This depresses me (probably more than it should). I had decided to shift my SPG business to Marriott this year and not worry about trying to reach Platinum in both programs. My earlier decision was based on how much I had been valuing the lounge much more than the suite upgrades I generally get at Starwood. These cutbacks have had me change my bookings. I am currently in my second business trip for the year, with another next week. All with Starwood. If the lounges are so downgraded and I don't even get a WSJ, I am trying to figure out what in-hotel benefits exist for PLAT. Heck, even the check cashing is going on April 1.

I have got to give it to the airlines: last year when they made significant cuts and fee increases they did a good job of shielding their elites. Looks like Marriott is going the other way.

We should all be afraid, very afraid. I just spent 2 weeks at a FS in KC and what was once a decently robust CL is now a joke.

Very minimal offerings morning and PM, anything "prepackaged" that you could once takeout is gone. Like chips, breakfast bars, granola bars, cereals, yogurts, milk, bananas, etc. Only the barest minimum put out at a time, the poor staff has to constantly scramble to replenish stuff after each few guests. Seem to be buying butter, cream cheese, etc in bulk and putting out in communal dishes. Cheese and meats - no more.

Just Cookie dust at 8pm. No WSJ. No mouthwash. Final insult is now tiny 8oz bottles of water instead of the usual pints.

So at what point is this benefit useless and I head to more, complete and comfortable service, free internet and cheaper accommodations like a RI or Homewood Suites?

That was your biggest mistake. This is done the other way only - from Marriott to Starwood. :D :D

Quite frankly Marriott program is not even remotely competitive with Starwood's at least when it comes to Platinum benefits.

The lounges at Marriotts and Hiltons are a joke nowadays with most if not all of them not offering hot breakfast in the morning (you might as well sacrifice that room upgrade and stay at a Courtyard or Homewood Suites and get a decent breakfast), I don't think the grass is green on any side with most of the hotel chains on a race to the bottom (quite similar to the airlines with their FFP).

Calling ahead on lounge closings, so starting to cancel my FS Marriott bookings
 

I am making it a habit of calling the hotel direct a few weeks before my scheduled arrival at FS Marriott to determine the Concierge Lounge downgrades. Two upcoming:

San Francisco Marriott - used to be open on weekends, now closed. Although the Desk clerk thinks it still may be open for breaksfast. No coupons, maybe only for Platinum.

Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown - closed on the weekend and no longer offering breakfast coupons. Only providing a coupon for a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

When you call and asked to be transferred to the front desk, the operator tries to help until they realize they can not answer your questions. Even the front desk staff is uncertain in some cases.

I am coming to the conclusion that there is little benefit remaining loyal to Marriott. There is no benefit for Plat/Gold at Courtyards or Fairfield Inns.

So what is the point - stay at a hotel that is most convenient and has best rate. I know of many that have switched to going with priceline and hotels.com - to get the best rates at desired number of stars for hotels.

I have booked the Renaissance Montura for the M-F portion of my two week trip to the southbay; however I'm out of there F/S@/Su nights and heading over to the Gateway Sheraton; I will not only check in and tell the FDC what I'm doing, I will have a copy of my reservation in a manila envelope with a note stating exactly why I am doing this and to have the FDC give it to the GM.

Please post GM's respond.

I always stayed at Renaissance but I may have to change weekend stays.

You might consider mailing it into HQ as well. I think that only if GMs and HQ start getting proof of people taking their biz elsewhere will they pay attention & rethink their decision, or look for other places to cutback.

Cheers.

it ranks right up there with selling CL rooms to general public

heres is what these scumbags will do

they will sell CL floor rooms at an inflated rate on the weekends to unsuspecting customers

I am tired of how Marriott is taking MR members for granted. Here is a call to action---

Anyone interested in sitting face2face with Mr Marriott, and or joining a group to fight for our Rights as MR members?

Email [email protected]

In your email---Please rate new MR09 from 0-10, please rate MR08 also, and share the number of nites spent in 08 with Marriott and your current level.



Include your expected change in stay-behavior based on actions taken by MR management. Thx----

I've actually spent 2 long weekends at SPG properties where there was a "special" CL rate for the non stocked lounge. At least the room was left open or card key available so a few families and kids had a separate place to hang out in between their hockey games. And the rate was no worse then our negotiated group rate, so I give SPG credit.

Every FS Marriott I've been to over the weekend locks up the CL like Fort Knox.

I'm certain that many of the gloomsayers posting here would never consider the Stanford Court in San Francisco. Gee, it doesn't have a C-Lounge. But it does offer the following for all elite members: a complimentary in room movie; 20% discount on appetizers; on weekdays, an all american breakfast for two or $15 credit per person towards ala carte breakfast items. On weekends, this perk is extended to golds and platinums. For those of you who might have traveled to Renaissance's around the country, you might have seen featured on their menus the Signature item at the Stanford Court: Lemon Souffle Pancakes with raspberry sauce and pine nuts. Believe me, its better than anything you've had in a C-Lounge. So here's a great example of a property succeeding pretty well without a C-Lounge. Still, according to staff I spoke with this weekend, this property is feeling the impact of the economic downturn and are cutting where they can. After years of offering jams and jellies in the little glass jars, they've switched to small foil containers - and some patrons have noticed. For those of you for whom it seems to matter, your status is, indeed, recognized at this property. The way they handle it may, in fact, be more practical all the way around than the C-Lounge. Imagine, it may be more cost effective to give a person $15 credit toward breakfast than let that person loose in the C-Lounge. Maybe, in this economic climate, a property can't - and shouldn't - expend that much on a patron - even an elite. So this is a property where they are cutting back where they can, offering perks, and where employees are being adversely impacted. And I still don't think its all apples and oranges. We are loyal in great part to Marriott because of the service and kindnesses given by employees. How can we moan about perceived slights from Corporate where properties and their employees are struggling. Marriott Rewards is a Loyalty program. Sometimes, out of loyalty, you stand by your friends in rough times. I have been with Continental a long time. I remember in the 1990's going through two bankruptcies, lots of kudo bars, and admonishments from my travel agent (remember them) that it was a terrible airline. I stuck with Continental and I now believe its the equal of or better than any domestic carrier. Cut and running from Marriott for perceived slights seems just a little drastic and maybe lacking in perspective. Times are tough. I'm lifetime platinum and could start up with any other program without 'penalty' from Marriott. I prefer to stick with my friends. And I will not think less of my friends because I don't get a Wall Street Journal anymore or I can't count on multiple hot dishes in the lounge in the evenings. Perhaps things will change when the economic climate improves. In any event, trying to hit a favorite property in the pocketbook when business is already down just doesn't strike me in these times as a thoughtful or productive strategy. (And I do recommend the Stanford Court!!!)

when you say stanford offers those perks to all elite members, do you really mean all levels of elite?

OMG, Mr. rln, take a breath please:cool:!

What a great property and a proactive way to give benefits. I'd much rather have a restaurant credit than what's being offered / passed for CL benefits today.

Problem is that this ONE property among thousands. Marriott used to pride itself on uniformity and SOP's in many regards. Now it is a guessing game.

Yes, I know many have taken to calling in advance to ask questions of the staff and playing Russian roulette with answers but lets face it, who needs more "to-do" in advance or during a business trip.

Just give me some basic consistency and if you want to exceed it, even better.