Exactly. I read this the other night and I just couldn't respond anymore. Not worth it. Might rln be upset with all of us because he/she might own stock in Marriott?:D

I think this is a GREAT idea!!!

I will stay ~170 nights this year. I will stay with MR to keep the megabonus qualifications...but other then MB points, SPG it is!!

Does anyone have a fax #? I really feel it would help if we CLOGGED the fax line on a specific day! What about a saturday/sunday, so when they arrive on Monday the fax is overflowing? :D

No, I don't have stock in Marriott.

I do feel that the feelings of being somehow "cheated," "abused," or "mistreated" on this (and other related threads) are really overblown.

I recall that, some years ago, the concierge breakfast was 'strictly Continental' - no real hot dishes. At the Sea Tac property referenced above, elites were offered the "healthy breakfast" option at the dining room on weekends. This "limitation" to the dining room equivalent of the "continental breakfast" was largely ignored and morphed into complimentary access to the full buffet.

Its a great buffet. Eggs cooked to order - including the fantastic salmon scramble and Pikes Peak, eggs benedict, vanilla malted waffles, terrific bacon and other breakfast meats, oatmeal and so on. Really, one of Marriott's best!

Well, the gravy train is over. Times are tough. Marriott, at least, is cutting to the bone (worker furloughs) as well as the fat (weekend breakfast).

As noted in my last post, both weekday and weekend rates appear to be much lower than last year at this time. My rate last Saturday was $119 compared to the weekday corporate rate of $179 (I had AAA rate; corporate weekend rate was $10 higher.)

I had absolutely no problem in paying for my breakfast Sunday morning. I was greeted by the dining staff I have gotten to know over the years and made to feel quite welcome. And the breakfast was great. In no way was I "ripped off." I felt no sense of "entitlement" to a freebie.

Hey, I realize you guys find it absurd when I refer to "real world" troubles, but dontcha think that those things complained about in these threads concerning level of service (i.e. Wall St. Journal less availaable, no mouthwash, no oatmeal) are kinda small compared to the actual and real pain being visited on so many people these days - including employees.

Yes, employees have shared stories with me from time to time. It usually starts with a simple "how goes it" from me. When a dining room in a large hotel is closed on a Saturday night and the staff supervisor is waiting on a few empty tables (Not Sea Tac) one should not be surprised at the answer.

And the troubling situation is not the result of elites leaving in droves for "greener pastures." I don't believe corporate has made decisions like removing some hot items from lounges in the morning just to generate hate and discontent. It may be, simply, they can't afford what they have, in fact, offered in recent years.

We don't know and, I guess, don't need to know what the cuts would be in lieu of those which pain those posting on this thread so much. But can't you entertain the thought that they might actually cause some real pain instead of the faux pain expressed in these threads?

Perhaps some "protest" will bring back the oatmeal. Good luck with that or good luck at Starwood. Yup. Its a great strategy. Milk Marriott all ya can when they're offering Megarewards. Then go milk Starwood.

Marriott, apparently, is watching these threads. Sorry, I'm not prepared to march in lockstep with ya'll . Perhaps some of the things you crave for so much will come back. I still believe that its a tempest in a teapot.

Ditto here !!!
I have had 0 MR nights this year and 32 SPG nights so far. I earned Platinum the hard way and then had a status match with SPG last november (after Marriott came out with the wonderful Enhancements to the MR program). I really don't care much abt the Megabonus anymore. Starwood is offering huge bonuses (I get almost 2300 Points a night for a rate of 119$/Night due to all the Bonuses added up) and there are a tonne of nice hotels at SPG that start at 2000 to 3000 points per night. So in essence, I am getting 1 night free for every 1 night I stay. Now you can add all your Megabonus at Marriott and see where it gets you. Plus, I use my Reward stays on Weekends and that is where Marriott is screwing us with the Amenities cuts. I will not stay at Marriotts unless they come to their senses and understand that in tough times, they need to come up with more incentives to attract the scarce travelling population. The number of rooms is not changing and will be almost constant, but the number of travellers has come down drastically. Thus, everybody has more options and obviously I want my Dollar to reach the farthest. I will be more than glad to send my folios from my last 8 stays to whoever is interested and to prove my point that, somebody else did get my business from last november, since their changes came into effect.

hey rln why don't you go book a banquet at a FS Marriott property so you can do something that will actually keep those employees working

didn't I read in yesterday's (or was it Thurs) paper (LA Times or USA) that a Marriott spokesperson stated that 40% of a FS Property's revenue was from banquets, conventions and/or meetings

ya see.. if you set up a FT meeting (and foot the bill of course) you can do your part to actually do something to keep these guys working

I for one.. well its a starwood week next week.. i'm pretty much giving up on the mega bonus; its not worth the effort at this point.. i cx'd my MR rez for next week.

I AM a stockholder and i still think it's crap!

Sure sometimes it's a sense of entitlement....but i PAID FOR every one of my nights not my company...ME! Thus...yes, I DO expect to be better treated, and to "get something" better than the person next to me who is a marriott nobody who got the same room for 45 bucks on Priceline.....otherwise, marriott isn't doing anything for ME---that it isnt doing for them!

a room is a room is a room...(unless it's a suite ,but 99% of the time they a) only have 1 bed andor b) aren't given to me,) so yes, throw me a bone...if *wood and Hyatt and Hilton can figure out how...why can't marriott!

Oh wait..that is called over achieving...:eek::mad:

One Marriott Drive
Washington DC, 20058

attn: JW Marriott, Jr (:rolleyes:)

i agree......

no and to quote the "spirit to serve" book which i basically have memorized...according to JW, Sr...Oatmeal is NOT negotialable...

(it's on the Karl Kilburg page....go ahead everyone in a FS..open the drawer, take it out, read it.....)

Oatmeal is cheaper than dirt,especially from Sysco or US Food...and it's good for you!!:)

Honestly, I care less about the availability of a hot meal in the CL and more about it simply being available.

A clean, well-looked-after lounge with the basic continental spread is perfectly fine by me. In the evening, same thing: if they can reduce costs by doing away with the cooking/heating equipment, that's fine. I might nibble on chicken wings if they're there, but I'd rather give that up than cut back on the entire lounge.

I too have been gravitating to more Hiltons in the past 2-3 months. I still find the occasional weekend lounge and when I don't, I don't have to argue or grovel for a continental breakfast certificate for the restaurant. I'm a Plat who did most of my 2008 nights at Renaissance Chancery Court. But now with my leisure (weekend) stays going to HH, I realize I have a better shot at Diamond than a Plat requal - so my business stays will soon follow.

There are still some really good Marriott managers out there that understand this and are willing to provide something to Golds/Plats when their lounge is closed. But it's a very sad state of affairs if corporate is pressuring them to not treat people well in order to save costs.

I repeat....

perhaps we should get a billboard someplace off I270 on the way to Bethesda and point that out in BIG GIANT LETTERS so the suits can read it???:D

To me, they are equaly important. A concierge lounge where breakfast consists of fixings a step down from Fairfield, and desert consists of a few cookies which are quickly taken and not refilled, is mostly worthless to me.

There is something I don't really understand. Why is Marriott Corporate forcing a race to the bottom of service. If a property can offer a better standard then why not allow it? I can understand requiring a minimum standard among properties that customers can expect, but requiring a MAXIMUM standard seems absurd to me. Can someone explain the logic to me?

Hmmm...there isn't any logic.

So...it boils down to money.

cut cut cut until you get massive complaints and/or mass exodus and THEN figure out why!?!?

some people are fine with a frozen sara lee danish, some think it's nice to have SOMETHING hot....i agre with ohmark- what's special about a CL in a FS when all they give you is breakfast from a FFI????? [and, BTW-FFIs HAVE a breakky sandwich!! - so you have to nuke it, at least it is THERE!!]

if i want a the aforementioned stuff, i will save the money and stay at a FFI...basically you get the same thing..a ROOM and some FOOD. (i have been in a couple FFis where they order pizzas and wings a couple nights a week and have beer and wine ... for free-oh wait, bet that stops..it's over achieving!)

in a FS hotel with cutbacks, where you SHOULD get SOMETHING for status, you get....Hmmm...a ROOM and SOME food, SOMETIMES! oh yeah, and internet for 10-15 bucks. In FFs, RIs, TPs [some, as they renew] and SHSs you get FED every day and internet is free.....Sooooo....

Maybe we should boycott FS AND CY!!!:confused::rolleyes::D

I'm lifetime platinum and platinum premier and except for two nights in Spokane - I've paid for all my nights. Two points:

(1) I think most folks are forgetting the main focus of the "rewards" program. I assume your experience is the same as mine. I recently received an update from Marriott in the mail. The number of revenue points I received was dwarfed by points received from platinum bonuses and other promotions. This is the central focus of the program. I recognize that some complain about redeption rate increases - this must be a function, though, of point inflation. Golds and platinums - those complaining about concierge lounge issues - are, I'm sure, still making enough free points to score decent stays.

(2) As far as the lounges go - I consider this far less significant than the points. As I've noted before, offerings at the lounges have - as a matter of fact - changed over time. They may do so again. In the meantime, it is a matter of money. You say that I haven't faced up to the main issue: why other chains offer elites better vitals than Marriott in their lounges.

Look, none of us have access to the corporate books of any of these companies. I only note, again, that Marriott in addressing the current economic 'meltdown' has cut at the bone (employee hours) as well as the fat (bacon and sausagel).

Perhaps you don't care to know what Starwood and Hilton have done as long as you get free breakfast on weekends. Maybe they've cut workers hours more than Marriott. Don't suspect that you'd really want to know that. Any more than Marie Antoinette cared to know the condition of the peasantry.

Y'all just naturally assume that, with many more "obvious" places to cut (only the 'bureaucracy' has been named - and I'll bet there have been cuts there, as well) all those "extras" we have become attached to should be continued.
Without access to the books, I don't see how you can argue this.

Loyalty goes both ways. In the main, Marriott has been loyal to its members. Now that the program has been "tweaked" in ways some perceive as to their detriment, its a rush by some to get status matches. Fine. Among all the problems in the world,grumbling about getting a smaller bottle of free water and losing out on free mouthwash just seems so insignificant.

as much as your comments are easy to rip.. this is your best yet

who gives a crap about all the problems in the world on a travel board.. i'm not here to discuss the worlds issues.. i'm here to discuss Marriott and them pushing me away

if i wanted to chat about the world.. i'll go to omni

the water.. its about the lounge primarily.. its about MR deceiving people by selling upgrades to the CL level while its closed.. its about stripping the lounges down to the bare bones when it is open

now go back to being a Marriott yes man :rolleyes:

Agree Agree

I have been a Gold and Platinum member since 1992 and this is really getting me down. I am one of those idiots that am loyal to the bone, and have been getting cabs to friends hotels lately who do get breakfast on weekends!

But Mr Marriott.... not any more!

Why should I pay the same rate (almost!), but not get any recognition for my Gold Card... most of my stays are at weekends, and this was the benefit I treasured most!

JUST FOR INFO EVERYONE..... MOST HILTON LOUNGES ARE OPEN AT WEEKENDS!

(No I dont work at Hilton!)

Here at the c-lounge on Monday morning, at the downtown Indy Marriott. Scrambled eggs, oatmeal, sausage links, pastries, bagels and breads, variety of juices, fresh fruit, waffle maker and mix, etc.

Last night (Sunday), the lounge presentation included miniature pizzas, cheese and cracker platter, vegetable and dip platter, fresh fruit platter, and mixed nuts. Fully stocked cooler included full size water bottles and soft drinks, and the usual honor bar. Desert consisted of fruit cheesecake and freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies.

Also comped internet for rooms on the concierge level.

I don't apologize for bringing "cause" (as in "cause and effect" ) into play in this discussion. Even Marriott's strongest critics aren't arguing (at least I don't think) that Marriott is implementing changes simply to make their 'best customers' upset.

A couple more thoughts: If free weekend breakfast is what matters to you most, then, by all means, take your business elsewhere. (I had great bisquits and gravy at a Gulfport Ms Fairfield recently.) Still, many non elites stay at full service Marriotts on weekends so there must be something else going into the booking psychology - these properties must have other things (i.e. location, better pool areas, etc) going for them besides "breakfast." These non-elites could be booking at Fairfields, after all.

There are very good weekend bargains going on all over the full service Marriott universe. Once again, cause and effect. Now, I'm fairly certain that if Marriott did not distinguish between weekday and weekend rates - assuming that they could get a high enough occupancy rate - you'd still have your lounge open on weekends. Fair trade? I didn't think so. What is so wrong about simply applying the significant savings you get on weekends to breakfasts and - if you want - appetizers at the bar?

I believe that, without giving any attention to why these purported "downgrades" are happening and without giving any attention to the possible consequences of restoring all "benefits" until the business climate improves, complaints about losing this and that in terms of lounge benefits seem unjustified. In the past, lounge offerings have not been "static." When and if business conditions allow, prior benefits may well return.

Rln writes
"I don't apologize for bringing "cause" (as in "cause and effect" ) into play in this discussion. Even Marriott's strongest critics aren't arguing (at least I don't think) that Marriott is implementing changes simply to make their 'best customers' upset."
>>No-but you keep bringing this up as if there are these types of charges being made. :rolleyes:
Actually someone on this baord did suggest this was an evil plot to take over the hospitality world-but that was a very loyal Marriott supporter,and his suggestions were pretty much shot down.
"A couple more thoughts: If free weekend breakfast is what matters to you most, then, by all means, take your business elsewhere. (I had great bisquits and gravy at a Gulfport Ms Fairfield recently.) Still, many non elites stay at full service Marriotts on weekends so there must be something else going into the booking psychology - these properties must have other things (i.e. location, better pool areas, etc) going for them besides "breakfast." These non-elites could be booking at Fairfields, after all"

>>What is your evidence for this?I am guessing that the majority of weekend business at full service properties is there for reunioins,weddings,special events etc...yes-there may be Marriott elites there for these occassions but they are in the minority.My evidence is Marriotts offering of B1G1 for elites-available only at full service and only on weekends and only to elites.

"There are very good weekend bargains going on all over the full service Marriott universe. Once again, cause and effect. Now, I'm fairly certain that if Marriott did not distinguish between weekday and weekend rates - assuming that they could get a high enough occupancy rate - you'd still have your lounge open on weekends. Fair trade? I didn't think so. What is so wrong about simply applying the significant savings you get on weekends to breakfasts and - if you want - appetizers at the bar?"
>>Somehow other chains are not following suit-and surrviving.

"I believe that, without giving any attention to why these purported "downgrades" are happening and without giving any attention to the possible consequences of restoring all "benefits" until the business climate improves, complaints about losing this and that in terms of lounge benefits seem unjustified. In the past, lounge offerings have not been "static." When and if business conditions allow, prior benefits may well return"
>>I believe you are,once again,mistaken in your beliefs.

I also believe someone is having some fun with us with this circular logic game.
RLN is now on my ignore list :rolleyes:

Ironically, in your zeal to promote loyalty to Marriott (as if it were one's native land), you ignore the effect of its decision to downgrade the lounges. A very possible consequence of this decision, and the probable reason why neither Starwood nor Hilton has embarked on such a course, is the loss of business, both temporary and permanent. The bottom line is the bottom line, and the impact of a loss of business versus the savings in expenses cannot be hidden by all of your rhetoric.

I am guessing that the layer of Marriott management which made the decision has miscalculated its impact on the hotel choices made by its most frequent customers and the reactions of its competitors (to keep lounge operations unchanged and welcome disgruntled Marriott customers). If Marriott's decision results in a substantial decrease in business that overshadows the savings from lowered and discontinued lounge services, then the results will either be to reverse the decision or make further reductions including the possibility of layoffs.

As to the sometimes lower prices on weekends, this has always been the case and as far as I can see does not reflect any closing of lounges. Further, while non-elite customers who would not have access to the lounge anyway, may benefit from the lower prices, elite customers are simply trading a benefit away.

As for me here today in downtown Indianapolis, I'm perfectly happy with the lounge, and the offerings are fine and largely unchanged. The Marriott staff is friendly and professional. Rooms on the concierge level include comped internet. This is Marriott as it should be. As to other folks in different circumstances, other decisions will be made, and some of those decisions certainly will reflect the benefits that continued to be offered by Starwood and Hilton, which Marriott has decided to downgrade or withdraw.

If you are happy with Marriott then continue staying there. I don't see a reason to trivialize the assessments of others who weigh things differently. As you note none of us has access to Marriott's books so I don't know how anyone knows if Marriott has cut expenses to the bone in the right areas nor whether any employee jobs would be saved if I stayed more nights per year at a Marriott.
The Marriott CL problem is not new. More than two years ago staff at the New Orleans JW M told me that "corporate" had told them to close their lounge on weekends. The JW in DC stopped weekend service a long time ago. Some lounges have always had poor food, overpriced bar items, and indifferent service. Others have been quite the opposite. Presumably recent closings and downgrades have been exacerbated by Marriott's response to economic conditions. That does not mean that Marriott's decisions in these matters are the right decision nor the only choice.
The lounge has been a service that is important to me and if Marriott chooses not to provide it then I'll go elsewhere. I've spent tens of thousands of dollars with Marriott. I long ago passed 1000 nights, almost all at FS hotels and most at JW Marriotts so Marriott has done well by me. I put up with craziness such as charges for Internet service at FS properties and free service at cheaper properties for a long time until I decided to get my own wireless service and stop the nonsensical charges.
I don't mind a reasonable charge for amenities such as lounge access to be built into the room rate, but I'm not paying last week's asking price of $509 dollars a night (down to $479 per night today, I see) at the DC JW Marriott in a couple weeks for lousy lounge food, no mouthwash and no WSJ. If Marriott wants to keep my revenue they can find a way to bring back a touch of excellence.
Marriott has a corporate communications department that has failed badly in keeping its best customers informed on what is happening and why. I haven't heard a thing about lounge downgrades from Marriott except to see them in action. Nor do they bother to post updated information about lounges on the hotel websites.
As I said in an earlier post, Marriott has long sent a contradictory message about lounge access--it is sold as a very valuable benefit but if it isn't available it is no big deal from Marriott's standpoint.
Marriott could turn this all around and bring back lots of us high-revenue guests by fixing these problems and ensuring gold and platinum members that they will be taken care of in the long run. It isn't good business to bite the hand that feeds you. I'm still waiting for Marriott's communication about this.

Sadly, this used to be the minimum standard I would see not too long ago, maybe 6 months, max. And others would routinely exceed this depending on location (Sushi in Seattle) and the quality of the restaurant on-site.

Indy must have not gotten the memo. Good for them. Bad for you by bringing this up to the lurking suits:D. Here's another's "spirit to serve" that you can crush.

This isn't the United Nations forum so "all the problems in the world" means crap. :rolleyes:

And if you think this is about mouthwash and water... I suggest you read this thread from post #1

I've seen very little evidence that Marriott is reducing rates (weekend or otherwise) in response to the slumping economy.

For example, I spent the past week at 2 different Marriott properties. Occupancy was very low at both properties, but rates were consistent with the highest prices in previous years: about $400/night at a top f/s property and about $170/night for a studio at an airport Residence Inn.

HereAndThere that is a very well put statement of facts.And as a high revenue guest I urge you to forward such a statement to Mr.Marriotts office.
Hopefully someone will read it and get back to you.

They do. On Priceline, though.

Marriott is trying to cost-cut while keeping published rates high and dumping excess inventory thru the likes of Priceline. The result is that the gap between Marriott-branded properties' rates listed on Marriott websites and what rooms come up for through "opaque" booking engines is the largest I've ever seen the gap when it comes to Marriott-branded properties.

The thinking is supposedly that it's more profitable to shut down whole floors and/or keep published rates high than to lower rates and go for property-wide increased occupancy at lower rates. With regard to this strategy, my thinking has been that such a strategy will fail miserably for most hotel owners (of newer properties) in an economic environment such as this. Time will tell.

Certainly, as mentioned in the above post. Newer hotel properties and more recently renovated properties are going to have to dump low-priced inventory on Priceline if sticking to the strategy of keeping published rates high -- such properties have high capital costs (including interest payments) to recover in a way that is less of an issue for older properties.

yes...SHHHHHHH......don't tell the suits!


Oh..and to rln's point about non-elites...WHO CARES!!! non elites aren't going to the lounge unless they PAY for it....and they probably don't know any better with regards to cutbacks...why???? because they PROBABLY don't spend as much time in these hotels as we do!

Priceline??? i hate it....especially when the marriott nobody next to me who got the room for 50 bucks gets a BETTER room than me!

Now...since the B1G1s start, then i will go back to FS until they expire, if i can get a decent TFB rate, since goodness knows i won't get squat...except in Indy....

now where is that ignore thing??

OOPS...bad internet stuff happened! sorry

Actually, the CY I stay at frequently has dropped their room rates by ~$40, in the past month.

Marriott wont even read his letter in his current writing format; tell him using paragraphs really helps the ease of reading and makes it easier to understand what one is trying to convey

Exactly meg; non elites in general (toss in most silvers as well) and I think that you hit the nail square on the head. they don't get lounge access anyway; if they pay for it and its not open.. well I'd love to be standing at the front desk when they discovered that LOL..

Priceline.. we are on the same page there but then again I haven't used it since 2002 when I got burned by them (the issue on resort fees etc) and although I say never say never.. I don't see my self going back to PL

I'm not even using my BOGO's.. the caveat being it turns out to be a deal I can't refuse for a trip I have to take.. right now there are none of either

Above, I posted that the downtown Indy Marriott provided comped internet in rooms on the concierge level. Upon checkin I was told by two clerks at the front desk that I should just login, click to agree to pay the $12.95 daily fee, and it would be taken off my bill. Before I clicked agreeing to the fee, I called the front desk to make sure about being comped, and was again told it would be taken off my bill becaus I'm on the concierge level. Sure enough, the $12.95 fee per day was on my bill this morning. Called down to the front desk and asked why it was on my bill in view of what I was told at checkin. This clerk said that the internet was only free if you paid the upgrade fee of $30 to be upgraded to concierge level, but not if you were upgraded as an elite. She agreed to take the fee off my bill because I was told to the contrary.

So, assuming that the last clerk was accurate, this property has two different classes of concierge level guests with different benefits; those who paid the fee, and those who are upgraded elites.

GREAT...SO....get this....say the lounge is closed....and you pay the upcharge...a person could spend 30 bucks to get 12.95 worth of free stuff!:rolleyes: (just an example, but we all know that this COULD happen!)

Out of curiousity, I visited the Starwood site. Gosh, I expected to find nothing but tales of platinums being regaled, pampered, and catered to.

But a guy named "Plumber" started a thread yesterday. While on an eight day business trip to San Antonio, Houston, Carlsbad, Denver, an San Francisco, he stayed at five properties - Westins and Sheratons. He reported that he hadn't received a single upgrade. Only two of the properties had concierge lounges or clubs. The three which did not offered platinums nothing in return.

Was this some Marriott "chimp" pulling a fast one. Don't think so. Most of those responding reported similar experiences. Seems, for example, that Starwood's upgrade policy is very similar to Marriott's.

None of the individuals commenting on the situation expressed the level of outrage seen on this thread, not even close. As one person put it: "the higher one's expectations, the lower one's satisfaction."

Under the circumstances, I have no reason to believe that Marriott isn't attempting to do its best to the greatest number of people. Maybe they are utilitarians?

Starwood's policy:

4C.5. In addition to all the benefits of Gold Preferred Guest Membership, Platinum Preferred Guests also receive the following benefits:

a. Upgrades to the best room at Participating Properties at time of check-in, based upon room availability for your entire stay, including Select Standard Suites

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...g_terms.html#7

Marriott's policy:

When you check in, we’ll upgrade you to our best-available guest room at no additional charge. Not available for suites


http://www.marriott.com/rewards/memb...ts/platinum.mi

The BIG difference is Starwood includes "SUITES" as the norm for Platinum upgrades, Marriott does not.

Speaking of which, I received a junior suite when I checked in yesterday at The Sheraton Centre Toronto ^

Point Counter point
 

I had a 3 nighter this week at a FS Marriott and then changed my mind and cancelled the Marriott rez. I did three stays at three SPG properties (Sheraton 2, westin 1); nights/rooms 3; upgrades 3; suites 3

next week; I have another Marriott booked for the week but i also have two SPG and two Hyatts booked as well.. I will be cancelling the Marriott tonight

Prices for all of the above.. within $5 of each other, matter of fact the Marriott next week is $2 per night more to get less.

Please read what Plumber says. In the main, he was very respectful and allowed how the properties - though he didn't get upgrades and more often than not received no lounge access or breakfast coupons - were still 'nice.' He didn't rant. What was more illuminating to me were the number of folks who responded. Nobody claimed that his experience was out of the norm and nobody jumped forward to "trash" Starwood. Like you folks often remind me: stick to the thread - its deals with the lounge issue. At three out of five properties - all full service properties - Plumber got nada, zip, nothing: no lounge access (cause there wasn't one) and no free breakfast (or, presumably, a "free lunch.") Gosh, how many folks here would put up with this? Full service hotel with no lounge and no free breakfast. Wow - you'd be treated like, like, regular customers. How could we stand the utter indignity? I think we should send some of our stouter souls over to the Starwood site to lead the charge to bring justice to their plats. I could nominate a few such souls.

A helpful reminder to you: This thread is about concierge lounge DOWNGRADES. Since you've searched the Starwood board, you must have noticed there is no comparable thread there to this one and others on the Marriott board. Neither is there on the Hilton board. The reason for this is that of the big 3, only Marriott has decided to use the current economy as a basis to downgrade its lounges. Indeed when one poster on the Starwood board posted that he was told at a property that Starwood had instructed properties to eliminate breakfast coupons (in lieu of lounge access), the Starwood Lurker posted that this was absolutely false.

Nobody here is saying that everything about Starwood is better than everything at Marriott. Indeed, I'm guessing that most of the folks here prefer Marriott overall for various reasons. What virtually everybody except, of course, you, is saying is that it is wrongheaded to use the poor economy as a basis to downgrade benefits because the damage to the brand may be substantial both in the long term and short term. Some folks who leave won't be coming back. The issue is whether the short term savings of expenses will outweigh the short and long term loss of revenue. Starwood and Hilton reached one decision and Marriott another. The fact that the competition is not diluting benefits exacerbates Marriott's problem because it's an open invitation to any disgruntled Marriott customers. I'm guessing that some Marriott properties agree with this because the fs Marriott I just stayed at had an excellent concierge lounge with no visible downgrades.