Marriott quality decline?
 

Hey..
I am an ex Marriott Rewards platinum member - gold for the last 3 years. I just wanted to poll some of my fellow travelers about marriott quality. My personal impression over the past couple of years is that it is declining - significantly in some cases. Is this impression shared or was I spoiled to expect too much? It is serious enough that I recently started staying at Intercontinentals..

I have not noticed that at all...in fact I have found the reverse as so many that I stay at have been recently renovated and rooms are very nice and so is service. Now I stay exclusively at Mattiott FS, JW and Renaissance in more of the large cities so not sure if that is the difference. I was just commenting to my brother that when I used to frequent Hiltons (many years ago)...I found such inconsistency in their product. For the most part, none of those issues with Marriott.

Isn't our Standard of Living declining in the U.S. in general?'
Marriott FS and Renaissance properties seem to be doing very well at this time. As for the Concierge Lounge food certainly appears to have been cut back, and should not be considered a replacement for dinner.

Was it ever? :confused:

Some properties will put out a nicer spread than others, and occasionally you could sometimes make a light meal (especially if you are on a high-fat, high-carb diet :p) from the offerings, but those were rare.

To the OP's point:

In the 20+ years I have been an Honored Guest/Marriott Rewards member (just made Lifetime Platinum ^), I have seen a tremendous improvement in the FS properties. The "bedding wars" of about 3 years ago was probably the most recent bump. Individual Marriott properties may decline, but if it gets too bad, you are probably looking at that city's soon-to-be next Sheraton or Wyndham ;).

I think Marriott continues to be just fine. I've had excellent stays recently at a variety of properties - from TPS to CY to FS. Hilton, on the other hand, is bad and seems to be getting worse. Guess it's all relative.

This is actually very helpful. It's just that for so long I got used to absolute perfection - but given your responses, I think I will stick around with MArriott for a little longer - who knows. :) - It actually pained me in a strange way to move to another chain anyway!
Thanks guys.

I agree with one part of the OP - I have "been spoiled".

When I think of my stays, the negative ones jump out with clarity because they are the exception. Overall, I find FS properties (incl JW and Ren) to be excellent. I am also finding the quality of service at places like TPS, RI, SHS, and FI to be improving.

This week I had a rather unattractive front desk incident at a RI - and when I thought it through, I realized it caught me so off guard because it is a rare occurrence.

And although I too , would certainly make another choice if I had to, I find that I would prefer not too.........

Gold one year, Plat this year...

Quality has been good and steady. Some improvments at some of the properties I visit.

I think Marriott has improved over the past few years adding some good FS hotels, Ren EWR, Ren Syracuse to name a few plus they have upgrade the Ren Columbus and Marriott Buffalo. I like the trend.

All in all, I'm satisfied with Marriott. Although there are some noticeable inconsistencies for instance:

I seem to get better service and upgrades at Renaissance vs. JW or Marriott hotels.

Some give breakfast vouchers some don't...the weekend breakfast vouchers is something that should be mandated at all FS properties, even if its just for Platinums. (Sorry Golds)

I would like to see some new Platinum benefits added to the program, as it is right now the only real difference vs. Gold is 5% extra bonus points and the 48hr. guarantee. Considering Marriott has the highest nights required to achieve Platinum status and 25 extra nights needed beyond Gold the two "extras" doesn't justify the spread.

I have a pretty steady mix of stays in FS, CY's, and FI's. I think FS properties have done just enough to maintain over the past few years, with the exception of adding flat screen tv's and HDTV at some properties.. FI"s are on the rise, and CY's continue to fall sharply in quality.

Residence Inn's have free beer. Nothing says quality like free beer. Free beer.

Randy

I like free beer

I would not say standard of living but I would say courtesy and respect are in a sharp decline. It's a trend that needs to stop. I'm so sick of seeing ballcaps and/or flip flops at dinner and shoeless even shirtless men in hotel lobbys.

They are go together
 

Could it be, that some were raised in homes without full service parents, and there fore didn't learn the basis of relating with respect?
Just look at how dancing has gone from facing each other belly to belly in sync in step and rhytm to helter skelter to the point you don't know who is dancing with whom. Not unusal to see a full drink or lite cigarette in hand, as well.
Not much relating or respect. And that is not saying anything about the decline in music, except for the increased volume till it moves you!

:(:confused::(

Based on the history of Marriott TV, I'd say standards continue to improve: