to myself, why is it your business, and what if she wasn't?) My wife meekly answered, "Yes.", and I didn't say anything.
Thanks for all the great advice. I'm going to place a call to customer servicec and CC out a letter.
Oct 24, 2006 | 3:32 pm
#20
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Originally Posted by DillMan
Thanks for all the great advice. I'm going to place a call to customer servicec and CC out a letter.
Oct 24, 2006 | 3:47 pm
#21
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I'm not sure what I would have done at the scene. I would have first thought a burglary was in process and, seeing a hotel security guard in on it, I would have probably just gotten the hell out of there and called the police once I was out of the building. I doubt I would have whipped out my cell phone and called 911 on the spot - unless I was already cornered in the room and the guard was armed.
In any case: that's downright effin' creepy and totally wrong. At this point, I'd definitely be giving Marriott a serious earful.
In any case: that's downright effin' creepy and totally wrong. At this point, I'd definitely be giving Marriott a serious earful.
Oct 24, 2006 | 3:50 pm
#22
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Actually hotel security has improved. Key usage is tracable and all entries are logged and stored. This makes it easy for management to conduct an investigation and see just who and when entered your room. I would imagine that all room entries therefor are written in a report so that they can remember the 'why' when necessary.
That is why many hotels require id when doing a new key and that previous keys are cancelled when they make a new one. They have the capabilities but problems arrise when they dont use them.
Houskeepers at many hotels have to enter a code into the telephone when they start cleaning a room and then another code just before they are leaving the room. This is used for inventory control, productivity management and even for security.
Story 1 seems so over the top that it is hard to believe that any sound manager would even think of this as a posibility. Was top management on duty not notified immediately upon the occurance?
In story 2 it seems very strange that any thing would be tied to you personally as policy of the market research industry is never to tie information to a specific person but to a grouping of guests in this case.
In some countries governments require statistical reporting of some information such as guest nationallity but the reports are never tied to the individual.
That is why many hotels require id when doing a new key and that previous keys are cancelled when they make a new one. They have the capabilities but problems arrise when they dont use them.
Houskeepers at many hotels have to enter a code into the telephone when they start cleaning a room and then another code just before they are leaving the room. This is used for inventory control, productivity management and even for security.
Story 1 seems so over the top that it is hard to believe that any sound manager would even think of this as a posibility. Was top management on duty not notified immediately upon the occurance?
In story 2 it seems very strange that any thing would be tied to you personally as policy of the market research industry is never to tie information to a specific person but to a grouping of guests in this case.
In some countries governments require statistical reporting of some information such as guest nationallity but the reports are never tied to the individual.
Oct 24, 2006 | 5:37 pm
#23
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Originally Posted by DillMan
I've been PLT or PLT Premier for 7 years running. I have over 1200 nights banked, 160+ so far this year. I will be in hotels every single day between now and Dec 24th (including thanksgiving). Most of those will probably end up going to Marriott.
That said, I'm starting to look for other options. Marriott has, in the interest of other guest's comfort and their own "research" compromised my privacy on two occasions.
1.) My SO is a social smoker. I smoke cigars maybe once a month, but never indoors. Because I never knew the plans, I had smoking in my profile. While staying at the REN International Plaza (Tampa FL), I came back to my room around 5pm on a Saturday to find hotel security and a manager **IN MY SUITCASE**. They told me that they were checking on rooms occupied by people who had "smoking" in their profile since the ban was new. I have never smoked a cigarette in a Marriott hotel room. They found a humidor in my bags with a single cigar in it and subjected me to an interrogation about it. The manager said he would "let me off", however, I should "be more careful." I have never felt this invaded in my life.
2.) I checked into the TownePlace Suites in College Station TX this weekend. The front desk clerk asked what I was doing in town. I thought she was just being friendly. I said "oh, a personal occasion". She said "I need something more detailed than that." I thought, weird, but ok.....maybe she gets a bonus if x% of her guests answer a survey question or something. I said "grabbing a few drinks with friends since I have downtime the rest of the weekend." Would you believe it, when I get my folio via email, which goes to my SO's email as she prints everything out for my expense reports, the hotel put the following as my address:
Mr. Dillman
PERSONAL: Drinking and Seeing Girlfriend
<address>
I was in that town to see a friend, and have always been faithful to my SO, I am LIVID that this was put in my bill, which she has seen.
FYI, big brother is watching
That said, I'm starting to look for other options. Marriott has, in the interest of other guest's comfort and their own "research" compromised my privacy on two occasions.
1.) My SO is a social smoker. I smoke cigars maybe once a month, but never indoors. Because I never knew the plans, I had smoking in my profile. While staying at the REN International Plaza (Tampa FL), I came back to my room around 5pm on a Saturday to find hotel security and a manager **IN MY SUITCASE**. They told me that they were checking on rooms occupied by people who had "smoking" in their profile since the ban was new. I have never smoked a cigarette in a Marriott hotel room. They found a humidor in my bags with a single cigar in it and subjected me to an interrogation about it. The manager said he would "let me off", however, I should "be more careful." I have never felt this invaded in my life.
2.) I checked into the TownePlace Suites in College Station TX this weekend. The front desk clerk asked what I was doing in town. I thought she was just being friendly. I said "oh, a personal occasion". She said "I need something more detailed than that." I thought, weird, but ok.....maybe she gets a bonus if x% of her guests answer a survey question or something. I said "grabbing a few drinks with friends since I have downtime the rest of the weekend." Would you believe it, when I get my folio via email, which goes to my SO's email as she prints everything out for my expense reports, the hotel put the following as my address:
Mr. Dillman
PERSONAL: Drinking and Seeing Girlfriend
<address>
I was in that town to see a friend, and have always been faithful to my SO, I am LIVID that this was put in my bill, which she has seen.
FYI, big brother is watching
If it was me, I'd get the name of Marriott's general counsel and write a letter on my firm's letter-head asking whether they prefer to settle with me before or after I file suit.
This is absolutely incredible!
Oct 24, 2006 | 5:50 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2004
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911
Originally Posted by pinniped
I'm not sure what I would have done at the scene. I would have first thought a burglary was in process and, seeing a hotel security guard in on it, I would have probably just gotten the hell out of there and called the police once I was out of the building. I doubt I would have whipped out my cell phone and called 911 on the spot - unless I was already cornered in the room and the guard was armed.
In any case: that's downright effin' creepy and totally wrong. At this point, I'd definitely be giving Marriott a serious earful.
In any case: that's downright effin' creepy and totally wrong. At this point, I'd definitely be giving Marriott a serious earful.
Oct 24, 2006 | 6:48 pm
#25
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Am I the only one who thinks both of these stories smelly fishy (as in they may not have really happened)?
In addition to the fact that both are staggeringly implausible, not to mention within such a short period of time, ask yourself this question: if either or both of these events had happened to you (and you were a plat or PP, as the OP stated), would you simply go to an internet message board to chat about it?
If I'm wrong please forgive my skepticism, but these sound like made-up tales to me.
In addition to the fact that both are staggeringly implausible, not to mention within such a short period of time, ask yourself this question: if either or both of these events had happened to you (and you were a plat or PP, as the OP stated), would you simply go to an internet message board to chat about it?
If I'm wrong please forgive my skepticism, but these sound like made-up tales to me.
Oct 24, 2006 | 7:05 pm
#26
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Originally Posted by DJ_Iceman
Am I the only one who thinks both of these stories smelly fishy (as in they may not have really happened)?
In addition to the fact that both are staggeringly implausible, not to mention within such a short period of time, ask yourself this question: if either or both of these events had happened to you (and you were a plat or PP, as the OP stated), would you simply go to an internet message board to chat about it?
If I'm wrong please forgive my skepticism, but these sound like made-up tales to me.
In addition to the fact that both are staggeringly implausible, not to mention within such a short period of time, ask yourself this question: if either or both of these events had happened to you (and you were a plat or PP, as the OP stated), would you simply go to an internet message board to chat about it?
If I'm wrong please forgive my skepticism, but these sound like made-up tales to me.
Oct 24, 2006 | 7:11 pm
#27
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Originally Posted by DJ_Iceman
Am I the only one who thinks both of these stories smelly fishy (as in they may not have really happened)?
In addition to the fact that both are staggeringly implausible, not to mention within such a short period of time, ask yourself this question: if either or both of these events had happened to you (and you were a plat or PP, as the OP stated), would you simply go to an internet message board to chat about it?
If I'm wrong please forgive my skepticism, but these sound like made-up tales to me.
In addition to the fact that both are staggeringly implausible, not to mention within such a short period of time, ask yourself this question: if either or both of these events had happened to you (and you were a plat or PP, as the OP stated), would you simply go to an internet message board to chat about it?
If I'm wrong please forgive my skepticism, but these sound like made-up tales to me.
It sounded to me that maybe someone is not too happy with Marriott's new smoking policy. But, you never know. But I dont know many hotel managers or security guards that would be willing to rummage through guests things with the risks to their career and all....
Records would exist of both incedents and they are saved for several years. The poster just needs to make the proper contacts and it will be taken care of .
Oct 24, 2006 | 7:27 pm
#28
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A quick perusal of the OP's postings would tend to discount any tendancies towards exageration and/or trolling. Sometimes reality is indeed stranger than fiction.
Hope to see updates on this issue. You also may wish to cc the CEO of CNL Hotels and Resorts, which appears to manage/own the property.
http://www.cnlhotels.com/properties.asp
I sincerely hope Marriott isn't letting franchisees out on too long a leash, given some of the stories I've read lately, along with personal experiences. Reel 'em in
Pat
Hope to see updates on this issue. You also may wish to cc the CEO of CNL Hotels and Resorts, which appears to manage/own the property.
http://www.cnlhotels.com/properties.asp
I sincerely hope Marriott isn't letting franchisees out on too long a leash, given some of the stories I've read lately, along with personal experiences. Reel 'em in
Pat
Oct 24, 2006 | 9:16 pm
#29
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I understand the skepticism, but everything is true. I haven't hallucinated since college.
re: the questions about my conduct at the REN in Tampa. When this happened, the "suit" in my room claimed that the cigar/humidor was smoking material and the maid had seen it and he was obligated to investigate. I buy that, but the item in question was, I would have guessed, at least 90% in my bag and in the worst case just sticking out the top.
I'm not bitter about the smoking rule. I don't smoke, although it doesn't bother me. My now-and-then cigar is outside. Only A**holes smoke cigars inside. On a side note, I am against the smoking laws, so I think a company doing it on its own is hundreds of times better than the government doing it for him.
The reason I didn't pursue it onsite is, well, we were having a good weekend. I don't see my SO very often, so I didn't want to make a stand for my civil liberties instead of having some luvin'. We went out for the afternoon, had dinner, and then moved to the CY that night.
My impression of the "suit" in the room was that he had been told "enforce this" and not given tools or guidelines. He was very aggressive, but didn't seem very sure of himself or his operating parameters.
I'm still deciding what to do with "story" #1
I did call Marriott on story #2. The explanation was that the hotel collects info for marketing, and they aren't sure why the newest front desk staffer published the info in my folio. They comped the room and apologized. I'm still not pleased.
re: the questions about my conduct at the REN in Tampa. When this happened, the "suit" in my room claimed that the cigar/humidor was smoking material and the maid had seen it and he was obligated to investigate. I buy that, but the item in question was, I would have guessed, at least 90% in my bag and in the worst case just sticking out the top.
I'm not bitter about the smoking rule. I don't smoke, although it doesn't bother me. My now-and-then cigar is outside. Only A**holes smoke cigars inside. On a side note, I am against the smoking laws, so I think a company doing it on its own is hundreds of times better than the government doing it for him.
The reason I didn't pursue it onsite is, well, we were having a good weekend. I don't see my SO very often, so I didn't want to make a stand for my civil liberties instead of having some luvin'. We went out for the afternoon, had dinner, and then moved to the CY that night.
My impression of the "suit" in the room was that he had been told "enforce this" and not given tools or guidelines. He was very aggressive, but didn't seem very sure of himself or his operating parameters.
I'm still deciding what to do with "story" #1
I did call Marriott on story #2. The explanation was that the hotel collects info for marketing, and they aren't sure why the newest front desk staffer published the info in my folio. They comped the room and apologized. I'm still not pleased.
Oct 25, 2006 | 2:10 am
#30
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Originally Posted by PTravel
If it was me, I'd get the name of Marriott's general counsel and write a letter on my firm's letter-head asking whether they prefer to settle with me before or after I file suit.
This is absolutely incredible!
This is absolutely incredible!
1 Marriott Drive
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