Just FYI:

I stayed at the Trumbull Marriott from 12/408-2/5/09 and I noticed some big changes, too. At first, they were giving me breakfast at the rest. on weekends when the Concierge was closed, then w/o saying anything they started charging me for it. I talked to them and they said they eliminated the breakfast at the rest. on the weekends for the elite. Then, during dessert there was nothing really. They just had a jar with cookies w/the exception of the last night i was there. On that night , they really rocked because they had 4 different types of pies for dessert. Then, for the "light meal" they would have just regular cheese and one type of crackers and one hot hor douv'res. that was it. I was disappointed at that. The breakfast was great at the CL but the dinner and dessert time really sucked. Then, in the rooms, they instructed the maid just to put in the basics. They would put the shoe mitt , mouthwash, etc. only if you asked for it.

That's my story. I just wanted to share it w/u all.

You can find the answers to information on *wood here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...red-guest-429/

25 Stays or 50 nights will get you Platinum

In general, Sheratons are the most likely to have a lounge, though it is not guaranteed. While there are some Westons and Le Meridians with a lounge, there aren't very many of those and all new Westons seem to be without a lounge. Most other Starwood hotels don't have any. Basically, if you are looking for free breakfast, that seems to be Hilton's focus. Even without a lounge free breakfasts are still offered.

I use my reward points for family vacations/trips which I value lounge/breakfast benefits. For biz travel, it's less issue. To make the story short, I had 25 nt stays with Hilton, 0 for Marriott. For next 1 month stay, I'll be staying at Hilton chain again. For the areas I travel, only Marriott and Hilton are my options and I'm give my biz $ to Hilton.

I agree with the sentiment here about domestic CLs. But I must say that the quality and service continues to be good at many international properties. This trip I've been at the JWMarriott BKK, Singapore Marriott, and Ren Manila. At each, the lounge is still open seven days a week, and serves ample breakfast and evening fare, each with complimentary evening cocktails. I'm particularly fond of the JWM BKK, where if you're not satisfied with the omelets-to-order in the lounge, you can instead have the full buffet at the main restaurant.

Another example of a cutback but still making the guest happy

I'm at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest (Arlington Hts); the CL is supposed to be open Mon-Fri a.m.; its not this a.m. as they have closed it Mon a.m. When I called and found this out, they stated but if you come down we will give you b/f coupons which works for me ^ but at Marriott that would be overachieving and the property would be punished

Gee Starwood and Hyatts for me on this trip.. I wonder why

If they do not offer to coupons if the lounge is closed on a day it is supposed to be open, don't you get $100 cash. In this case you had to ask - they did not offer.

I miss read - you are at a Sheraton - not a Marriott - then the $100 cash would not apply.

I fairness to Marriott on this one, cova correctly state that breakfast will be provided M-F at FS hotels. Had your situation been a Saturday or Sunday morning, then I would definitely agree that a Marriott hotel might be "punished" for overachieving by providing free breakfast coupons.

Hi Ira, do we have the update on this now?

My two weeks expired yesterday. However, I need just a little more time. I hope to have something to report very soon.

Ira

Well, you can let them know that I have ZERO nights at Marriott this year so far (last year I had about 25 all in FS expensive properties such as NYC, LAX, etc.). I know, I'm no superplatinum person, but all 25 of my nights have been at Starwood this year (well, 23 actually).

The pendelum will have to swing drastically back in the other direction to change my new plans.

Can it really be that Marriott departments don't talk to each other? How could then have been so...lacking in foresight to understand the effects a huge devaluation in the point system along with a devaluation in elite benefits ALL AT THE SAME TIME would have on the elite members.

I had to laugh at this

why of course

it happens at the company I work for all the time

I would be willing to bet it happens at quite a number of companies large and small

I am a Platinum Premier member (and a lifetime Platinum member) who has already stayed 33 nights this year. The cutbacks in the morning (e.g., cooked oatmeal to packets of instant oatmeal, the removal of the salmon (NYC Marquis), etc.) as well as the evening offerings (e.g., meatless pasta, warmed up frozen mini-quiches, etc.) are seriously threatening my loyalty. I did 200+ night last year (and make a decent income from brain-dead check-in personnel who can't be bothered to recognize me as a Platinum Premier). In this economy, even Denny's is offering extra benefits to its customers. Every salesman and marketeer knows that it is much cheaper to keep your existing customers than to gain new ones. Obviously the Marriott marketing "geniuses" haven't figured this out. Now is the time for Marriott to make its best customers feel very special and, if necessary, cut the services to those that are getting their rooms on HOTEL.COM or PRICELINE at deep, deep discounts. (Perhaps whole floors with reduced amenities for that crowd?)

I'm fed up and I'm not taking it anymore!!

Now, where is that Hilton status match fax number??

What he said
except that Im not sure that Hilton is going to be much better