Since we announced our hotel deal with Nickelodeon-where we're going to be developing Nick Hotels by Marriott, featuring all the Nickelodeon characters and many of the Nickelodeon festivities-people have asked me what it's like to be slimed. Well, I can tell you, it's a lot of fun.
I was standing there on the stage at the exact place where I was supposed to be and a steel arm came over the top of the curtain behind me. All of the sudden, this ice cold green stuff came down on the back of my neck, the backside of my face, down the collar of my shirt, down the left side of my coat, my shirt, my pants and my shoes. Everybody, of course, was laughing and having a great time and I was miserable, but it was kind of fun! I thought, "Oh boy, I'm sure glad this is over." And then, I looked down and there were my two grandsons, Andrew, 5, and Jack, 3. Their father was with them and their mother, David and Carrie. David reached down below the stage and pulled up a big pitcher of green slime, which he gave to Jack and Andrew and which they proceeded to pour all over my pants, all over my shoes and my socks. That went into my shoes, and of course you know when you get "gush" in your shoes how much fun it is to walk and it squeaks and it sloshes around in there. That was miserable, but the boys just loved it. That, to me, was the highlight of their day, and maybe their whole year.
They talked for a long time about how important it was that Grandpa be slimed properly. So for them to participate in this was a very, very big event.
For me, it was a lot of fun. It's always fun to be with your family and it's particularly fun for me to be with these two little towheaded blond boys who are so full of enthusiasm and energy. They keep showing up every time I have a festivity, or a meeting, or a lunch, or whatever they can show up at in their green and orange shirts to remind me that they want to be sure to be some of the very first guests at the Nick by Marriott hotel. They're always giving me ideas on what we can do to make Nick by Marriott a more exciting hotel for kids.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
The Experience of Getting Slimed
Wow. Great to know someone in your position is so open to these sorts of things. This really bodes well for your company!
Posted by: William | 08/07/2007 at 08:06 AM
This is a very nice option for kids, I'm sure they are going to love it and by the hand of Marriot Hotels it will be Fantastic. Thanks a lot Mr. Marriot and for getting slimed too. =)
Posted by: Silvia Basilis | 08/05/2007 at 09:09 AM
I'm thrilled about this new acquisition! I don't think I can wait for it to come to the East coast, I will be on my way to California when it opens! I've been waiting for someone to add a competitive edge to the dominating mouse, and I'M OVERLY JOYED, words cannot express. My child prefers Nick over those other guys, so its been hard to convince him to truly enjoy those other guys. Long live Sponge Bob! (smile)
Posted by: Randa Chappin | 07/25/2007 at 05:20 AM
It is possible for family to be involved in business! Now I see
Posted by: Sally Rushton | 07/24/2007 at 10:46 PM
Mr. Marriott,
It's great to hear about the "Nick" theme that is coming. My granddaughter loves SpongeBob Squarepants and the others.
We recently stayed at the Marriott Ocean Pointe Resort on Singer Island. (We have a timeshare through Spinnaker Resorts and traded to stay at O.P.) This was one of the nicest places we have ever stayed, and our first experience with a Marriott resort. We've decided we want to try to "trade" for a Marriott every summer!
Let me say that our week at Ocean Pointe was great except for our mini-van's fuel pump going out on us. Mr. Matt ******** (I hope I have spelled his name correctly) of your Ocean Pointe staff was very helpful. He personally called a tow truck and sent us to the nicest repair shop just a short walk from the resort. These gentlemen were equally kind and had us back in operation in under a day. Unfortunately, the new fuel pump was defective (we found this out at a local mall), but the nice automotive guys went out of their way to order a new one and install it at no extra charge. During this time, our transmission decided to hang in second gear. The automotive guys directed us to a transmission place that immediately repaired the little problem for less than $30!!!!
At both businesses we were so relieved to have been treated nicely and fairly (money-wise) when as my husband commented, "They could have really stuck it to us since we're from out of town and desparate."
Mr. Marriott, I know this situation had nothing to do with your resort, but the fact that "your" man, Mr. ********, helped good come from bad really left a great feeling about your resort and the name, Marriott.
Also, as my husband works for the government, he is usually housed in Marriott hotels or residence inns. In fact, we (I get to go since school is still out!) are going this weekend to the Marriott Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavilion to stay a week!
Thanks for all your good work.
Leah Vocque, Bauxite, Arkansas
Posted by: Leah Vocque | 07/24/2007 at 03:32 PM
I'm totally pumped about this new dimension to the marriott name. I've been telling everyone I can about it!
Posted by: Amie Marse | 07/22/2007 at 02:41 PM
GRANDPARENTS SURE ARE FUN! -
IT'S GREAT TO KEEP UP WITH MARRIOTT ON THE MOVE.
AND, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. MARRIOTT.
Posted by: Trudi Blakeslee | 07/21/2007 at 04:59 PM
Getting slimed must be one of your highlights and having your grandkids to share this with you has to be great. I'm very impressed with your energy and commitment to Marriott and all that you are doing. I will keept track and I want to see you in El Salvador.
Posted by: Richard Stone | 07/21/2007 at 10:29 AM
Great to see the CEO of a major corporation be so human!
Posted by: Hank Mancini | 07/21/2007 at 07:23 AM
I just wanted Mr. Marriott to know that he is a fine humanitarian and that having been married for 57 years (and intend celebrating the occasion at your Annapolis Marriott) I have learned that it is only by the decency of our actions towards others that we can hope to justify our existence in this so troubled world. Mr.Marriott is a fine example of kindness, charity and a warmth of humor that must endear him to all who have had the good fortune to know him which alas I have not. I wished him continued successes with the Nick Marriotts and many more years of good health to enjoy with all his loved ones.
Posted by: Sabina Shalom | 07/21/2007 at 05:32 AM
You are a real humanitarian Bill Marriott
I am married fiftyseven years next week and hope to celebrate it on July 31st. and August 1st.at your Annapolis Marriott. Now in my 82nd. year, I have lived to learn that it is only by the decency of our actions towards others, even in the smallest of ways, that we can justify our existence in this so troubled world. You are a fine example of kindness, charity, and with a sense of humor that embraces all who are fortunate enough to know you. I wish I could be one of them. May the Almighty bless you with good health, continued successes and every happiness to celebrate in good health many more years of joyous occasions with all your loved ones.
Sabina Shalom
5225 Pooks Hill Road
Bethesda, MD.20814
Tel: 301-564-5751
Posted by: Sabina Shalom | 07/21/2007 at 04:55 AM
Hi Bill,
I want you to know I am a Grandma, that has been watching the Nickelodeon channel ever since my grandchild has been able to use a remote! I feel you have to be pretty real in the little people world and adult world. This will make families on vacation in the Marriot world so much more family friendly
I am also a Marriot time share owner, I know I will bring my Grandchild to your updated resorts!
I am also on record with a request for employment with Marriot. I have all good things to say about Marriot and would love to prove it. I have 15 years of Customer Service from my job, I was cut due to budget cuts.
My dream from childhood came true with Marriot, I and my sisters went and stayed in Hawaii in 2 most gracious Marriot condos. We were on the Island of Kauai where my dearly departed father was stationed in the war. This was a dream come true.
Thank You so very much!
With kind regards,
Rose Coulter-Owens
Posted by: Rose Coulter-Owens | 07/20/2007 at 03:43 PM