So my thoughts....we have a thread on CL openings..why not one on cutbacks? We could include the CHEAP managers who have decided to cutback FURTHER then what was "the standard"! I would be willing to update the thread for all!!!


Case in point-2 properties this week!

1-Ren Cleveland. Stated hours for CL have changed to be decreased by 1 hour for breakfast and 30 min for dinner snacks. Also, pastries were left-over dried up cookies!

2-Courtyard CVG Airport-This one is a dooozie!
Checked in last night, and spoke to the front desk. They stated that the mngt there has "decided to take every cutback suggested by Marriott, and then some"! Here are the ones i noticed:
NO cookies on the counter
NO lotion in the rooms
NO lotion provided when requesting the FD provide it (when pushed, they did offer it)
NO more french toast at bfast buffet
NO little (20 oz) bottles of water for sale, as "we make more on big bottles"
NO newspapers, EXCEPT at the front desk
2, NOT 3 towels in the rooms


So...what do you all think? Do we need a thread to point out the cheap managers who are taking Marriotts standards to the LOWEST possible point?

Yes, let's have a thread for the worst properties in terms of amenities. I am starting to realize that I was spoiled rotten in the past few years. Frankly, the worst FS Marriott in the DC area is probably better than 70 % of the properties out in the rest of the United States.

The CY properties in the DC area are also at least 2, maybe 3 steps above some of the other ones since many offer free gym passes and a few even throw in free breakfast as well (at various times - not sure about the status of free breakfast for some of them since my last stay in one was in October).

Bring it!

Yes, this is a great idea. Another one to add for almost all Marriott Hotels: Room rate cutbacks!

Sydney Harbour Marriott - went from $369 AUD to $289 AUD Still have 7 days a week lounge access and complimentary drinks in the evening.

Renaissance Kowloon - went from $1885 HKD to $1035 HKD Still have 7 days a week lounge access and complimentary drinks in the evening.

Vail Marriott - while base prices ($489) haven't changed, there are advanced purchase rates available this year ranging form $299-399 that were not available previous years.

The only Marriott property I have stayed in in the past 3 months whose room rates did not go down is JW Marriott Phuket, but they still have the most fabulous breakfast buffet (American, European, Chinese, Japanese, and Thia) which is complimentary 7 days a week for Plats and Golds too I believe.

Absolutely ^^^

Yes, please!!!

Did notice some rate roll-back, subject to location and property. For Paris, I noticed rates tend to move north. Rates seldom change in Japan, but we (US-based) still pay more (since Yen is getting stronger).

I don't know whether it's true or not, but you are painting with a very broad brush.

Yes I am, but so is the title of this thread. I am glad you picked up on that. Note that I did provide specific examples from my experiences, which is all I have to reference.

It's a good idea, especially to show the extremes some properties are resorting to like a recent CY I stayed at.

Like most hotels, this CY had closed one side of the property (standard 2 building, 3 floors on each side configuration) and the third floor on the other due to low occupancy, 20% according to the front desk.

The genius manager decided it would be a great idea to shut off the heat in the side that was completely closed (both central systems and in-room systems) to save on energy. Sadly, he apparently forgot that water pipes are prone to burst when exposed to below freezing temperatures, and with a low of 2 below zero that night, said pipes burst in 2 areas causing water damage to much of that side of the building. So now that side is closed off due to the water damage.

I understand that the economy is hurting the hotels, but cutback like the above are overkill in my opinion. While trying to save a few dollars, they are making decisions that are actually turning guests away and in occasional situations, causing harm to the properties themselves.

And on the rate issue, I have not noticed any drops in rates in the areas I stay (mainly midwest).