Marriott on the Move

Posted By: Anna Cash (9/28/2007)
Comment: Hello Mr. Marriott, how are you? I'm going to school to be a small business owner and eventually I want to make it a chain, like Marriott. I had some questions, what is the complete history of sucess of Marriott. In example, how much did it cost to start your hotel business? I know before there was a resturant before, how was that? Now that Marriott has been so sucessful, how much does the company make in a year? A month? Thank you so much. This is a project I'm doing for my business class.

Posted By: William (8/7/2007)
Comment: Thanks so much for the contribution to the web community. I feel these entries are really a great opportunity for us to get to know you and your company on something more than a business level. Additionally, they are exceptionally interesting for those of us interested in the hotel business.

Posted By: Carlton Hart (8/2/2007)
Comment: When was the Twin Bridges Marriott hotel closed and demolished? I didn't realize that it was the first hotel you opened.

Posted By: Ralf (7/10/2007)
Comment: Dear Bill, the fact that you share your thoughts and insights with the webcommunity is just awesome! I truly enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for doing that, Ralf

Posted By: Patricia Clayton (6/25/2007)
Comment: I am delighted to see that your hotel lists "Places of Worship" amongst the activitie for the guests that stay at your facilities. I stayed at the Torrance location and it was a pleasant surprise to see that listed. I will recommend your facility to anyone. I appreciate the service and the accommodations. God Bless all of you. Respectfully, Patricia A. Clayton

Posted By: Betty Carpenter (4/16/2007)
Comment: I just found out that you are part of a group that is pushing for amenesty for people in our country illegally. I will NEVER stay at one of your hotels again!

Posted By: Dave Imschweiler (4/8/2007)
Comment: Bill, Congratulations of 50 years of wonderful service. As I write this, I am staying at the Marriott Towne Place Suites in Springfield, VA. I stayed at the Twin Bridges in 1983 on my first business trip. At the time, the hotel was getting old and showing its age, but the service was fabulous. They say that first impressions in the business world can make or break a company. Obviously your company has made many great impressions. Over the last 24 years I have spend hundreds of nights at your hotels, and I especially enjoy your Residence Inn's. Again, congratulations on your company's milestone.

Posted By: Ken Miles (3/10/2007)
Comment: I live on the grounds of the JD Marriott Resort and Spa at Desert Springs, CA. The golf course is in very poor shape, greens and sand traps need a lot of work. The water hazard in front of my house on the 17 th tee, Palm Course, looks like a cest pool. The fountains on 13 and 14 don't work half of the time. I have complained to managemant without success. I know there is a lot on money being spent on the remodeling of the hotel but the staff should be able to keep the grounds and golf course up to the high standards you would expect with a J D Marriott facility. Thank you,

Posted By: Jeff (3/1/2007)
Comment: I would love to see Twin Bridges reopened by Marriott, giving guests the opportunity to stay there again! :) That would be amazing! Thanks Bill!

Posted By: filmmaking (2/11/2007)
Comment: Very inspiring to read this blog. shirdi saibaba bless all venkat

Posted By: Walter (1/28/2007)
Comment: Well a successfull way. But I wonder wether it still works like this. Sometime ago (2weeks) I applyed for a Job in one of yor Hotels. Untill now, I didn ´t even got an answer that the HR-Mgr received my application. It is very surprising, because itis not in context with "The Marriott Way" as I heard and have seen. Best regards

Posted By: Sue Williams (1/27/2007)
Comment: congratulations on 50 years in business and on your personal participation in that. It is a lot to look back on. Sometimes Marriott moves too fast to keep up with. I am in a location that gets only dialup internet. There are a lot of us in that fix. Marriott has embraced high speed technology to the extent that your website is practically useless to those of us on slow speed, since each page can take up to 10 minutes to fully open. Could Marriott please add a link to a dialup version with fewer images and more text for us? It will take me all day to get the info I need to do best arrange my business trip and meeting schedule for only one stop because of all these content rich sites. Thanks, Sue

Posted By: Jane McCarthy (1/26/2007)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott, Heard your interview on NPR this morning and it brought back fond memories of when I worked for my father. Glad you "graduated" from your work in the kitchens of the hotels to the home office! Jane

Posted By: Tony (1/24/2007)
Comment: Mr. Marriott congratulations on completing 50 years in the hotel business. I was at JW Marriott for a company conference today and as always it was a pleasure being to the Marriott. Is there any site where I can read about your biography and the Marriott history and business philosophy?. Thank you.

Response: Checkout http://marriott.com/corporateinfo/culture/default.mi.

Posted By: George (1/24/2007)
Comment: When did Marriott start referring to its guests as merely customers? (in response to Marriott's reply containing "...it's main purpose is to communicate with customers, we're focused on posting their comments...")

Posted By: Steven Kahn (1/23/2007)
Comment: Dear Mr Marriott, As I write this, I am once again, "on the move" as well, in my room at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare. I remember staying at the Twin Bridges Marriott back in the mid-60's on two family vacations to Washington. My brother and sister and I loved the big swimming pool there. Many years later, December 1988 to be exact, I moved to Crystal City, VA. I enjoyed bicycling all over Arlington, Fairfax and Washington, and one day realized that I must be close by the old place. Sure enough I found it, but it was not what it had once been, having been closed for some time. Some months later, I happened by again on my bicycle and sadly, the wrecking ball was doing its work on the old place. A chapter closed. Of course, by that time there were both the Crystal City and Crystal Gateway Marriot hotels quite nearby. Thanks for memories.

Posted By: Ron Hamilton (1/23/2007)
Comment: Hi Bill - Congratulations on your new Blog. Just another example of Marriott's committment to their customers. I am, and have been, a very loyal customer, reaching Platinum level in your rewards program several years ago. The Marriott brand is my hotel of choice primarily because of your committment to providing a consistent brand focused on the comfort, convenience and excitement of the traveler. Of course traveling as much as I do, both for business and pleasure, I have encountered less than desirable traveling issues on a rare occasion. But not once have I experienced anything less than a total committment on the part of your employees to address the issue with my happiness at the forefront of the resolution. Another reason I am excited to hear of your blog is because some 27 years ago I was about to graduate from college and considering my career path. Having always had very strong feelings concerning dollar value and service excellence I seriously considered a career in the hospitality industry. However, with a strong pull from the banking industry I chose that path and have had a very rewarding experience. Now that I have the exciting opportunity to explore the second half of my career I am again looking at your industry as a great avenue to persue Customer Service Excellence. What suggestions would you have for someone like myself, with 27 years of banking management experience, to move into the hospitality industry focusing on applying strong leadership skills to delivering service excellence? Any suggestions, especially relating to the Marriott brand, would be very appreciated. Again, thank your for this communication avenue and good luck with the blog.

Posted By: Michelle Neville (1/22/2007)
Comment: Mr Marriott, I absolutely love staying with your hotel's and resort's. I have been staying with you for years and will continue to do so. I also enjoy and find your blog very interesting. Keep up to good work!

Posted By: jim moffitt (1/22/2007)
Comment: Congratulations on this web site. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy my stays at all the Marriott properties. They are extremely clean, comfortable and reasonably priced. The rooms are very relaxing. I wish to bring to your attentions my favorite Marriott property: The Courtyard, Utica, Michigan. I stay there quite often when I am in the Metro Detroit area, either on business or pleasure. I have never met a more pleasant staff. The front desk personnel always make me feel most welcome. The restaurant staff see to my every need at breakfast. I feel that this facility is my home away from home. Please take a moment to express my thoughts to that great staff. Also the same can be said for the Towne Place Suites in Sterling Heights, MI. I close also by saying that my stays in all Marriott properties across the U.S. are alway very pleasant. I have recently became a member of Marriott Vacation Club. This decision was based in my (and my wife, also) experiences with your hotels. Thanks, Jim Moffitt

Posted By: Gerald Dijk (1/22/2007)
Comment: Cool, Its like listening to one of the stories my granddad tells. Verry nice and always interesting

Posted By: Scott Sanchez (1/22/2007)
Comment: I have been a Platinum member of the Marriot Rewards program off and on for over nine years and thank you for such great, reliable service. While I love the fact that almost every Marriott Hotel room has a consistent feel, I recently had a fantastic time at the new Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. Several of my co-workers have now also stayed there and they have sure enjoyed it. All the best for continued success and many thanks for the restful nights!

Posted By: Gelareh (1/22/2007)
Comment: Mr. Marriott, Keep up the good work! I really enjoyed reading your blog.

Posted By: William Bryant (1/22/2007)
Comment: I grew up in Washignton in the 1950s eating Mighty Moes (with the secret sause) at Hot Shoppes all around the DC area. Remember the Hot Shoppe in the Key Bridge circle before the hotel was built and when the 14th St. Marriott opened. We stay in a Marriott whenever we can when we travel. Only complaint--no exhaust fans in the bath rooms. You run a great business and have great people. Congratulations on 50 years in the hotel business.

Response: I'm responding on behalf of Bill Marriott. All our guest room bathrooms have ventilation systems. In many cases, it is required by law.

Posted By: Jeff Bridge (1/22/2007)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott, I love your hotels and most of them have whirlpools which is a mini vacation! I don't smoke so the new policy doesn't affect me. I however am a Hilton Gold member because they don't use calendar years for their eligible stay towards elite. I am a Marriott Silver and feel that I could be a Gold if Marriott changed the program to your "own" stay pattern. Maybe make certain hotels count as two or three stays to drive people to higher status. Trust me a "Gold" status is a make or break factor in making my future reservations! Keep up the good work!

Posted By: AJ (1/22/2007)
Comment: Hello Bill, I, like many other people commenting here so far, am a Platinum Premier member of Marriott Rewards. Being a person who stays at Marriott so often I always wonder if I could get a moonlighting position evaluting your hotels in trade for a few extra nights per year. Anyway, thanks for creating this site. It's an excellent way to communicate directly with your loyal customers and I'm sure that you will get much excellent feedback that can help improve an already great company. AJ

Posted By: mc pvc (1/22/2007)
Comment: Things sure have changed. Enjoy the anniversary and keep blogging!

Posted By: Jim Park (1/21/2007)
Comment: I was one of the first Front Office Managers at Twin Bridges after having been FOM at the Key Bridge Marriott. I started as Night Auditor there in 1959 working for *** ***** and **** ****.In 1960 or 61 I worked in your office at River Roadwith **** ****** writing the very first Operating Manuals. Although I ended up as a senior banker in Beverly Hills for many years,those early years with Marriott Hotels are some of my happiest memories.I was also honored to know both your father and mother and brother Dick. I Often talked with Mrs. Marriott as she sat in the lobby at Twin Bridges or out at Fairfield Farms. Thus,I cannot wait to read more of your blogs!

Posted By: Musara's Team (1/21/2007)
Comment: Congratulations to Marriott family and the business associates for making a remarkable accomplishment. There is a famous quote by David Burns, "Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. " Marriott's brand was built on the principle of constant improvement based on its customers' feedback. Marriott family is a great friend to us and we wish them continued success for many years to come. Rgds, The Musara's Team http://www.musaras.ca

Posted By: Joe (1/21/2007)
Comment: I was wondering if you allow posts from associates.

Response: Thanks for your comment to Bill Marriott. We've received a lot of comments from associates about the blog. Since its main purpose is to communicate with customers, we're focused on posting their comments for now. However, we encourage associates to communicate through their normal internal channels. And based on the positive response to the blog, we're also looking into an internal version for associates. So stay tuned!

Posted By: Bob Fish (1/21/2007)
Comment: Congratulations on 50 years/80 years, and very cool ide with the blog. I am a platinum with you, and will keep staying with you as many nights as I travel every year. In some cases, I've even had to drive a bit to get to one of your properties from a meeting place that was not as close as would be normally convenient. When you stay as many nights as I have over the years, it's nice to recognize the sheets, towels, drapes, desks, etc. It makes it a little less hard to be away from home as much. I travel a little less these days (after 9/11), so it's a little harder to hit platinum each year, but hopefully I'm close to my emeritus. Thanks again for my homes away from home. Bob -

Posted By: Steven Zemsky (1/21/2007)
Comment: Bill, Congratulations on fifty years! I'm a Marriott Rewards member and stayed at many Marriott properties over the last 30 years on both business and vacation travel because of the high standards at those properties. I had a bad experience at the St. Kitts Marriott last year - where can I send my comments?

Response: I'm responding on behalf of Bill Marriott. There is a link to customer care on the right-hand column of the blog. They would be more than happy to assist you.

Posted By: Renee Anderson (1/20/2007)
Comment: 50 years and keeping up with with the times- great blog. I stayed at the Marriott near the Denver Airport prior to Christmas because of the blizzard. I called early on the 20th and was able to reserve a room and had comfortable accomodations while others slept on the floor or cots at the Denver International Airport. I met you when the Sea-Tac Marriott opened in the early 80s. One of the best parts of Marriott is their personnel. The Dining Manager - ******* ********* in Denver made everyone's difficult situation in December better. The staff was snowed in with us, and worked shift upon shift, but Sileste was constantly gracious and treated guests as if they were in her own home. Good luck with the next 50 years.

Posted By: Derrick Daye (1/20/2007)
Comment: Bill, Congratulations on fifty years! It's quite a story. And it's quite fitting to see you blogging. Charles Darwin's words reflect the reasoning behind your family's accomplishments - "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." We are all pioneeers out here, and we're ahead of the curve. Have you noticed a surge in your 'mental profit'? One last thought, if you ever think you are an older pioneer out here, check out this great blog from the world's second oldest blogger http://dontoearth.blogspot.com/ - your just a kid in comparison. - Best wishes, Derrick

Posted By: Lee Aase (1/20/2007)
Comment: It's great to see Mr. Marriott joining the ranks of CEO bloggers. I like hearing stories of how people started small (although a 365 room hotel still seems kind of big to me) and created something special. Thanks for sharing the stories.

Posted By: Vicki S. (1/20/2007)
Comment: Having a blog like this is a great idea! Thanks for the stories about Marriott's beginnings--hope there are many more. I'm getting older and don't travel as much as I used to, but I'm still a gold member and would never stay anywhere except at a Marriott property if at all possible. I would like to comment on the two issues that have been brought up already: feathers and immigrants. As for feather pillows, it is THE reason my husband (who tries to save money on everything we do!) will stay at a Marriott rather than a less expensive hotel. He just can't sleep without a feather pillow, so that is the "hook" I can always use to convince him that we should stay at a Marriott while traveling. On the immigrant issue, I know that opinions are very strongly held on both sides, but I am delighted and, I admit, surprised that Mr. Marriott supports a more tolerant attitude toward immigrants. We are all equals in God's eyes and I am so pleased that a corporate leader such as Mr. Marriott is taking this position with regard to all of God's children. Thank you! And it makes me even more likely to choose a Marriott!

Posted By: Carl Reichmuth (1/20/2007)
Comment: Congratulations on your blog. (This is my first comment to a blog!) We love Marriott hotels and have stayed in many over the 37 years we've been married. Recently, bought a Marriott time-share (wouldn't have bought from anyone else.) Still sorting that out though, it takes some planning and time to get the most out of it. Hopefully, a few years from now we will be as happy with this purchase as we are with Marriott hotels (My wife is an Elite member of Marriott Rewards). We opted for the Marriott rewards Premium VISA card despite its annual fee because of the points incentive. However, we are dropping it at the first opportunity because of the way they calculate the interest. We pay off our credit cards each month on-time, but still incur interest. I know Marriott does not control Chase's policy, but your name is attached! Thanks for a great chain of hotels and for making them non-smoking. Carl

Posted By: Jim Landvick (1/20/2007)
Comment: I'm a Marriot Platnum customer that has quit statying at Marriot's because of you smoking policy .

Posted By: Linda Girard (1/20/2007)
Comment: Bravo! I am the CEO of an Internet marketing firm in Ann Arbor Michigan and I am really excited to see what you have done with this blog. It really makes you a thought leader in the hotel industry. Your voice is clear and personal. Plus I need to point out that this will help drive relevant traffic to your site by leaps and bounds! Best, Linda Girard

Posted By: L. Gulley (1/20/2007)
Comment: I read about your new blog in the AH&LA SmartBrief. Congratulations! I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts about the hospitality industry. Your blog could also be an excellent tool for hospitality students who love this type of technology for learning. Thank you for connecting to your customers in this way.

Posted By: B. Straub (1/19/2007)
Comment: Congratulations on the new blog -- and welcome to the 21st century! As a platinum member, I see a lot of Marriott hotels. Just today, I had a chance to see the new look for Residence Inn as it is being installed at the Eugene, OR Residence Inn. I'm a huge fan of Marriott Hotels and have stayed many a night in Residence Inns but I have to say that the new look leaves me very cold. The new "chaise lounge" that is being substituted for the existing couch, especially, is hard, uncomfortable and ungainly. When seeking a hotel room, and especially when seeking a hotel room for a multi-night stay, I look for function, comfort and style, in that order. Style is last by a long shot; if the room works and is comfortable, then I'm most likely going to be happy. But a room with an uncomfortable couch that isn't conducive to lying down and watching TV isn't going to be a room that I'll want to spend time in and I think many men, at least, are going to feel the same way. I wish you much luck with the blog. I hope it serves you and your customers well.

Posted By: Julien (1/19/2007)
Comment: It's great to hear from you on how the Marriott company started out 50 years ago. Very interesting. Thank you.

Posted By: Ed Twardy (1/19/2007)
Comment: After my comment yesterday, I didn't think I'd respond again...but your message today reminded me that when I graduated from the Navy Recruit Training Command at Bainbridge, MD in the late summer of 1957 (Company 132), a bunch of us came down to Washington, DC for a looksee before we shipped out to our first duty stations. I cannot honestly say in which hotel we stayed, but the picture attached to your blog..seems very familiar. Regardless of where the five of us stayed on that trip...I guess I've been staying at Marriotts for just about as long as there have been Marriotts. Thanks for the memory jog and the recipes. est

Posted By: Andrew P. Delany (1/19/2007)
Comment: Dear Bill, Way to go arriving in the new cultural blogspeak with a progressive message! As you see and evaluate what is next in customer service, please consider what many five star spas are beginning to offer their guests, namely, an on-board stress reduction specialist or lifestyle coach that can bring down stress levels faster than baths, bars, and tv. My wife and I have been guest experts at some of these great hotels and destination spas, and can attest to the effectiveness of having a concierge referred service that allows brief, person to person support in a completely safe and professional context. Thanks for doing a great job - we love your hotels. Sincerely,

Response: As a member of Bill Marriott's team, we wanted to let you know that we put a premium on delivering superb spa services. It's one the fastest growing guest amenities. Thanks for your suggestion.

Posted By: Elaine (1/19/2007)
Comment: Congratulations on 50 years! That's quite an achievement in this day and age. Saw the interview with Neil Cavuto today and have a comment: Please do not change the feather bedding! That's one of the reasons I choose Marriott Hotels. This past weekend I stayed at the Marriott Inner Harbor and was informed of feather bedding. Your staff is doing it's job in alerting the customer with potential allergy problems. Secondly marketing your bedding is a great idea. Purchased some of my favorite items already. Sign me ~~ a loyal customer :-)

Response: As a member of Mr. Marriott's team, we want you to know that we offer feather and hypo-allergenic pillows.

Posted By: Rich Pieropan (1/19/2007)
Comment: Mr. Marriott, Thank you for sharing some of your history. It always interested me how corporations began. Ah, the humble beginnings. Hope all is well in your life. Have a great weekend. Rich Pieropan Realtor (and retired Air Force guy) Phoenix, AZ

Posted By: Miku Araman (1/19/2007)
Comment: Wow, things have come a long way. I'd like to see some of those room rates again!

Posted By: Ruth Ann Compton (1/19/2007)
Comment: Dear Mr Marriott: I just saw you on Neal Cavutto's show on Fox News. With regard to "feathers in the room". I enjoy the "feather items." However, my daughter and her family are highly allergic. I recall that in the 1970's when she was a little tot, we forgot to take foam pillows with us. The owner of the hotel had no rooms with foam pillows. He had his wife take the foam pillows off the bed in their personal quarters. My suggestion is that hotels have a few allergy free rooms...no feathers etc. Perhaps, even to the point of hard floors which can be wet mopped. An ionizer in the room would be nice. I enjoy the blog, but please keep it short. You are continuing to be a true "idea person." Sincerely, Ruth Ann Compton

Posted By: Steve Levenson (1/19/2007)
Comment: Thank you for how you do business. I am a government employee and will leave for another week on the road Sunday morning. It will be Marriott for two of three hotels. The first was not my choice. You feed me breakfast in London and I feel at home with you. I also head the Springfield redevelopment CSPARK citizen group and have had the pleasure of seeing the third of your properties improving Springfield. Thanks for letting us talk with you

Posted By: lucretia nobile (1/19/2007)
Comment: Hi Bill, My husband and I share an anniversary with you. We are married 50 years as of today 1/19/07. We have been members of the " Marriott family" for 15 years. We own a week at The Barony and a week at Grande Ocean both in Hilton Head.We have enjoyed our affiliation tremendously. Keep up the good work!, and Congratulations to all of us. Sincerely, Matt & Lucretia Nobile

Posted By: Jim (1/19/2007)
Comment: I just saw your interview on Fox News. You sir advocate amnesty for illegal aliens, criminals sir, not immigrants. I will never stay at your hotels ever again. Contrary to popular belief these illegal aliens are a drain on our economy and reduce opportunities for all. You simply need to look at the long lines of applicants at the various Swift plants (after the INS raids) to see that the illegal is taking away jobs that people want. Y es muy importante que entiendo yo soy no racista. Quiero muchas inmigrantes aqui, inmigrantes legales.

Posted By: Steven R. (1/19/2007)
Comment: Cool stuff, Mr. Marriott! Showing your enthusiasm for listening really attests to the character of your hotel.

Posted By: C. McNair Wilson (1/19/2007)
Comment: I am a long-time Marriott patron. Love you various accomodations from Fairfield to Marquis, but I am curious why some of your brands offer free internat connection while others do not. I assure you, It is a key part of selecting accomodations in my frequent (constant) business travel.

Posted By: Chip (1/19/2007)
Comment: Great job on the new beds. I recently stayed many nights in many different hotels from Hilton Head to St. Augustine and Birmingham to St. Louis. It was like heaven for me to wake up every morning it really made the stays very enjoyable. Thanks so much for serving, caring and listening to your customers.

Posted By: Mike Rehling (1/19/2007)
Comment: My FAVORITE hotel chain! I am a Lifetime Platinum member and always feel like my stays at Marriott are special. I travel for a living, and your chain, in each of the incarnations, is first rate. Great to have you as a fellow 'Blogger'. Mike

Posted By: Jeremiah (1/19/2007)
Comment: On recently saw your on Foxnews and was cheering because of your support of immigration! Finally there is someone in the Corporate World who has compassion on these people!