Marriott on the Move

Posted By: Mary (12/15/2008)
Comment: Bill, My husband and I have owned Marriott timeshares for over 1o years now. We also stay at Marriott hotels. We are wondering why you have not opened a time share in southern Italy.

Posted By: Michael Richardson (12/15/2008)
Comment: Bill, As always, good to receive your tips and tidbits. I am headed for Hyderabad, India Jan. 2nd, I know the accommodations will be first class, and I hope the security arrangements are even better. I was in Hyderabad at the Taj Krishna hotel when the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad was destroyed by terrorists. I travel to these countries to teach the police and security agencies how to defend themselves from terrorists. We also teach them how to better protect targets like the Marriott Hotels. We not only hope and pray, but try our best to make India and Pakistan safer places for both their citizens and foreign travelers.

Posted By: Ellen (12/15/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott: Many of our family members use your Newport Beach/Fashion Island hotel several times a year to gather and enjoy time together. One beloved family member is gay. While we were disappointed that you personally chose to contribute to Proposition 8, we have taken into consideration the fact that your corporation continues a policy of fair and equal treatment to all people, including members of the gay and lesbian community. We will continue to stay at the Newport property. We would like to remind you that we are a close and loving family, too, and we are offended and take it personally when you attack a family member because of his sexual orientation.

Response: This is Blake Little responding on behalf of Bill Marriott. Neither Mr. Marriott nor any members of his immediate family contributed any money toward the passage of Proposition 8. You can read what he had to say about the issue at http://www.blogs.marriott.com/archive/default.asp?item=2284808. Thank you for your comment.

Posted By: Donna Z (12/14/2008)
Comment: I just stayed at the JW Marriott in New Orleans. The staff was unbelievably friendly and helpful with our every need. Thank you so very much for such a wonderful hotel and fabulous, friendly, accomodating staff. Marriott is one of my favorites!

Posted By: Jerie O'Connor (12/13/2008)
Comment: Best wishes for the holidays and may you live to be a hundred years young.

Posted By: David Jack (12/13/2008)
Comment: Dear Bill: Thanks for the thought, but the words are vacuous, and I am no longer a "loyal guest." As a fellow church member and admirer of your family for many years, I had greater hopes for my Marriott association. The recent change in Marriott Rewards usage only dilutes their values, and smacks of the type of shrewd manipulation that less moral business people engage in. A recent notification from MVCI that a promised program was being cancelled further demonstrates this deviousness. No longer can I recommend the Marriott brand to my associates. The experience has been spoiled. Perhaps you will reconsider some of the recent corporate decisions, and become a leader in morality and rectitude? This would be a real Christmas greeting! Sincerely, David B. Jack On Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 3:48 AM, Marriott Rewards <marriottrewards@marriott.delivery.net> wrote: Dear David Jack, As we approach the end of 2008, I want to personally thank you for your continued business and tremendous loyalty to Marriott ®, especially during such challenging times. It was an exciting year for Marriott Rewards ®. We eliminated blackout dates, celebrated our 25th anniversary and grew to 30 million members worldwide, but we never forget our commitment to serve. I hear often from many of you in comments on my blog and want to thank you for your well wishes, great ideas and suggestions on how we can serve you even better. As we enter 2009, we will continue to improve our hotels with stylish and innovative designs, and we will be adding new locations throughout the world. The Marriott global lodging portfolio now tops 3,100 properties. Have a safe and happy holiday and thank you for being a loyal guest. I look forward to seeing you on the road in the new year. Warm Regards, Bill Marriott J.W. Marriott, Jr. Chairman and CEO Marriott International, Inc. Questions about Marriott Rewards: Please contact Guest Services. If you do not wish to receive emails from Marriott Rewards, unsubscribe here, or go to https://www.marriott.com/profile/email/unsubscribeRedirect.mi?uniqueId=7cf1cabc-4233-11d4-85dc-080009daf0d2 or write to Guest Services - Marriott Rewards Unsubscribe, 310 Bearcat Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84115-2544, USA (include name, Marriott Rewards number and email address) All contents ©2008 Marriott International

Posted By: Loyal Client in Laguna Beach, CA (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear Bill, I just listened to your comments about diversity and I was very happy to hear your inclusive words about sexual orientation. Please tell us where you stand on Proposition 8 and the right for anyone to get married. I have been wondering am I supporting an organization that fought against my civil rights and if I am than I will choose to give my many nights of business travel to a more supportive hotel chain. Thanks.

Response: This is Blake Little responding on behalf of Bill Marriott. Mr. Marriott recently blogged about this issue and you can read what he had to say at http://www.blogs.marriott.com/archive/default.asp?item=2284808. Thanks for the comment!

Posted By: Bob Soriano/#********* (12/12/2008)
Comment: Hi, Bill! I have been a member of the Marriott Rewards program since the beginning. I was so very pleased to receive the news, a while back, that I was made a platinum member for life! Since that time, I have praised the Marriott Corporation for extending this courtesy to many, many people throughout the United States. In fact, I even sent a letter to American Airlines, stating they should do the same for their charter members. However, I never received a response. I sincerely thank you for rewarding those of us who have been there since day one! I always try to meet the General Managers when I visit a Marriott and often give them my personal evaluation of the property. As a result,I have made good relationships with many GM's, as I try to return to those properties that I feel most comfortable at. I wish you and the Marriott family a very blessed holiday season. Thank you for the wonderful service you provide.

Posted By: Beth Wood (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott, I have been traveling with Marriott for over 30 years and not only enjoying my stays but spreading the word that Marriott lodging is remarkable in its consistency and comfort. Those who are knowledgeable travelers nod in agreement. But today I'd like to suggest a little enhancement to the vision as a provider of global lodging. With all the changes in families (such as those you mentioned in your video)what I see is a HUGE need for a good, safe, beautiful place for families to go on holidays. With many families being separated, except at holidays, often the hotel is where they can come together for a celebration. Even those in a community such as mine, I see a big need among "boomers" to have a place to take both elderly parents as well as grandchildren to for a little celebration. I know some Marriotts do this a little, but I strongly believe this could be a strength of Marriott. As Chairperson of our City's senior advisory committee I especiallly see the need for a place for seniors to go on holidays. There is no place for many! Thank you for your continued excellence. Also, my heart goes out to you and your staff for the horrible losses experienced this year in certain countries.

Posted By: Jill Johnson (12/12/2008)
Comment: We love the Marriott Courtyard in Wilkes-Barre! Looking forward to our stay in May!

Posted By: Alfonso Chan, MD (12/12/2008)
Comment: Marriott's reward points should have no expiration dates. This will encourage more people to join the program. AA frequent fliers awards have no set expiration dates, compared to all other airlines. This makes AA rewards system much more attractive to passengers. Please do the same for Marriott Hotels. Let me know your thoughts on this. Hilton has the same program like yours with reward points disappearing in one year. This is like purchasing a gift card from a department store and becomes invalid after 1 to 2 years. And if you deposit into your savings or checking account and if there is no activity in 1-2 years, the money disappears from your account.

Posted By: Joe Thompson (12/12/2008)
Comment: I too thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes and I take exception to the sarcastic voice of the commentator who took you to task for the Prop 8 position of the LDS Church. I see no reason to berate you for the funding provided, even considering your support of your church. Your openness to folks with differing life choices is evidenced by your hotels including alcohol and making various choices in entertainment available to guests. I'm pretty sure that you and your fellow chruchmen and women do not use these ammenities, but having them around makes the properties able to serve a broad society. I applaud what you have done to provide a high quality consistant hotel product even if I do not choose t use all of the things available in your hotels. Thanks for your efforts and the product you put out there.

Posted By: Berith Jacobsen, Trailblazer (12/12/2008)
Comment: Good morning Mr. Marriott-On November 15, 2008, we launched a new division of our golf products company, (www.team2000.net.) Called Colorado Golf Trails, it is a series of hotel & golf stay 'n play packages throughout Colorado. As such, because you were an early on sponsor of the Executive Women's Golf Association, a 20,000 member organization of which I served on the national Board, I chose your Marriott hotels as one of the hotels on our various Trails. Your brand quality is consistent and since we perform personal site visits before choosing a hotel, your properties in Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, etc., came through with flying colors! Thank you for keeping your brand standards as it's a good reflection on our new brand and our guests will surely enjoy their stay at your hotels next season! Best, Berith Jacobsen, Founder, Colorado Golf Trails

Posted By: Susan (12/12/2008)
Comment: I hope that YOU had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Bill. My oldest daughter has gone off to college this year, and I have found myself in your Courtyard Vanderbilt in Nasvhille about 6 or 7 times in the last year and a half. We had to go for auditions, orientation, check in, etc. etc. Anyway, the staff there is UNBELIEVABLE! Even my parents, who have stayed in many very nice hotels over the years, commented on just how nice and accomodating the staff was. All of them, from the front desk to the maintenance to the valet parkers to the bartender to the cleaning people, take the time to smile and say HI every time you pass them! They deserve BIG pats on the back! Thank you for my "home away from home" this year, and have a blessed Christmas!

Posted By: David Clifford (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott - Happy Holidays to you and the many Marriott employees around the world. As we leave a very difficult '08 and enter what is destined to be a "more" difficult '09 economically I ask that you look at temporarily easing the requirements for Platinum, etc. I have been honored to be at this level for years and now find that my Company is doing some belting tightening and to reach the 75 stays is a stretch. Any help would be appreciated. I am a "LOYAL" Marriott customer and stay only at one of the fine properties under the Marriott banner. Here's to 2009!

Posted By: Richard A. Kulch (12/12/2008)
Comment: I hope I continue to be a platium premier level this coming year. I make it an adventure to seek out marriott property's when working throughout the US, even when it requires long drives. Staying with my marriott family just makes being away from home a little easier. Merry Christmas and happy new year. Richard A. Kulch Federal Emergency Management Agency Marriott #*********

Posted By: William Schlaak (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott, You have a great Hotel. We have stayed in a few but the best one we like is the Marriott Hotel in Racine, Wisconsin. Their beds are excellent & their breakfast buffet is the best we have ever experienced. However, staying at Your Hotel means saving up a "Very Long Time" asits very expensive as we are a poor (LDS) family.

Posted By: KMDM (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear Bill, I just viewed your Thanksgiving message and it made me feel even more proud of my loyalty to the Marriott brand and properties. I came to depend of the quality and dependability of Courtyard during my early years in sales. Later, when I became a professional events manager, I contracted with many different hotels and meeting facilities on the east and west coast. I always ask properties to compete for my business. Sometimes the choice is a Marriott property. But when it comes to how I want to spend my personal travel time and dollars - Marriott - all the way! As a matter of fact, the Inn at Fairfield Farm played an important role in my wedding week in 2003; what a gracious lady, a wonderful historic place! My most recent experience was with one of your newest properties, Raleigh Marriott City Center. I hosted a major regional bio-energy conference at the convention center associated with the hotel. I received rave reviews on catering, meeting room, guest accommodations, and the fantastic Posta Tuscan Grille. Finally, I just want to wish you and your family and safe, happy holiday season AND a prosperous New year.

Posted By: GARY GREGORY (12/12/2008)
Comment: MARRIOTT IS THE ONLY HOTEL I WILL STAY AT

Posted By: Barbara Murray (12/12/2008)
Comment: We prefer Marriott hotels to all others and really appreciate the rewards. Recently wanted to book several rooms for family in Raleigh, NC at Residence Inn but they refused to budge of the full priced rates even for that much business. I'm disappointed because this was our first choice but others were quick to deal for that much business. Times are hard for all of us right now, but that's not the first time I've had to go with another hotel because Mariott is not competitive. You remain at the top of our list and will try again next time.

Posted By: Candace Hall (12/12/2008)
Comment: Your exterior doors and wall paper in the halls of the Renaissance hotel at the Baltimore Harbour are horrible. Please replace in the near future. I thought I was in a jail facility when I entered the hallway. Give the customer there money worth. I hope your company gets a chance to read this Thank you...

Posted By: Sherry Nash (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear J.W. Mariott, Jr. - I wanted to write to you to express my appreciation for your manager Autumn **** of the Farmington Hills, Michigan Mariott located on Orchard Lake Road. She has excellent customer service skills and really goes the extra mile to take care of your customers. She is a wonderful asset to your organization and you need to know how good she is doing! I work at Trinity Health and our home offices are located only a few miles from your hotel in Farmington Hills and we use your hotel often. I felt I needed to send you this comment. Enjoy the Christmas Season! Sherry Nash, Trinity Health

Posted By: Odisa Carvajal (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott. I enjoyed listening to your Thanksgiving message. It was very kind of you to share your thoughts with us. I agree with the message wholeheartedly and wish to convey my thanks to you for having a hotel chain that is dedicated to superior customer service. I enjoy staying at the Marriott whenever I travel be it for business or pleasure. I will continue to be a gratified customer and thanks you for your efforts in keeping your customers happy. Thanks for also taking into consideration those suggestions made by the patrons of your hotels. This is indicative of your desire to continue to satisfy your customers. God bless you and have a great Holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

Posted By: Rohit Mahajan (12/12/2008)
Comment: Dear Bill, thank you for your email to me dated Dec 12th, 2008, I really appreciate it. I would like to work with you and your team in your technology initiatives in US and in India. Please see : www.saviance.com. I would really appreciate it if you would please guide and advise on the next steps. Rohit Mahajan, President and CEO, Saviance Technologies Fellow, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania OPM-39, Harvard Business School Alumnus, Disney Institute, Orlando, Florida

Posted By: Danna Crawford (12/12/2008)
Comment: I just found this blog thanks to the THANK YOU note you sent in my email for being a supporter of Marriott! I loved this message you sent out at YouTube for Thanksgiving! My twin girls have been working for Marriott while they are going to college and I had to tell you we spent out Thanksgiving in the beautiful Lobby as they both had to work the front desk! I made all the food the day before and warmed it up in the handy microwave there! We had a beautiful celebration and my husband and I spent the night at the hotel. It was such a memorable Thanksgiving and a joy to spend the day and night in luxury! Thanks for providing great jobs for my girls! Blessings, Danna Crawford, CEO/Founder PowerSellingMom, Inc.

Posted By: Mike (12/11/2008)
Comment: Just wanted to say thank you for having a chain of hotels I know I can count on in any city I travel to. As well thank you for always having a Bible and Book of Mormon available in each room. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Posted By: Susan (12/11/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriot, We have a daughter attending Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Our hotel of choice is the downtown Marriot, which actually offers Wofford parents special rates. Unfortunately, we haven't figured out how early we have to begin to reserve for parents' weekend each year. The Marriot is normally booked one year out! Regardless, we love your downtown hotel and accommodations.

Posted By: Larry Nelson (12/11/2008)
Comment: Bill I got o know J Willard when he wintered in Scottsdale and I was a young engineer for an electric utility company. We met at church and had some great talks. The last time I saw him was when Uncle Spencer Kimball spoke at a stake conference. Here we are some 35 years later and I am retired and serving a second term as Mayor of a large city, and your organization has built 3 new hotels here in Yuma. He was a great inspiration to me for establishing a vision of the future and service to others. Marriott has long been my choice of a home away from home, and as an elected official I am greatful for your presence in my community.

Posted By: George, Texas (12/11/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott: We love to stay in one of the Marriott hotels when we are on vacation, especially your Residence Inns. The value, comfort and service of the Residence Inns can't be beat. I thought that you should be aware that this is not the same with the Marriott Visa card. I have had the card for a year, and just canceled it because four times this year, when I went to pay the bill on-line, Chase told me that they didn't recognize my computer and I had to wait for Chase to e-mail a new activation code to me so I could go to the trouble of establishing a new log-on. I do not have the time to play around with this process. When I called Chase their rep. told me "this is the way Chase does things". No other financial institution that I know of is so inefficient (I bank and pay bill on-line). I thought you should know about this and why clients are canceling their Marriott Visa cards. A very loyal guest.

Posted By: Jim R. Bevis (12/11/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriot. Thanks for your comments on Thanksgiving. In the midst of our great diversity, we must not forget that our nation was founded because men and women wanted to worship Jehovah God in freedom without governmental interference. In addition, the original Thanksgiving celebration were focused on giving God the glory and honor due Him. In the midst of our diversity, we must not loose sight of the reality that there is a standard for morality and righteousness. It is the Bible - the Word of God. I hope in your desire to relate to all, you do not sacrifice godly convictions based on His Word. We continue to rejoice in the wonderful Marriot hotel we have here in the Shoals area of Alabama. Larry ******, the General Manager, has built a world class resort. It is the new centerpiece of all that is happening in North Alabama as far as increased tourism. Because of the Marriot and the RTJ Golf course we are quicly becoming a tourist destination. Thanks for seeing the potential in our area. Jim Bevis, Board Member, Florence-Lauderdale Tourism.

Posted By: arthur gaer (12/11/2008)
Comment: dear bill, i have been staying at marriott hotels and courtyards for over 18 years for business. the service is always the best, the rooms are spotless. when my wife and I travel, we stay at the marriott resort hotels. we have never been disappointed w/the service, appearance, or the help at the hotels. your hotels are the best; whether my stay is for business or pleasure. we always recommend your hotels to everyone.

Posted By: Dan Miller (12/11/2008)
Comment: Thank you for your well wishes and congratulations on all of your achievements in the hotel industry. I have enjoyed staying at Marriott Properties for over 14 years (World Wide)and will continue to do so for the remainder of my professional career. Thank you again. Captain Dan Miller

Posted By: Jack (12/3/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott, How kind of you to open your thoughts and gratitude to the world. I enjoy staying at all your hotels when I travel and prefer only the best. Thanks again.

Posted By: Bill Miller (12/2/2008)
Comment: Dear Bill, I hope that that you actually read the comments on your blog. I wanted to pass this message on to you. I feel it is important for you to stay in touch with what is happening at your hotels. I have been staying at Marriot properties for over 20 yrs now and have not had a bad experience. I recently stayed at your Fairfield Inn Bozeman Montana. My youngest daughter of four was in a state volleyball tournament. To say the least the joint was hoping! As there were three teams at the hotel. Without boring you with the details I had a billing problem with hotels.com and could not resolve it. I asked that your manager Gabe ***** help me out. Long story short this guy busted his *** for me and got the problem solved. He was very busy but took on my problem as if it were his own.He was there well until after midnight helping me and when I went to breakfast at 6:00am the next morning he was at the front desk. I write this to let you know that this is a guy who you should keep close tabs on. Running my own company I know how hard it is to find managers who are dedicated like this young man. If you are smart and I know you are you will give this young man a well done.

Posted By: calif (12/1/2008)
Comment: Mr. Marriott, thank you very much for including those key words "sexual orientation" when talking about the wonderful diversity in our country. That's music to the ears of most of your gay customers who will, like me, come back to Marriott again and again because of your inclusive words. Please understand that there is a lot of anger re: Proposition 8 and the support it got from the mormon church, but also know that not all gay people share the thoughts of the person posting as "BOYCOTT MARRIOTT."

Posted By: twojeanonse (11/30/2008)
Comment: Thanks for very interesting article.

Posted By: BOYCOTT MARRIOTT (11/28/2008)
Comment: Thanks Bill - Thanks for contributing to strip away my civil liberties by donating millions and millions annnually to the Mormon Church who used their tax-exempt status to strip gays of the right to marriage in California - We have so much to be thankful for. Thanks to your contributions and negligence of speaking out against the Mormon Churchs efforts for the passage of Propositon 8 - our children (most of whom are adopted) are now bastards - Thanks Bill!

Posted By: Barb (11/26/2008)
Comment: Dear Mr Marriott - Thank you for your Thanksgiving message and for your generousity and inspiration. Wishing you and your family a very happy, safe, and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Posted By: Houston Electrician (11/26/2008)
Comment: Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.

Posted By: profsubramanian (11/26/2008)
Comment: Nice thoughts and comments. Let us give thanks for the strengths and vision of this diverse nation.

Posted By: Feras Werr (11/26/2008)
Comment: Thank you for your inspiring insights and thoughts into Thanksgiving. I pray your family will always experience the blessings of togetherness, warmth and prosperity. I once forsook a well paid job in Lebanon because of what my family means to me and especially in those times of celebrations. It was around Christmas and I called in from Lebanon to wish them the tidings of the season. My parents and siblings were all gathered around a very handsome dinner table laughing and singing Christmas carols. My mother answered the phone and the happy atmosphere in the backgrounds at my home engulfed me like a tide filling the void missing them caused within me. After a few weeks I came back. Although I lost the money but I felt very rich because I was back living with the most precious people in my life. Surely my travel experience and the handsome Christmas gathering proved this to me along with the chair that was left empty on purpose at the dinner table to symbolize one very important thing; that although I was away my place will always be kept with my family.

Posted By: JennyM (11/25/2008)
Comment: Thanks for the Thanksgiving thoughts and commentary. Although I live in the US now, I come from England. Everyone in the US melting pot is very lucky to have the great tradition of Thanksgiving - there is nothing comparable in England and it is an opportunity missed. We are lucky to have this time for giving thanks. Also - I think your comment about travel aiding the diversity of this nation is spot on and I believe we should do all that we can to encourage everyone, especially children and adolescents to travel as much as possible. Thank you.