I am sure this will start an overall CL rant - but -

I just left one of the largest CL's in the chain. It had 3 attendants that I saw, all who were busily working the entire time I was there. I STILL had a hard time getting a table, because (IMHO inconsiderate) previous guests had gotten up and left every used dish, napkin, silverware, and used newspaper in place for these employees to clean up. Come on - is it that hard to pick up your cup & plate and place it on a cart as you leave?

I read continual complaints about CL's in this forum, and I am sure some of them are warranted - but I think we need to look at ourselves, too. I don't think there are many of us who get up from the table at home and do not at least carry the dishes to the sink! It is not necessary to clean the table or scrub the floor - but a little courtesy for those coming in behind you would certainly be nice.

This CL had a nice food spread, attractively arranged & appropriately serviced - what was unappealing was the debris left by the guests!

Could not agree more.

I make it a habit, provided there is a cart or tray on which to leave used items.

Once in a blue moon there isn't, or the repository is so loaded with stuff it's a challenge to add anything on top of what's already there for fear of a total "house of cards" collapse.

(And what's the big deal about replacing reading matter from whence it came?)

Not much else to say.

Always!

And I wipe off the table if its needed.

I always clean up after myself. Even if it means I pass it off to the CL attendant halfway.

I always do without even thinking.

I also notice that often times that the pig that leaves his crap all over the table also screamed into his cellphone the entire time

1.) Always bus my own table, (unless there is no place to put it).

2.) Often leave a tip for the CL Staff.

3.) NEVER eat at the serving line with my hands sans plate.

In some CLs there can be the problem of where to put the dishes as they don't provide any place and the only option is to leave them on the table.

On a somewhat humorous side, I did once try to clean up my CL table while at the Wuhan Ren. By the look on the attendant's face, when I asked where I could put the dishes, I thought I had kicked her. The point being that the attendants there, were literally horrified that I would even think of trying to clean up after myself. For quite a few days after that event, at least one attendant always watched me every morning to make sure I didn't try that again.

Also, you might want to check out the Lounge Newbie thread as that one has quite a few posts concerning busing one's own CL table as well.

I'm having a brain fart...what's a CL?

Concierge Lounge.

I always do unless there is not an obvious garbage receptacle.

Occasionally, however, I've been intercepted by the employees as I walk with the plates/trash to the pail, and they are courteous enough to take it from me.

I have also been told several times that it's ok to leave it..."we'll get it"...usually only if the CL is empty or its the late night dessert feeding

I generally bus my own table in the CL. The only exception is when the CL attendant politely asks if they can clear my table for me after I am done eating. In less crowded lounges, it is common for them to do so.

--Jon

I do bus my table in CL's. I think the problem is the fact that it is not always set up in a way to enourage people to do that or even inform them that it would be nice if they did.

Example: at a FS Marriott in Cincinnati I was running around with a dirty plate in my hands for a while (I must have looked retarded) until I found a hidden brown tray. (It wasn't literally hidden, but it was out of sight - next to and sort of behind the desk where the attendant was, very close to the door. As you looked either the desk or the door caught your eye leaving the brown tray in the background.) There were no other plates on the tray and there was no sign of any kind indicating its purpose. I almost put the plate back on the table until I thought that the brown tray must be it. Especially with the morning rush, I couldn't help thinking that if the tray had been more visible or if some sort of small and polite sign were somehow posted then I'm sure more people would bus their tables.

Yes. (plus these extra words to get by the 5 character minimum post requirements)

I almost always do. It seems like the appropriate thing to do, especially in the U.S. where the staff is not as doting in general (and I don't mean that as an insult).

It seems, from my typical experience in lounges, that I am part of a small minority. Although from this thread, it seems like I am part of the majority. I suppose posters here are not representative of all Marriott (even CL) customers!

yes
especially in the small busy lounges during breakfast when everyone is scrambling to sit