I am a Rewards member whose job requires that I spend a lot of time living at Marriott Hotels.
Most of the time, I am very satisfied with those hotels.
But it has been a constant annoyance that the televisions in Marriotts need to have their volume modulated. The volume fluctuates from very loud during commercials, to so low that HBO channel is bearly audible.
There are devices that can be installed to TVs which maintain a steady volume level.
Please fix the problem.

Dear Mr. Marriott,
I have traveled to New Orleans several times on business working with Katrina survivors. On my last few trips I discovered the Renaissance Pere Marquette. I LOVE IT! I cannot agree more about Allison Vines-Rushing and her husband Slade. This was the single best breakfast I've had at a hotel. The restaurant is simply excellent. Further, the staff was impressive. I was especially impressed by the restaurant hostess, Alexandria. While the hotel lobby is being updated, this does not take away from the quality of service. The front desk does so much more than give you the keys to your room. They are friendly, pleasant, and knowledgeable. While the JW is out of my price range, I hope to be able to stay there on my next trip as I have come to really like Marriott as a chain. Finally, thank you for your efforts to bring the city of New Orleans back. As a business, I understand that tourists are your bread and butter, but thank you for creating opportunities for those in the city who call New Orleans home.

I implore you to please stop using those two Residence Inn TV commercials featuring dancers. I find them annoying and both have been broadcast for months. I can't find the mute button fast enough, especially for the one with the flamenco music.

Mr Marriott, I only have one question, and then some comments. Why is it every time Reward members try to receive lower rates at our hotel, there is a problem. Very seldom, on asking about receiving rates a bit lower, I am told that that is the rate now, and that is usually that, although I would let reservations know that I am a member. Sometime I would like my family to travel with me, but can't always afford the very high rates quoted at some properties. I Do LOVE staying at my Marriott hotels and really wish something can be done about offering continuous members beter rates. Keep up that excellent caring at the establishments and ALWAYS making it comfortable. I will be visiting New Orleans next year, but was unable to get into a Marriott in the vicinity of Two Poydras Street where I will be attending a Convention. God bless!

God bless Jessie & others for what they are doing to help people get back to work. I commend you for your support of Jessie's efforts to give people a chance when they need it most. New Orleans has always been a special place for me, & my parents continue to visit every year. Thank you for supporting that wonderful City! Merry Christmas! - Dru

Thanks so much for your comments about the changes being made in NOLA. We visit NOLA several times a year and the Marriott at 501 Canal has always been my favorite for any occasion to visit NOLA. It was under construction on one of my last vist and changes were to be completed in Oct 07. The next trip we opt to stay at the JW Marriott across the street and had a wonderful stay. The Marriott hotels have been a lifesaver and this is why I am so committed to your hotels and a Marriott member. In 2003, for my wedding I had my guest to stay at the Marriott at 501 Canal. Everyone praised the hotel for it's services. I left for a honeymoon in St. Thomas and silly me did not select a Mariott. Well upon arrival to the hotel it was a nightmare. Because I had my Marriott 800 number in my PDA they came throught. A cab was sent for me and my wife and my honeymoon saved by us staying at the Marriott Frenchmen's Reef for five days. The Frenchman Reef in St. Thomas VI is the greatest, exceptional services and wonderful staff. In 2008, we are returning to spent our anniversity at the Marriott Frenchman Reef in St. Thomas. I can't THANK YOU and ALL of your staff for always providing above and beyond customer service to visitors. I have been waiting to write a letter about Marriott services and thank you for putting this blog out for me to do it. Thanks again.

Mr Marriott
I stay around 150 nights plus per year and I have to tell you about the service levels at EVERY location from Management to Maid service is the simply the best. Hilto ran a Delta promo where you could receive MQM or actual mileage for up to 10,000 actual miles, I hate to say I stayed in every Hilton family chain to help maintain my Platnuim Staus with Delta and all I will say it reminded me of the superior service you chain offers, you simply blew them away in every area! I just left the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans, the best meal I had over the 5 days I was there was at the hotel. Then I stayed at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and their service was awesome. I would hope that you consider a promotion in MQM in 2008 with Delta, I can assure you it will increase business and will attract the Hilton members and gain many new customers when they see the service adn quaility of the entire Marriott family of hotels. Thank you & all of your employees for your excellent service and I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Best Regards
Bob Shively

Bill, I fully agree with your assessment of how New Orleans is on the rebound. Convention and Tourism business looks like it's getting much better. I couldn't get a reservation at the properties near the Quarters (even when I pulled out my Platinum status), but I did get a chance to walk around the area and eat at many restaurants. It's almost like the pre-Katrina atmosphere. I'll be sure to get my reservations in early next time.

BUT!!! Let's scream out that word BUT!!
But what about the next storm? New Orleans for some unknown reason, was built below sea level. It had money for levy improvements, that is squandered on other items. It has levies that used to rate protection from a Class 3 hurricane. BUT that was before 80% of its barrier islands were wiped out. So at what point, do you see this as a loosing cause, where the monies being spent might be better spent somewhere ABOVE sea level. New Orleans is sitting in an area that is horrifically exposed to the ravages of tropical storms, and the next BIG one might only need to be a medium hurricane on the scale of storms.
Now I have enjoyed visiting New Orleans in the past, but I really do think I could enjoy my time more in a NEW New Orleans, one built ABOVE sea level

Mr. Marriott, Thanks for writing about your recent visit to New Orleans and the city is coming back and looking to have a great 2008. I am a tour guide here in the city and just last week worked with E.T. from the Canal St. Marriott with the guest that was brought to see the city and enjoy all that we have to offer. The guest really enjoyed themselves and I heard many of them mention the business they will be bringing to New Orleans and the Marriott.

Dear Bill,
Merry Xmas and a happy New year to you and staff at marriott as well. Always a pleasure to stay with you.

I was at the New Orleans Marriott for the National League of Cities meeting when you came to thank the Marriott employees for the great job that they are doing. It was a tremendous experience for the employees and all of the guests as we witnessed this outstanding management recognition. Continue the great leadership and respect for Marriott employees and our Marriott visits will continue to be unique and outstanding.
Thanks,
Mayor Richard Long
Jackson, Alabama

Hi Bill, Thankyou foryour message and allowing Marriott customer add comments.
I feel Marriott needs to review hotel room availabiliy in the Landland, FL. area.
Just a heads up on this comment;I travel to this area on business and both Resident Inn and Court Yard hotels are continiously not available. You needto add another Court Yard or Fairfield to that area. You miss a lot of my business as no rooms are available at these locations.
Thanks Gary Reed

Thanks for your blog. I wanted you to know about another Marriott sucess story. I was recently in Islamabad when their President declared a state of emergency. I was staying at the Marriott and not only did I feel secure but the service and friendliness of the staff was top shelf. Pretty interesting considering the world around them. A great place to stay in a troubled part of the world. I also thought you may like this. I picked up your book in the drawer one day and took several teaching points about leadership and change from the book and used it on the international police officers in my class. It went over very well. Your properties are great....

CNN / Anderson Cooper needs to report on the good about New Orleans. Yes, there are areas in need...but that's the case in many other cities. We need to encourage businesses, airlines, etc. to send business to this city and host meetings, conventions. This is the only way the 9th ward and others will be fixed. I recently visited New Orleans and have a wonderful and safe time.

Mr. Marriott. So glad to see your comments about our favorite city - New Orleans. We visited in October and were pleased to see that at least the French Quarter and spots in the Warehouse district seemed to be coming back. The food remains incredible and we hope that conventions will return and fill up those empty music bars on Bourbon Street. We are loyal Marriott users throughout Westchester and Long Island and your hotels never disappoint.

Hi Bill,
Thank you for you continued support of New Orleans. I am a hotel consultant in New Orleans and my sister is the Executive Director of the New Orleans Hotel Lodging Association (I also have a cousin who has worked for Marriott Corp in Chevy Chase for over 20 years!)and we want you to know how much your positive message can impact our city. Please continue to visit and share your great stories. Let's hope the meeting planners of the world take note and help make us the top destination we once were. New Orleans is open for business!!!! Come fall in love with it all over again!

It was nice to read about Jesse and the chef couple.
Good post Mr. Marriott!

To: Mr. Bill Marriott CEO
From: Linda Grigg
Re: NY Marquis Time Square Experience
May I take this opportunity to congratulate you and the staff at the Marquis Times Square NYC (Mr. Mike Stengel Mgr.) for the exceptional service in every department during our recent visit for the NCTE convention.. CindeeFowler is the name on the registration. Please award the staff at the Marguis with whatever your policy allows. The service was the quintessence of Marriotts. Thank you. Linda Grigg, Cindee Fowler and Celine Devers

Dear Bill,
While speaking of wonderful employees, let me add one more I think you'd like to know about.
Ms. Nyoker ******, night auditor, provided me with the most wonderful service at Residence Inn by Marriott, New Rochelle, N.Y. At 3.30 a.m. she found a way to send out for a snack of food for an 80-year-old man (myself) who has trouble sleeping--especially if awakens hungry. (We are nearly close in age so perhaps you fully understand the problem.)This snack was brought within 10 minutes and was perfect in execution of my order. It got me through the night in good shape--otherwise not likely.
She was pleasant, cooperative, forthcoming and above all smart and efficient in everything she did.
I thought it remarkable for a night auditor to step beyond the normal call this way.
I am forever grateful to her and Marriott for providing such helpful service.
I understand Mrs. Nyoker ****** has two young children, a boy 3 and a girl 18 months, and has taken the job to supplement her husband's and family income.
You should be proud of her.
Hang in there 'old fellow'!
Sincerely,
Richard M. (Deke) Ulian
Little Island Charter & Rich Publishing Company
Cotuit MA 026335
508. 477-0403
Yale '50
Stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott, New Rochelle, N.Y. 11/10/07
P. S. I sent this message - substantially same - to Customer Care and got a very nice response. I thought, however, you would want to know about it whilst thinking about and recording wonderful employees--be they New Orleans or New Rochelle!

I always enjoy the New orleans properties. It's where I make my home on Canal Street as well as The Paree location

Bill:
I just posted in Marriott's "contact us" box a laudatory comment on the performance of one of your employees at Residence Inn by Marriott at New Rochelle NY.
I want you to be aware of it too, so will summarize here if I may.
Mrs. Nyoker ****** is the night auditor. I am an 80-year-old man (I think we're almost of similar age) and awoke in the middle of the night -- hungry. In desperation I went to the lobby, and Mrs. ******greeted me warmly, discovered my problem, and quickly sent out for a snack. It arrived perfectly to my specification within 10 minutes.
She was pleasant, warm, efficient and smart -- all at 3.30 a.m. in a call surely above her duty.
I understand Mrs. ****** has two young children, a boy 3 and girl 18 months, and has taken the job to supplement her family income. She is a recent graduate of Pace College in accountancy. Her husband works in a promising day job.
Your organization is to be complemented on hiring such employees, with especial mention I should imagine to Mr. Scott *****, manager at New Rochelle Marriott.
Congratulations! And carry on, young fella'.
Richard Ulian
Little Island Charter & Rich Publishing Company
(author, A Sailor's Notebook)
Yale '50

I second Barbara's sentiment. I've stayed twice at a Marriott Courtyard in Lincolnshire, IL during the past 6 mos. without 1 sign of recycling. It's so easy but so overlooked.
I look forward to Marriott implementing effective, visible recycling at all of its properties.

Thanks to Bill Marriott for comments on his blog about his recent trip to New Orleans and his observations about the state of the city. While much work remains to be done, we are anxious to show the progress the city has made toward recovery and welcome the opportunity to do so other visitors. I think all will enjoy a visit and be surprised by the welcome they will receive. We remain eternally grateful to all those who have helped us in our efforts to recover.

It's good to hear that Marriott is taking a role in helping the victims of Katrina. Out of curiosity, why doesn't Marriott sponsor international students the working permit in order to fill in the shortage of hospitality workers in the U.S?