While I haven't stayed at either hotel, I just checked and both have a Concierge Room rate that includes "Concierge Rate * Deluxe Room, Exclusive Lounge offering evening hors douvers, and continental breakfast, closed Fri/Sat". So it looks like they both advertise that they have a lounge.

The JW is the one with the Shula's Steakhouse. I have stayed at the other Marriott and it definitely has a lounge. But as I stated, I haven't stayed at the JW, so I can only go on what is listed on Marriott's website. Note that I also checked the "Concierge Lounges Open on Weekends" thread and it implies that both hotels have a lounge, though it lists both with lounges being closed on weekends which matches Marriott's website.

I dont know that I agree with you when you say there are so many, there are a few locations which have a brand waiver however they are not easy to come by and would have to had pretty extenuating circumstances

Just for the record both of the hotels noted above DO have Concierge/Club lounges - perhaps the lounge was closed for some reason during your visit

Joining the rant
 

The Renaissance in Boca Raton does it right. Their hours are the standard morning/evening, no weekends, but they leave the lounge accessible 24/7 and the fridge stocked with water and soda. (Although they often don't replenish it until Sunday night unless requested.) If someone chooses to "lounge" or use the computer/printer/fax, it's available any time. I've used the lounge late at night to watch TV when I couldn't sleep and didn't want to awaken my partner, or during the day for a meeting or a quiet space that isn't my room. It's also nice to be able to watch a game or movie during the weekend.

I find it infuriating to be staying on the C fl over the weekend, and walk by the locked lounge. Are they worried about theft? The liquor is kept under lock and key, and I suppose they could remove it if they were really paranoid. Otherwise, there's nothing to steal in the lounges that would be any more valuable than the things one would find in a room.

It's not just the food, although that's a huge perk, it's the ability to be able to use the space for lounging or work to suit our individual needs and schedules. We earn the use of that space by spending our dollars, whether they be corporate, so we have the work or meeting space, or personal, so we can "lounge." Why should Marriott dictate our schedules?

Thanks for the space to rant. I'm really interested to hear what others think about this.

Marriott Hunt Valley, MD does the same thing ^

Oh, and on the "take out" food topic, the Marriott in Towson, MD actually has takeout platters set up next to the plates/silverware in case you want to take the food out with you rather than eat in your room. First time I've seen this, and I like the idea. ^

more on Boca
 

The Boca Renaissance has containers (in a sometimes locked ;-) cabinet; you have to know to ask.

I agree that should be a standard, although it really seems the management at many properties would consider offering this an unwarranted extravagance. And, as mentioned somewhere above, there are those properties whose offerings are yesterday's leftovers, and aren't tempting either in the lounge or back in the room.

By the way, The Boca Renaissance has some good qualities, one being the CL, and another being they comp plats the weekend buffet. Unfortunately, a huge negative is their restaurant, which has been incredibly mismanaged and remains so, regardless of many complaints. So, suffer through the free breakfast, but don't go back for dinner. When I stay there, I often do takeout from the poolside bar and take it back to my room.

One more perk: as a Plat, I've always been able to upgrade to a lanai room, steps away from said bar.

As someone without Gold/Platinum status, we only get CL access when we book a Club Level room. That's fine. But, when we have a business stay booked on the Club Level that continues over a weekend (usually the stay is 10 days), and the rate remains the same throughout the stay, I believe we should receive comp breakfast for Sat/Sun. I'm willing to forego the evening appetizers, etc (although - again - the rate hasn't changed), but breakfast should be given or the rate should be lower for those days.

In your situation, you should break up your stay into 3 parts so that you will get a weekend rate for part of the nights. It is a hassle to do it this way, but it will usually save you money if weekends are cheaper than weekdays. Afterwards, you can have a reservation agent link all 3 reservations together so you can stay in one room for the whole stay.

I think I understand what you are saying but I find it odd.

They don't dictate your schedule but they do dictate the hours they offer certian items. The same can be said for dozens and dozens of other businesses. I pay a gym membership on a monthly basis but they also are closed during times I wish they were open....

I'm not promoting commitment of staff or resources; I'm suggesting the CL be open to those who want to use the room. It's an amenity we've either earned or paid for.

Thanks, VA1379. I'll give that a try next time, if I can (DH's co. has a new travel manager so that might make a difference).

Le Merigot (Santa Monica). A full service non-resort property with no lounge.

Regardless of how it "seems" to you, it's always best to stick to the facts. Both hotels have lounges.

The JW's lounge is a little smaller and a little nicer than the Marriott's lounge. A lot less convention hustle and bustle.