LoyaltyLobby shares some questions that were posed to select Marriott Bonvoy members in an online survey on elite benefit changes.
Before we get too deep into this, let me note that travel brands are always doing surveys, and a vast majority of what’s proposed doesn’t come to fruition. That being said, it’s always interesting to see in what areas companies are looking to make changes…
In this post:
Marriott considers breakfast, lounge, and late check-out changes
This survey about Marriott Bonvoy elite changes seems to center around the late check-out, breakfast, and lounge benefits, that elite members receive.
One question in the survey asks about whether guests would prefer early check-in or late check-out:
If you were given a choice between the following options for early check-in or late check-out, which would you choose?
– Early check-in beginning at 1PM
– Late check-out at 2PM
Another question asks about whether you’d consider forgoing breakfast or lounge access for points:
Would you ever consider opting out of using or receiving the following Elite benefits in favor of receiving points?
– Complimentary breakfast
– Lounge access
The survey then goes on to ask how many points you’d expect in order to opt out of these elite perks.
Could we see major changes to Marriott Bonvoy elite perks?
Let me once again emphasize that I wouldn’t read too much into this, and assume that any major changes are planned or imminent. But it’s always interesting to know where major hotel groups are looking to make some adjustments.
When you think of top-tier hotel status across major brands, odds are that three main benefits come to mind — room upgrades, late check-out, and free breakfast or club lounge access.
Let’s consider those three points in the context of Marriott Bonvoy elite status, particularly at the Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador tier. In particular, let’s look at how delivering these perks impacts Marriott’s “real” customers, which are the investment companies that own hotels, rather than the guests (we’re just the product being sold to the investors).
With that in mind:
- While Marriott doesn’t do a great job with proactively and consistently delivering on its published upgrade policy (suite upgrades subject to availability), Marriott probably doesn’t view that as a big issue, since there’s not much accountability, and it’s not something hotel owners complain about a lot
- Marriott promises 4PM late check-out at all non-resorts for Platinum members and above, which is a generous, consistent policy; the issue is that with elite status becoming easier to earn, this creates a major logistical challenge for hotels running high occupancy, since you can’t have two people occupying the same room at the same time, so something’s gotta give
- Marriott’s breakfast and lounge access policies are the single most consistent pain-point for hotel owners, as they feel this cuts into their margins; not only do they have the expense of offering free breakfast, but they also lose the revenue of what people might otherwise spend to buy breakfast
So I would assume that Marriott would love to make changes to its late check-out policy, breakfast, and lounge access policy, but it’s not that straightforward.
As far as late check-out goes, perhaps Marriott could offer a guaranteed late check-out or guaranteed early check-in. However, I don’t think 1PM early check-in or 2PM late check-out really cuts it.
As far as breakfast and lounge access goes:
- It seems the way that many hotels are dealing with not wanting to offer free lounge access is just eliminating lounges altogether, or keeping them closed, which isn’t ideal for customers; the economics of these lounges are bad, since so many people get access on account of their status, eliminating the incentive to offer a quality product, and in turn that reduces the number of people willing to pay for access
- Marriott already requires you to choose complimentary breakfast as a welcome amenity, and you’re forgoing points, but the catch is that the points alternative isn’t in any way competitive; for example, for a five night stay at the St. Regis Aspen, you can either select a total of 1,000 bonus points (worth $7, by my valuation) or a daily $52 breakfast credit, worth up to $260 over the course of a stay
I’m sure there’s a way that Marriott could incentivize fewer elite members to select breakfast or lounge access. However, unless the brand wants to completely alienate customers, it would have to come at a significant expense to hotels in terms of the number of points issued. Replacing a daily breakfast with a total of $7 worth of points (over the course of a stay) doesn’t do the trick.
I wouldn’t be surprised if in the long run, the industry will go the direction of Hilton Honors, and replace breakfast with a daily food & beverage credit. I have to assume this is a money maker for hotels, since it increases business at a property’s outlets, and most people probably spend above the credit amount.
I’ll be curious to see how all of this evolves…
Bottom line
While I wouldn’t expect anything to necessarily come of this, it’s interesting how a new survey about Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits specifically focuses on ways to adjust the late check-out benefit, plus get people to choose an alternative to complimentary breakfast or lounge access.
What do you make of this survey? What kind of incentive would it take for you to skip breakfast or lounge access?
In my experience, many concierge lounges are still closed, or offer a diminished experience. In the summer, the lounges were being overrun by children anyway. Marriott points have been rendered worthless by the elimination of reward categories. And selling off their parking lots allows Marriott to say "it's not us charging those ridiculous rates for parking, it's them". Whenever you see a Marriott survey, more bad changes are coming. From a dissatisfied Titanium Elite member.
In my experience, many concierge lounges are still closed, or offer a diminished experience. In the summer, the lounges were being overrun by children anyway. Marriott points have been rendered worthless by the elimination of reward categories. And selling off their parking lots allows Marriott to say "it's not us charging those ridiculous rates for parking, it's them". Whenever you see a Marriott survey, more bad changes are coming. From a dissatisfied Titanium Elite member.
I was one of those that took the survey and I was taking it, I was worried about the potential changes that may be coming.
Marriott standards have been diminished since COVID. I’ve witnessed a significant decline in quality at full service Marriott hotels. Beds and linens, towels lowered standard. Breakfast items lower quality or only offered cold with upgrade cost for scrambled eggs, no bacon, etc. hotel maintenance noticeably void in many of the older Marriott hotels, elevators broken for extended periods at JW Marriott, doors not polished and showing signs of wear. Definitely not the same quality as...
Marriott standards have been diminished since COVID. I’ve witnessed a significant decline in quality at full service Marriott hotels. Beds and linens, towels lowered standard. Breakfast items lower quality or only offered cold with upgrade cost for scrambled eggs, no bacon, etc. hotel maintenance noticeably void in many of the older Marriott hotels, elevators broken for extended periods at JW Marriott, doors not polished and showing signs of wear. Definitely not the same quality as yesterday-years.
Since the pandemic my travel has been restricted. However Recently I used points to book a stay. I was very surprised and disappointed about the value reduction. I don't see much value anymore in Marriott Bonvoy.
I agree with you that the value has gone down, but it's much better than Hilton Honors.
As a Bonvoy Ambassador, who travels based on personal and leisure, non business ... I will take the points and the your 24 --- check in and out. Breakfast is usually a after thought after the gym and morning calls. Always points in my book personally, totally understand the other side as well. But way to busy to sit down for a hotel breakfast, in a location for friends and family etc ..
Here's 1000 points instead of breakfast.
We're reducing points to 500 because...reasons.
You now get 250 points because you are a valuable customer.
We heard you loud and clear. You don't want points (or breakfast)
I can see it.
Marriott is so good about policies I'm sure those that be will find some way to make sure they come out ahead.
Points is always good but is would be very nice if we could have it both.
Already Bonvoy points aren't what they used to be. (Think / remember what Starwood points were worth in their day) Am I wrong that my Hyatt points in some cases are worth more ? Loyality is becoming questionable and as Marriott has become the elephant in the hospitality marketplace they really have less concern about those of us that pay the bills.
Lifetime titanium. Social media has been very critical of Marriott’s treatment towards loyal customers. Their destination fees are embarrassing. Many will move if they keep moving in their current direction.
Joined for the perks
1pm check-in
Xtra points - would have to be significant
Food credit/$20 per day - currently selected during 8 day stay - working out well (offered 500 points - SERIOUSLY)
CONTINUE w lounge offering beverages only (coffee/tea/water)
I would like to see late out become 2p instead of 4p. It's not fair to the person checking in to not have a room available at official check in time of 3p because there's someone still using the room. I was told by the front desk that it's an issue when someone is upgraded because ALOT of elites stay at the property and use their 4p. I am Platinum and used an SNA and finally got into my room at 6p. There needs to be fairness on all sides and 2p is a good compromise.
How about FREE PARKING and NO RESORT FEES for ELITE MEMBERS. These additional fees are out of control. Paying for parking and resort fees is just GREEDY!!
Marriott is often much more expensive than quality boutique hotels. Without the 4pm checkout, I would probably just book extra nights at nearby boutique hotels, which can be nicer (less crowded, more personalised service).
Ou clearly want lake check out to stay. The only real benefit that us Titanium member still get.. Early check in has never been a problem for me so I would not want that in place of 4:00 check out which I use a lo
4pm checkout is my only reason for sticking with Marriott.
Free breakfast hasn't been useful for me - either not available, or stops to early (especially when I fly to the east coast) or just don't like what they have. The European breakfast are way better and truly appreciated, but I would not stick with a single chain for my 50+ nights a year just for European breakfasts.
I use the 4pm checkout quite...
4pm checkout is my only reason for sticking with Marriott.
Free breakfast hasn't been useful for me - either not available, or stops to early (especially when I fly to the east coast) or just don't like what they have. The European breakfast are way better and truly appreciated, but I would not stick with a single chain for my 50+ nights a year just for European breakfasts.
I use the 4pm checkout quite frequently on both business and leisure trips. 2pm would not cut it.
Marriott is doing disservice to loyal customers if they do this. After being titanium lifetime I may have to choose cheaper option hotels in Hotwire and enjoy a better food!
The very questions suggest the low regard Marriott has for their elite customers. I can get early check in, late check out and free breakfast at non Marriott hotels for less money. Leave the standard benefits alone. Instead, Marriott should be focusing on room upgrades and lounge access for elite customers. Otherwise, there is no reason to stay at Marriott.
My room preferences often do a 180 when traveling for business vs pleasure. Business? I don't need the late check-out (I'm either going straight to the airport or in an office during the day before flying out). I don't need the free breakfast (it's getting expensed anyways). Pleasure? Late check-out please, as any afternoon flight means an extra day at the pool. Free breakfast, as you mentioned, can be $30-50 a day per person. I...
My room preferences often do a 180 when traveling for business vs pleasure. Business? I don't need the late check-out (I'm either going straight to the airport or in an office during the day before flying out). I don't need the free breakfast (it's getting expensed anyways). Pleasure? Late check-out please, as any afternoon flight means an extra day at the pool. Free breakfast, as you mentioned, can be $30-50 a day per person. I hope they continue to give me the choice upon each check-in.
The Status you receive is based upon loyalty to your particular chain that you stay it. If they want to save money then change the entry requirements for attaining a particular status. I am Lifetime Platinum. If they didn't offer me free breakfast or free upgrades( which almost never happen) then I would take my business elsewhere. Do not nickle and dime your customers.
Can someone help me understand the Club Lounge Access benefit at the Ritz-Carton hotel chain. Specifically at the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Caymon Island. This benefit cost an additional $461 if booking a Club Lounge Access Resort View room and an additional $569 if booking an Oceanfront view Club Lounge Access room. That's on top of the regular room rate. I just trying to understand what benefits I get for paying on average an additional $500 per night.
If they take away the free breakfast, they will lose more customers as the breakfast at the hotels are typically not worth the cost. Processed eggs with cheese and a bagel are not worth paying for when there is always A restaurant on the corner. I chose to stay at Marriott because of my LP status and get the breakfast amenity. Without it, where I stay is irrelevant.
Free breakfast and the 1600 checkout are the only reasons I make an effort to retain Bonvoy status. Hopefully they keep those benefits enshrined; if not, I'll default to IHG where I also get free breakfast with my status. (Hilton also but their value isn't as competitive in APAC)
Wow, those questions seem to imply an intention to get rid off the last two remaining salient benefits if the program - breakfast and late check-out. As a former Starwood loyalist, Marriott has gutted the program to the point I see no reason at all to retain any status beyond the Gold which comes with Amex Platinum or many other cards.
I kept Hyatt globalist for a few years, arguably the most valuable by...
Wow, those questions seem to imply an intention to get rid off the last two remaining salient benefits if the program - breakfast and late check-out. As a former Starwood loyalist, Marriott has gutted the program to the point I see no reason at all to retain any status beyond the Gold which comes with Amex Platinum or many other cards.
I kept Hyatt globalist for a few years, arguably the most valuable by far of any of these hotel programs, but their footprint is simply too small for me to maintain regularly living in Europe.
I have a serious question: what on earth is the point of any of these hotel loyalty programs (particularly Bonvoy given the incredibly uneven application of benefits already). There is zero incentive to even bother with a program now, be it Bonvoy, HHonors, or sadly even Hyatt given the difficulty in keeping globalist in many regions. Why would anyone attempt to hold on to these when the perks have become so minimal and devalued, and you can simply transfer points from any credit card to redeem stays?
I genuinely no longer make any effort to pick a single chain, and shocked some people still do. Having said all that, I’ve seen Mandarin Oriental has introduced a new Elite tier for Fans of MO, which seems quite rewarding, and while not a point system it offers stay benefits that could tip me into their properties when I have a choice. Worth writing about that?
If lounges are being eliminated what would they do with the space? Keeping it empty is a waste.
I agree with this. I recently dropped from Platinum to Gold and I'm underwhelmed by the 2pm late checkout (which has been denied once or twice) and the lack of free breakfast. I made an effort last year to book Marriott, even when traveling abroad. Now I'm just trying to hit my lifetime Silver status (a few more nights), then I think I'm switching to Hilton if I can't find enough opportunities to book solely with Marriott to regain Platinum status.
Lifetime Silver? Gets you nothing!
Same with lifetime gold. Pretty worthless too.
Speaking of the related topic of how messy breakfast and lounge access has become because of too many people with status, there was one hotel I stayed at once that had block cards where there was a two hour period for you to have breakfast and happy hour. By limiting the number of people in at one time controlled the mess. The other issue is the lack of restocking of food options. This said, while some guests did not like this policy others did.
Lounge access depends on the brand and the location as to if I would be willing to give it up. Lounges in Asia for example tend to be much more extravagant than in the US or Europe. This said, it depends on the brand and the property. As you point out giving up breakfast just does not make sense given the alternative. They would have to offer something huge to get me to pay for it.
Availability of a lounge is the deciding factor for me when chosing a Marriott property. Without lounge and breakfast - I would select most convenient and best priced quality hotel.
Attending conferences - I will not stay the conference hotel, but stay at a Marriott if within a few blocks. No lounge - then no stay for me.
Honestly, with the amount of effort to earn Marriott status versus the rewards given being so lopsided, I genuinely don't understand why people still try for it. It's definitely more valuable than Hilton status, and Marriott has the best portfolio in the USA for business travelers and a decent international portfolio so earning it out of business necessity makes some sense to me, but I'd rather spend my leisure travel at a Fairmont or Sofitel...
Honestly, with the amount of effort to earn Marriott status versus the rewards given being so lopsided, I genuinely don't understand why people still try for it. It's definitely more valuable than Hilton status, and Marriott has the best portfolio in the USA for business travelers and a decent international portfolio so earning it out of business necessity makes some sense to me, but I'd rather spend my leisure travel at a Fairmont or Sofitel than the St Regis or Ritz.
Marriott wants to be the SPIRIT AIRLINES of the hotel world. Only a few hotels in the chain honor elite status. Most of the time they don't care if you are an ambassador or titanium member.
"Marriott promises 4PM late check-out at all non-resorts for Platinum members and above, which is a generous, consistent policy." I do not find this to be the case. As a Titanium, I usually have to beg, plead, bargain for a late checkout, and it's rarely 4:00 that I end up.
Late check out is a joke. Stayed at our local Res Inn on Monday night,
so the kids could swim. Requested the "guaranteed" late check out (lifetime platinum) of 4 and the guy at the desk said the best they could do was 2 and it's based on availability. Advised him that's for resorts and convention hotels (Res Inn Harrisburg/Hershey is not). He wouldn't budge. I get the whole thing of x amount of...
Late check out is a joke. Stayed at our local Res Inn on Monday night,
so the kids could swim. Requested the "guaranteed" late check out (lifetime platinum) of 4 and the guy at the desk said the best they could do was 2 and it's based on availability. Advised him that's for resorts and convention hotels (Res Inn Harrisburg/Hershey is not). He wouldn't budge. I get the whole thing of x amount of travelers are plat +, but if hotels can't/won't honor the "guarantee", then just end it.
If someone stays at Marriott properties that are Amex FHR properties, why would someone not book through FHR? They would still earn points. And, if one receives the FHR benefits, who really cares about tier status? And, if one doesn't need the tier status, as others suggest, who needs the ELCs from the credit cards? And, for non-FHR properties, the Amex Platinum gives Marriott Gold, which would give a person 2pm check-out if nothing else. Oh, yeah, free wifi.
Take away or reduce my Platinum benefits and loose me as a loyal client.
It's that simple! With 900 plus room nights I expect Marriott to live up to its commitments as I have to them.
Reduce my benefits and I will shop and book the best offer of any hotel, each and every trip.
And as for my Amex Marriott credit card? It would no longer be required.
This may end up long, and so:
TL;DR points as a number are meaningless. Instead use a perctage of free room night or free suite night. Bonvoy sucks and all changes will be to detriment of Bonvoy "members". Keep all that in mind.
So, first off, there's no such thing as a "complimentary" breakfast. Iiliteracy for people whose livelihood is the written word isi nexcusable. Someone who gives you a compliment is complimentary. Something you...
This may end up long, and so:
TL;DR points as a number are meaningless. Instead use a perctage of free room night or free suite night. Bonvoy sucks and all changes will be to detriment of Bonvoy "members". Keep all that in mind.
So, first off, there's no such thing as a "complimentary" breakfast. Iiliteracy for people whose livelihood is the written word isi nexcusable. Someone who gives you a compliment is complimentary. Something you get as an addition is complementary. The words are spelled differently and said differently.
Second, discussion of "how many points will it take to..." is entirely (as in 100% irrelevant) as the point value changes with regard to what it can be redeemed for and when and until further changes to the program. Further, non-points programs (e.g. Perks Plus) encourage "spend" not "hoard points." Far better to create some metric and use that. I call it Free Room Nights (FRMs) or Free Suite Nights (FSNs) or Free Newspaper Morning (FNMs).
In that spirit I'd give up 10 FNMs for 1 FBK. I'd give up 10FBKs for 1FRM. I'd give up 3 FRMs for 1 FSN.
Also if there was a conversion from points/status to tips that would be great. I can use my points to get an FRM but the $30-$50/n "Resort Fee" and the $20 parking fee, and the $5 valet tip, and the $2-$5 maid tip means for that free room night the spend is $60+... and those are ALL soft costs.
So, to summarize:
1. Yes, some of us will happily trade the complementary newspaper or two for the lukewarm eggs and salty sausage. Yes, we'll trade a few of those gut-acid breakfasts for a free room night. Yes, we'll trade a few of those for that 1-2 day stay where a suite really matters. Don't try to put it as a "number of points" in a program that will devalue it shortly... just make it a percentage. Like for example 10% of FRN if you give up a FBK.
2. Differentiate your rewards program. I have affinity credit cards; I have reward points; I have status with the programs I care about. If you want me to SPEND it all with you, make your program show me how valuable I am as a customer to you.
3. Enough with the addon fees. If you advertise a rate of $450/night then don't take on 25% city "screw the visitors; they don't vote for us anyway" tax, the parking fee, the resort fee, and make your room rate reflect the total. I don't like financial negative surprises.
E
First off, the words "isi" and "nexcusable" do not exist in the English language.
Second off, the correct spelling of "addon" is add-on or add on.
Please learn to write in standard English before calling others illiterate.
If Marriott reduces elite benefits they will lose customers. They should be adding benefits instead.
Adding benefits? We are talking about Marriott here.
This is a silly exercise. Why does it matter how anyone answers a survey to Marriott, when the hotel owners ignore the program benefits and make up their own rules?
A survey question I would like to answer: Do you believe that Marriott is still in charge of the Bonvoy program?
Lifetime titanium...late checkout is the prize - those extra 4 to 5 hours can be incredibly valuable...I think lounges are dying...breakfast is a mess..however, there are remnants from the past...Hotel Paso del Norte in El Paso still gives late checkout and a super good breakfast...
Lifetime Platnium here
Right now @DCS knowledge
Helped me realized Hilton is better program than Bonvoy
Wow lifetime Titanium. Over 1250 lifetime nights and more then 5 million marriott points and I can't even get a survey
Breakfast is the most valuable item. I am amazed 500 points or breakfast. OK I am in your hotel for more then one night and u want to give me 500 points when I have 5 million...
Or the hotel that tells me sorry sir you can't have a checkout past regular checkout......
Wow lifetime Titanium. Over 1250 lifetime nights and more then 5 million marriott points and I can't even get a survey
Breakfast is the most valuable item. I am amazed 500 points or breakfast. OK I am in your hotel for more then one night and u want to give me 500 points when I have 5 million...
Or the hotel that tells me sorry sir you can't have a checkout past regular checkout... love these hotels that can't follow own rules. I just wish they would follow the Marriott rules and I would be happy.
Yep -- same here. No survey despite Lifetime Titanium status and over 1,700 lifetime nights with Marriott.
Which probably explains why I've moved 90% of my business over to Hyatt in the past year. Globalist isn't perfect, but it's WAY WAY better than Marriott lies, nonsense, and contempt for us road warriors.
Same here! Lifetime Titanium and no survey. For business travel I'm usually at a lesser Marriott property, Courtyard, maybe a Renaissance. I use the points for travel in Europe never the States. Suite upgrades? Once in 10 years has this ever happened.
Is it better? In what way? I will have Marriott Plat. I know the program declined since they got it from SPG. Maybe I am missing something. Award stays on points on Hilton seem to me as a lesser value redemption wise?
For me I totally depends on type of trip.
Business: Early check in is important.
Pleasure: Breakfast and early check in and 4pm check out.
Both: I want the clubs back!! I love going to the club for a quick coffee or snack. A bagel for breakfast is fast and easy and I don’t really want to spend an hour at the restaurant. I would rather serve myself quickly with what I need at that time.
But most important are upgrades, at least that’s I I value the most.
If someone stays at Ritz properties, there's no breakfast or club access anyway. And, for Platinum, there are no upgrades anyway. So, what you have left is late check-out. Gold gets 2pm. What point would there be for anything higher? How amusing.
Complimentary breakfast is the most popular and valuable benefit, no doubt. They better not mess with it anymore than they already have.
When it comes to Marriott Titanium Benefits there are two red lines for me. They are breakfast and guaranteed 4PM Late Checkout. These are the two benefits that differentiate Marriott Elite Benefits from other programs. If they go away so would my business. No incentive to stay at Marriott anymore. Might as well go back to Choice Hotels :)
When I travel for business I could care less about breakfast or late checkout since I can expensive breakfast and am at office or catching flight. But they’re great perks when traveling for leisure.
Business travelers are also leisure travelers. Maybe Marriott should look at American/JFK when they forgot that fact.
"Late" checkout at 2pm is NOT worth it. 4pm is needed oftentimes. As a longtime Titanium I would be LIVID. And yes, 1k points for a stay is insulting.
Loyalty is a funny thing, the journey to reaching Lifetime status can be addictive. I achieved Lifetime Platinum a few years ago. Interestungly I only reached Lifetime Platinum despite the fact that I was way over the threshold for Lifetime Titanium and would have made Titanium only a matter of months after the cut-off yet Marriott said they could do nothing for me. Let me go 600 nights in a few years at $500 average...
Loyalty is a funny thing, the journey to reaching Lifetime status can be addictive. I achieved Lifetime Platinum a few years ago. Interestungly I only reached Lifetime Platinum despite the fact that I was way over the threshold for Lifetime Titanium and would have made Titanium only a matter of months after the cut-off yet Marriott said they could do nothing for me. Let me go 600 nights in a few years at $500 average per night and then change the rules! Yet, once I reached Lifetime Platnum and had no need to get nights and points, my Marriott stays fell by 70% and average spend was way down because there was no need for it and in most cities Marriott was nowhere near competitive and in last 18 months it has gotten much much worse. Strangely Courtyard Marriott in North America is probably their best offering service and comfort wise. Buy corporations do not measure lost business, just current business. They'll just see themselves a few % up occupancy wise over x number of years ago, they won't see that they'd be way ahead if so many elites weren't using Hotels.com as free agents and getting 1 night free in 10. No messing at checking in, you pay for what you get and everyone is happy. No more 30 min taxis to and from offices and meetings because the JW Marriott was on wrong side of town. Marriott have lost their way.
The free breakfast thing was always virtually worthless to me, I'll take the points. I am not a breakfast eater and even if I do eat breakfast I can expense it. I have always wondered why people on sites like this are so into free breakfast since you should be able to expense it on a business trip. If I am on a leisure trip and need breakfast before skiing or hiking, there are far...
The free breakfast thing was always virtually worthless to me, I'll take the points. I am not a breakfast eater and even if I do eat breakfast I can expense it. I have always wondered why people on sites like this are so into free breakfast since you should be able to expense it on a business trip. If I am on a leisure trip and need breakfast before skiing or hiking, there are far cheaper alternatives to the always grossly overpriced full service hotel breakfast.
Late checkout is very valueble to me. I use it often on both leisure and business trips. Just did a 3 PM checkout in Chicago last week.
It’s the convenience of having breakfast on site. If I’m skiing, I just want a big breakfast so I don’t need to stop for lunch. I’m sure that’s true for a lot of people traveling for leisure. Big breakfast. Small or skip lunch until dinner.
If you do the IRS per diem then I don’t need receipts and can do my expense report in 2 min. So that’s what I do. Expensing each meal is too much of a hassle.
For business trip, yes, we can skip the breakfast and take the points since the employer paid for the cost, or you can use the expenses for tax deduction if you own the business.
For leisure, I don't think the cheaper alternatives can be considered as adequate breakfast.
Let's use Ben's valuation in this article of USD 7 ≈ 1,000 points for the _whole duration of stay_. It is not enough to pay for...
For business trip, yes, we can skip the breakfast and take the points since the employer paid for the cost, or you can use the expenses for tax deduction if you own the business.
For leisure, I don't think the cheaper alternatives can be considered as adequate breakfast.
Let's use Ben's valuation in this article of USD 7 ≈ 1,000 points for the _whole duration of stay_. It is not enough to pay for breakfast.
Sure, you can find a good breakfast value in South East Asia for USD 2~3 per portion, but I am sure it is not the case for US and EU market.
If you only stay for 1 night, 1 person only, then 1,000 points might still make some sense. More nights + more persons in your leisure trip, then the 1,000 points essentially means nothing :)
No hard and fast rule as the answers depend on if it is personal or business travel and/or time of checkout. On biz travel, I'd forego lounge/bfast/late checkout as usually dont use those things. Even for personal, recently had a 4am checkout so would have gladly taken points to "give up" late checkout.
I finally achieved Lifetime Platinum and I have found it to be a diluted status now that you can become a Platinum member by virtue of a credit card. If they ultimately change the daily benefits and not bolster benefits for lifetime members, then I would have no reason to be loyal to the brand. As it is, their rates have increased to the point in many markets where Hyatt is now very competitive. So...
I finally achieved Lifetime Platinum and I have found it to be a diluted status now that you can become a Platinum member by virtue of a credit card. If they ultimately change the daily benefits and not bolster benefits for lifetime members, then I would have no reason to be loyal to the brand. As it is, their rates have increased to the point in many markets where Hyatt is now very competitive. So much so, that I have been staying at Hyatt for pay and continue to burn my stash of Marriott points.
What cost cutters may not calculate is that benifits like these creat loyalty to the brand. Without benifits, what keeps us from trying out Hilton or Wyndham or any other brand?
I’ve been Marriott only for years. If I find no difference, in brands, I lose my incentive to be exclusive to Marriott.
The questions are structured like "You currently have a choice between A and B. Do you value A or B more [so we can discontinue offering the choice of the other]?" OR "You currently have a choice between A and B. If we take away either A or B or both and offer C instead, is it an acceptable substitute?"
Forget about how the guests want the choice between A and B and that both choices need to be more consistently offered with value to the guests...
It's interesting to see where the accounting/business acumen comes in. Yes free breakfast and lounge access, in theory, cuts into margins. But they need to account for the reduced occupancy and ADR if they dilute benefits. If the Marriott is $250/night and an equivalent independent (or other chain where you don't have status) is $250 a night then it makes sense to stay at Marriott for the elite benefits. And even if the Marriott was...
It's interesting to see where the accounting/business acumen comes in. Yes free breakfast and lounge access, in theory, cuts into margins. But they need to account for the reduced occupancy and ADR if they dilute benefits. If the Marriott is $250/night and an equivalent independent (or other chain where you don't have status) is $250 a night then it makes sense to stay at Marriott for the elite benefits. And even if the Marriott was $275 or $300 or the independent was nicer or better located, it make sense to stay at the Marriott. Change the benefits however and that calculus changes as well.
The problem for owners is that it's easy to see what the lounge or breakfast is costing but it's harder to quantify how many extra room nights and a higher rate are being generated by those offerings.
And it's easy for owners to see that why charge $250 and give elite benefits when you can charge $300 and extra $35 for breakfast.
Hotel consolidation is just helping their oligopoly power. Just like airlines, when one starts to cut others can easily follow.
Don't think owners are just greedy. They are smart too.
Yeh but there are a ton of independent properties which there aren’t for airlines. Almost every city has solid independent choices.
I've realized becoming platinum this year really didn't give me anymore then gold. At least it doesn't feel like it. I choose the mattress discount which they offer to the general public once or twice a year. I've been denied free breakfast at many hotels and offered a small credit worth a Red Bull.
Marriott should give the people the choice for each of their stays on which option they prefer and the benefits/points should be daily. The points granted should approximate the value of breakfast/person.
Also, I think this is targeted to corp travelers who can expense their breakfast. They would gladly take the points and have their company pay for breakfast.
How do you value breakfast fairly?
If I normally eat 1 muffin for breakfast I get 500 points?
If I normally eat 5 eggs and 8 bacon I get 3800 points?
If the hotel order 100 eggs for $20 then each egg is 20 cents.
If the hotel orders 200 eggs for $30 then each egg is 15 cents.
Should the people who eat the last 100 eggs pay the increment cost...
How do you value breakfast fairly?
If I normally eat 1 muffin for breakfast I get 500 points?
If I normally eat 5 eggs and 8 bacon I get 3800 points?
If the hotel order 100 eggs for $20 then each egg is 20 cents.
If the hotel orders 200 eggs for $30 then each egg is 15 cents.
Should the people who eat the last 100 eggs pay the increment cost of 10 cents or the average cost of 15 cents?
What if the hotel over ordered eggs because of no shows, should the original guest value be 20 cents since nobody benefited from the incremental savings?
Some brands already offer 1000 points welcome gift instead of breakfast. I'm sure anyone can think up some math that can peg your breakfast to exactly 1000 points.
I already choose the points. I don't eat breakfast and when my wife is traveling with me I'd rather take her some place nice. I couldn't imagine eating a hotel breakfast. I would use early check in a lot more than late checkout but it is nice to have the flexibility.
Have you seen the hotel breakfasts at Marriott properties in Europe? Full buffets with hot and cold options, good charcuterie, omelet bars, etc. I always feel like I get good value over there.
In the U.S., agree the value is usually diminished.
There are a few good spots still - I was really impressed with the hotel breakfast offering at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale last month. Big buffet spread like you are describing and a marginal charge to have made to order omelets and griddle. There are good breakfast places in Scottsdale too but all a 10 - 20 minute drive from the property location in the mountains and many are slammed with long waits...
There are a few good spots still - I was really impressed with the hotel breakfast offering at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale last month. Big buffet spread like you are describing and a marginal charge to have made to order omelets and griddle. There are good breakfast places in Scottsdale too but all a 10 - 20 minute drive from the property location in the mountains and many are slammed with long waits on weekends.
Also looking forward to trying out breakfast in the historic garden court at the Palace San Francisco in a couple months for a weekend trip.
Those are more unique cases though. For general travel I usually would rather find a good local breakfast spot than worry about what a Sheraton or Courtyard has on site.
Same here! Lifetime Titanium and no survey. For business travel I'm usually at a lesser Marriott property, Courtyard, maybe a Renaissance. I use the points for travel in Europe never the States. Suite upgrades? Once in 10 years has this ever happened.
This is a complete toss-up. I think both early check in and late check out should be a benefit of participants of their loyalty program. That solves it. Both early check in and late check out for loyalty programs members.
Imagine the battle to get those points to post. SPG had their act together and at least a third of the "make a green choice" points didn't post automatically
Let's call a spade a spade: Marriott has diluted Platinum status by offering it with a credit card. Too many people who are completely brand agnostic have become entitled lounge lizards, raiding the M Club with their arms filled with bottled beverages and to-go coffee cups stuffed with food. Those same people camp out in their rooms until 4pm, even when they are out exploring all day, because they "can."
I think Marriott should...
Let's call a spade a spade: Marriott has diluted Platinum status by offering it with a credit card. Too many people who are completely brand agnostic have become entitled lounge lizards, raiding the M Club with their arms filled with bottled beverages and to-go coffee cups stuffed with food. Those same people camp out in their rooms until 4pm, even when they are out exploring all day, because they "can."
I think Marriott should offer lounge access and 4pm checkout only to current Titanium + Ambassador guests, and as a benefit for "lifetime Platinum" guests who should be "grandfathered in" (unless they open up "lifetime Titanium" for new admits, which I would wholly support). Platinum guests should be able to "upgrade" to "club floor/lounge access" for a reasonable upcharge to create a viable "business model" for the M Club so that owners don't resort to continuous degrading of F&B offerings inside.
One would hope/think that Marriott would do so. I agree fully.
I don't agree. Because outside of the US we don't get Status with credit cards. I stay 50 nights for Platinum.
I actually wouldn’t mind if the amount of points was increased, and daily instead of once per stay.
If they mess around too much with breakfast and late checkout...what exactly is the point of status? I only maintain my Bonvoy status for those two benefits at this point,
Completely agree!
Same. Last Hilton stay was so little benefit that I am dropping from Diamond to skipping Hilton. Makes keeping Marriott & Hyatt status less a challenge. But if Marriott takes a certain turn, might as well just use IHG and Hyatt.
LT Plat and Ti here. I was never surveyed and I am in the same camp. Suite Upgrades are impossible to get, so Breakfast and late checkout are the only real status benefits to me these days.
I guess Marriott financial mgmt types are getting the company to be a credit card company (like the airlines) and getting the company away from being a hospitality company