A recent viral post from a Marriott employee on Reddit issued a dire warning to travelers: Stop using Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). The poster claimed there is zero benefit to using sites like Expedia or Booking.com, alleging they hide fees, offer worse service, and mark you as a second-class citizen the moment you check in. […]
The “Book Direct” Myth: Why Hotels Want You to Pay More for Less Read More »
Hotel fees have officially jumped the shark. Even after federal rules forced hotels to show fees upfront, Marriott has found a brand-new way to squeeze guests—this time at a Kansas City Airport Fairfield. Meet the latest invention: the Destination Marketing Fee. Yes, you’re now being charged so the hotel can advertise… to you. Thanks to
Have Marriott’s Fees Gone Too Far? The new “Marketing Fee” Read More »
Our friends at View From the Wing reported on a new trend emerging at some Marriott properties, leaving guests without cars scratching their heads and their wallets a little lighter. Reports indicate that certain Marriott hotels are now imposing a mandatory parking fee on all guests, regardless of whether they actually have a vehicle. Some
A New Day A New Junk Fee At A Marriott Hotel Read More »
A woman staying at St Regis Bal Harbour Hotel is suing Marriott International and Clearview Building Services, LLC, a cleaning company hired by the hotel, for $7 million for an incident that occurred during her stay at the hotel. It seems that a hotel employee walked in on her while she was in the shower
You Need to Be Careful Even In a 5-Star Hotel in Miami Read More »
A new revenue trend is gaining traction at hotels. It relates to charging fees for early check ins. Recently, a guest was checking into a Newark Courtyard Marriott and was charged $50 for an early check in. Normal check in time at this hotel was 3:00 pm and this guest wanted to check in at
Hotel Early Check-In Fees: The Latest Travel Rip-Of Read More »
When you stay at a Fairfield by Marriott, you can expect friendly service and a comfortable stay. I saw a posting in which a Fairfield by Marriott encourages its guests to tip the front desk personnel. Do You Need to Tip the Front Desk? Generally speaking, tipping the front desk staff at a Fairfield by
Tipping Fatigue: Are You Over-Tipping at Fairfield by Marriott? Read More »
Another Marriott property has announced housekeeping at a luxury as opposed to a basic service. As last reported, certain Residence Inn properties will only provide housekeeping on request. Now, a guest posted on reddit, that his reservation at a Marriott hotel did not have guaranteed housekeeping service. We don’t know exactly what this means but
Are Hotels the New Budget Airlines? The Decline of Daily Housekeeping at Marriott Read More »
In yet another example of lack of service exhibited by Marriott properties, a guest at the Westin National Harbor reported an incident that horrified me. This guest was in Washington DC for a business trip. As a Gold Bonvoy member, he requested and was granted a late check out time of 2:00 pm. He returned
Travel Nightmare: Marriott Guest’s Clothes Disposed Of by Staff Read More »
Back in the day, when you stayed at a hotel, your room would be cleaned and refreshed each day. The bed would be made and fresh towels would be supplied each day. When you stayed at hotel, daily housekeeping was a standard expectation and even a key differentiator from a vacation rental or Airbnb. Ever
Is Marriott About to Charge You for a Clean Room? Read More »
I hate to admit but I a loyal Marriott Bonvoy member who has traveled around the world. I started out as a SPG member and then was folded into the Bonvoy world after they acquired all the Starwood properties and programs. Recently, I have found myself questioning the value of my loyalty to Marriott. While
Does Marriott Bonvoy Care About Its Members? A Critical Look Read More »
