A small piece of advice that I do have as a Marriott employee is that rates do change very frequently. A lot of guests (or potential guests) will call in and get very angry because the rate has gone up since they last looked, which sometimes is just a day ago or even sometimes an hour or two ago. The rates do go up a lot, especially as the date of arrival gets closer. It is always a good idea to book your reservation as early as possible as a Flexible rate (NOT prepaid), as you get a cancellation policy and hold the room when you aren't sure or want to discuss it further. Maybe even book a few rooms if you are trying to decide between hotels, since you can always cancel your reservation prior to the cancellation policy ending and not be charged. I have literally seen a rate double in a matter of minutes on many more than one occasion. Never, ever book a prepaid rate unless you are FOR SURE going, no matter what happens. They are non-refundable no matter the circumstance. Every single day, I get at least one person with a non-refundable rate trying to call in and cancel. They get mad at me when I have to say that they forfeit the full charge for the room that has already been paid, no matter what the issue is. They do not make exceptions for these reservations regardless of Bonvoy Elite level, how important the reason is for cancelling, I've even seen them refuse to refund for someone who passed away and their child called in for a refund. The only time I have seen it happen is when the hotel has been evacuated due to extreme weather and only for a minimal number of days until the hotel is open again. That being said, there have also been times when the rate has gone down since the guest booked. This obviously does not happen nearly as frequently, but it would surprise you to see how often it does happen. It is never a bad idea to double-check the rates to compare with the current rates, especially if you booked months previously. Something else that I would like to bring up that I see many times a day is when a guest calls in about a reservation that they booked through a third party, like Expedia for example. These reservations do not qualify to earn points under your Bonvoy account, nor do they count as an Elite Night. It is still worth adding your Bonvoy number (which can only be done by calling Marriott) because you will still get the free wifi that all members get (some properties charge extra for wifi access, and it can be pricey) plus you can do mobile check-in and you will still earn points on the amount you pay for incidentals or any additional purchases you make while there (food, movies, long distance calling, etc.). We cannot do much with these reservations if you need to modify, cancel, add a name, etc. You would need to call the third party company for most situations. A lot of people also forget that you are eligible for further discounts if you are a AAA/CAA member, senior aged 62+, a government employee or have corporate discounts. We cannot proactively ask you, either. So it is on you as the guest to mention if you are eligible for any of these discounts. Many people may or may not know about the Marriott Best Rate Guarantee. Basically, if you find a third party who is offering the exact same room on the exact same dates with the exact same type of rate (for example, a prepaid rate vs. flexible rate) for a lower price than Marriott is offering it, we will match that price (subject to terms and conditions) AND give you the choice of an additional 25% off the matched rate OR 5,000 Bonvoy points. In order to be eligible, you must be booking at least 24 hours in advance. You fill out the Claim Form and someone in the Best Rate Guarantee department will email you back within 24 hours to let you know if you do meet the requirements. It is always worth trying, especially if you put in the claim well enough in advance that you can still cancel should you be declined and can then book through that third party. I do not know all the requirements but I do know that most people's claims are denied (as they compare the non-refundable third party rate to our flexible rates, which are more than the prepaid). Also, keep an eye on your inbox for emails from Marriott regarding promotions. They offer a new promotion every month or two that you must sign up for using the link in the email. For example, the promotion right now is 2,000 bonus Bonvoy points for every stay of 2+ nights at a Marriott hotel up until late November. A lot of times, there are promotions for guests booking 2 rooms with a buy one, get one 50% off. These promotions are not advertised, therefore the only way to find out about them is via email. Another great tip for anyone booking a reservation for a special occasion is to mention it when booking your reservation and when checking in to the hotel. Most Marriott properties will give you some sort of amenity, like free breakfast/parking or a complimentary room upgrade to a room with a nicer view when it is a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. You can mention it when booking to have the agent note your reservation, but it is necessary to tell the front desk as well, as they are the ones actually giving the gift/amenity. There are so many more tips and tricks I could write here. I could go on for days, but I think I've more than worn out my welcome. If anyone has any Marriott-related questions I can answer or if you wanted any tips that I haven't mentioned just comment and I will, of course, respond.
I work at a Courtyard and Residence Inn. They are two separate hotels in the same building so I work for both brands at the same job. I enjoy working at the Marriott because you get to meet lots of new people, everyone has a different story to tell. I also enjoy how the people I work with are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Overall I would say being an employee for the Marriott is a very rewarding career choice
bit late but do you get hotel discounts across all marriott hotel brands as employee benefits or just the brands you work for? I work for Travelodge and get 50% discounts for all Travelodges is it similar for you?
@@unnaturaldisaster1728 you get a marriott discount at any marriott hotel in the world, and the hotel i work for is owned by a company that manages hotels all throughout canada, so i also can get a special rate at any hotel owned by that company as well
Nice summary. The only one you didn't mention was "Homes & Villas by Marriott" which is their effort to compete with the airbnb market. Some pretty awesome properties with lots of space for family and friends. In Canada they are located at your typical resort locations - Whistler, Big White, Toronto cottage country and Mt. Tremblant among others in Quebec.
Thank you for extensive coverage of Marriott. I like how you presented advantages and disadvantages of each brand. You say positive things about each of them. It is very professional. Thank you 😊
One thing to note about the Element hotels is that they come with complimentary breakfast to every guest, no matter of their elite level or status. You don't even need to be a Bonvoy member to get breakfast included at these hotels.
They also have full kitchens in each rooms and offer a complimentary glass of wine. They all have upgraded their parking lots to include complimentary EV charging stations for people who need to charge their vehicle. Something unique about the Element hotels is that they offer the Bikes to Borrow program that allows you to utilize one of the on-site bicycles free of charge. Another unique benefit of booking an Element hotel is their pet policy. They are very pet friendly and some even offer a dog bed, treats, food, bowls, poop bags, etc. Most Element locations also do not charge a pet fee. They are definitely one of the best options for travellers who have their pets with them! I work for Marriott and had to learn the differences between each brand in order to help guests best select the hotel based on their preferences.
You haven't really mention the core of "Luxury collection" hotels. Luxury collection is a brand of "hand picked" properties which are either on a very special/unique location or are an important historical "building". They are quite unique and every Luxury collection hotel has a story.
That would be our favorite Jovana! There are so many amazing Luxury Collection Properties in Japan. The new one in Kyoto - The Mitsui Kyoto is absolute gorgeous.
The Andaman Langkawi is part of this collection and its location is breathtaking - the jungle, coral reefs…unfortunately it suffered a bad fire last year and is currently closed. 😭
We stayed at The Element hotel in Red Rock . It was a basic room with a mini kitchen ( small stove, micro, slim fridge , all kitchen utensils included) . It also included a free breakfast everyday ( just have to get to it on time or it's gone). Bbq and pool outdoors.
The Element's I've stayed at are usually very modern and accommodating, one had free coffee from a custom cafe machine like at Starbucks, and a very very good free breakfast. Like a very fancy resident in a hotel, some rooms have 2 separate bedrooms and a full kitchen. Would recommend over a courtyard, only because most courtyards are old builds that are remodeled and elements are all newer builds
Thanks for the explanation! I'd like to add a bit more regarding Marriott's "official" separation between "Select"(Courtyard, Four Points, SpringHill, Fairfield) and "Extended Stay"(Element, Townplace, Residence Inn). From my experience staying at these brands in U.S, I would say that they usually share the same material quality and most of the time same prices, if you find them in the same town. "Select" hotels generally target guests with 1~2 night stays while "extended stay" hotels' main targets are business travelers/ short-term contractors(families do love them too). Because of that, you would typically find full-size fridge and dishwasher comes as standard in an Element or Residence Inn. Service is YMMV, but personally I found my worst experience to be in a college-town Hilton Home2Suites in the Midwest.(Their concept of a hot breakfast is a microwave plus a fridge full of frozen burritos)
I’ve stayed at the Element Miami Airport, and despite a few negatives, I found it to be a relaxing, reasonably-priced place to stay for a night or two. Their big selling point is their dedication to being environmentally friendly-sustainable amenities in rooms, no plastic straws, etc etc. I really do value this green mentality; I hope more hotels step up their efforts soon!
Residence Inn hotels all have full kitchens in every single room. They tend to have bigger rooms in comparison to other hotel brands. They also generally tend to be less floors than a lot of Marriott-owned hotels. Most of them offer some connecting rooms. All Residence Inn hotels offer a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, which I have been told is one of the better complimentary breakfasts offered by a Marriott hotel in comparison to the other brands offering complimentary breakfast. This means that any guest will get breakfast, whether they are a Bonvoy member or not. I have yet to book at a Residence Inn that had the Concierge Lounge, as these hotels tend to be more budget-friendly without all the bells and whistles of the more upscale and costlier hotels. Almost all of them also offer special rates for "long-term stays" of 3+ days. These hotels are geared more toward longer stays, as they do have the kitchens (complete with dishes, silverware, pots, pans, dishwasher, etc.), they offer breakfast and they are bigger rooms with more space. They also all have laundry facilities and dry cleaning.
Great overview of Marriott brands. As a Titanium member, I only stay in these brands. Some notes: - The Telegraaf hotel in Tallinn is my favorite hotel, cozy hotel, great restaurant, wonderful spa and next to the old town square. - Design hotels are always great. Real boutique hotels with a very personal look. It is a separate and independent brand and only a few of these hotels can be booked through Marriott. That's probably the main reason for only partially participating Bonvoy benefits. - Tribute hotels are usually lower-ranked design hotels, still nice but not as nice as Autograph hotel ("classy") or Design hotels ("always very modern designed") - The Sheraton brand is not consistent all over the world, most Sheraton hotels in the US can certainly be ranked lower than those in other places in the world - Homes and Villas Marriott is a great way to combine your family vacation and still earn nights/points.
The Moxy line doesn't have a hostle feel at all, FYI. Just stayed at the Moxy East Village (NYC), the room was small but bursting with character. Solid review as always, my friend
@@PrinceofTravel Solid spot with you and a +1, but there are of course better properties close by (the W in Union Square for example). Catch you on the next video!
@@dimebagg1 I've gotten some upgrades (as ambassador/lifetime titanium) pretty consistently at both NYC Times Square Element and Summerlin (Las Vegas) Element. It is fewer points (5 per $ instead of 10 per $) and I think 250 vs. 500 check-in. The full-sided fridge and kitchen is pretty nice though.
FYI, Element is an extended stay, kitchens,etc. They are smaller rooms with vibrant colors. Suits are limited and same with all Marriott extended stays, you don’t as many elite points per stays. I am and will continue to be an exclusive customer to the brands in the portfolio, and stay a ridiculous number of nights in Marriott brands. Thanks for content. I was hoping to hear about redemption hacks and best values. Good content!
Great overview. Agreed on many points. Just in case you end up in Calgary for a night (or extended) the new Residence Inn downtown is stellar. New. Views of the Rocky Mountains and big sunsets. Prior to COVID some nice food and beverage too. Keep it up, dude.
I enjoyed the video, ive worked in the hotel industry for just about 20 yrs and i personally enjoy the extended stay lower end marriott brands that have a living room area and pool/bbq area.
Great video. Thank you, I would say one of my favorite JWs is the one of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I have also found AC is pretty common on Latin America
Te falto el : MARRIOTT VACATION CLUB RESORT ... these all have 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room and full kitchen. They are great for vacations with the family. ... Great video.
Gaylord Rockies is amazing offering different attractions throughout the year. They have the biggest flat screen tv in Colorado in mountain pass sports bar. The hotel was actually built around the caboose and track that runs through the grand lodge that was on the property when they purchased the land, along side of a waterfall and river running through the grand lodge of the hotel. Lots of dining and retail options to choose from. They basically have a waterpark in their hotel with several different slides, a wave pole and a lazy river outdoor pool is remain open year-round with heated ground surrounding. Definitely the perfect getaway!
Fantastic video . You packed a great deal of information in the time slot.. I appreciated your giving your impressions of different hotels I look forward to future videos. Thank you. .
I have stayed at AC Hotels (Dominican Republic), Ritz Carlton (Grand Cayman, Toronto and Atlanta), Mariott (Washington, DC), JW Mariott, (Washington, DC), Gaylord National Harbor. This was great video. Thank you
Nice Video! I'm currently staying in all of the Marriot Bonvoy hotels I can in Bali and Jakarta in a bid to review them all and rake in some elite nights. Decided to do this since I haven't ravelled outside of Indonesia due to Covid. So far been to in Bali: The Laguna (Luxury Collection), the Westin Nusa Dua, the W Seminyak, The Renaissance Uluwatu, the Fairfield, Aloft Bali, and Element Ubud (this was better than I was expecting, especially the breakfast!). In Jakarta: the JW Marriot (not my favourite tbh, very dated), the Ritz Carlton Pacific Place, and the four points. Loved your video, keep it up!
@@PrinceofTravel that's too bad. You know we stayed there in 2014 because it was on a 50% discount on account of major renovations at that time. It was SPG then and was the beginning of our taking notice of loyalty programs.
one more Question out of curiousity: Do you leave reviews via Trip advisor or via Marriott's system after you stay at a hotel? How do you rate them and do you hold them accountable to global standards? For example, the Marriott Fallsview & Spa Niagara Falls Ontario (Where I recently stayed 2 nights staycation); is a cat.6 on Bonvoy (likely only due to it's location) but so is the Keraton Jakarta and Sheraton Yogyakarta, Indonesia and JW Medan Sumatra etc (which are way better). Have you done a video yet on reviews and 'holding them accountable'? One more thing I just thought of... we checked into the JW Istanbul Bosphorus for 2 nights in January 2020 (Plat.elite status) and weren't initially impressed with our room and the food options so I went down and talked to the manager at the front desk who apologized and assured me a memorable upgraded stay would be in order. From that moment on we were treated to a 'palace room' suite upgrade and introduced to their executive chef who curated incredible 5*meals according to our diet which immensly impressed us during the rest of our comfortable stay. Also I'd like to suggest a discord chat channel if there's enough interest.
Courtyard Penang was so nice! Similar to your choice. They had a free buffet breakfast with tons of options. Because of the blend of cultures in Penang you had a lot of options. Very nice!
Moxy is great value for redeeming my points. Being a lower category number than full service hotels you really do get more upgrades and better service on your membership (I'm always either Plat/Titanium) and traveling solo I love meeting other people in the social spaces.
Thanks, Ricky, 1. FYI the number of brands is due, in part, to the many acquisitions 2. no mention about the other "extended stay" options: Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott Executive Apartments
Spring Hill suites in Panama City Beach Florida is a very nice beach front property. The decor is amazing the beds are comfortable and the hotel is just wonderful
I've stayed at a number of Autograph Collection hotels and had very good experiences. Not really luxury, but everything was still first class and the rates are reasonable for business or vacation travel without busting a budget.
I just stayed at an Elements hotel last night. I thought it was fine. It was convenient for crashing after attending a wedding. The only complaint I had was that there was loud music coming from one of their wedding halls. So better soundproofing would be in order.
Thanks, Ricky, for the detailed description of the Marriott brands! Before the pandemic, I went to Toronto for the first time in 20 years, and had a blast. I cannot wait to go back. I have Platinum elite status, does the Delta Hotel Toronto have lounge access and free breakfast?
As someone who normally would stay at a motel 6 for a vacation in San Diego I think the courtyard hotels are a huge step up without being too snobby…. Those fancier brands are for people driving BMWs and the courtyard is for people driving Altimas
New subscriber here. Gold x 7y/Platinum x2/Titanium x1, 20 brands. Great stays I've had: St Regis (Osaka), Ritz-Carlton (Kyoto, Vienna, Marina del Rey), W (NYC Times Square, Chicago Lakeshore, London), Luxury collection (The Hague Hotel des Indes), Marriott (Seattle), Sheraton (Kuala Lumpur), Westin (Paris, Osaka), Autograph Collection (Hawaii Mauna Kea, Las Vegas the Cosmopolitan), Design Hotels (Brussels The Dominican), Tribute Portfolio (Miami Royal Palm), Four Points (Dubai), Element (Amsterdam), Moxy (DC), AC Hotel (Kansas City).
A very common hotel that I book most frequently would be the Fairfield Inn and Suites. This brand is definitely our most popular seller. I would guess it is due to the very affordable rates (one of, if not the least expensive brand through Marriott) and the complimentary buffet available to every single guest. Most have pools and almost all, if not all, have a gym. They are great for people on a budget who are not looking to spend a lot of money and who are just looking for something more basic. You will find a lot of the hotels close to the airports are Fairfield Inn and Suites or another similar brand that is less expensive. As a result, a lot of Fairfield Inn's offer complimentary 24-hour shuttle service.
They just recently added a lot of "All-inclusive" resorts also like some Planet Hollywood and Royalton hotels. Will be interested to see how those fit into the Bonvoy program. I am not sure about some of the other boutique brands but like the Autograph Collection has some sub-brands in it. For example the Bohemian hotels are part of the Autograph Collection. Stayed at the Bohemian in Charlette, NC then few weeks ago at the Bohemian, Mountain Brook (Birmingham, Al). They are part of a Kessler collection that has their own wine, they have cooking classes (for a fee) along with wine tastings but the main thing that people will notice that sets them apart is their focus on art. They have a art gallery at each location along with art on every floor and the two I have been to also have a rooftop bar/restaurant that seemed pretty popular at both locations.
The Four points by Sheraton offers a laid back comfort atmosphere they make you feel like you are the only guest in the hotel by greeting you by your name always asking if there is something that you need or like during your stay...they also offer their Best Brews if you like a nice cold beer from time to time which comes from their local brewery giving you a taste and feel of the local area is an experience in itself, they also offer free samples of the Best Brews if your not to sure of which one to choose. With that being said the Four Points by Sheraton is an Experience in itself. I did enjoy your video...
The Westin Grand in Vancouver is a excellent place to stay. It's very roomy , large bedroom , roomy bathroom and a separate living room with nice views of the city.
For e.g., I’ve stayed at the JWs in both Vancouver and Singapore. As much as I love the Vancouver property, the Singapore property is at a whole different level! I got to watch a FORMULA 1 race from the Singapore property’s terrace! 🤩
@@PrinceofTravel 100% agreed. After watching your video I am again reminded to hold on to my points redemptions for better experiences overseas. Even the JW Muskoka is nice but has nothing on JW Medan, JW Beijing etc.
Elements are part of Westin but intended for long stay guest that only look for limited service. I believe all rooms have a small kitchenette with a washing machine. They also feature(d) the free sneaker usage and highlight running tracks and other sport activities in their vicinity. I believe quite often they are next to an aloft hotel.
Thanks for posting the video Ricky. I absolutely love the Marriott brand. Love doing road trips and wish they had a brand that focused on smaller communities as well. Last year driving around BC I could only do Marriott in Vancouver. Delta in Victoria and Kelowna. Otherwise slim pickings!
I personally find the Courtyards and SpringHill/Fairfield/TownePlace Suites great for road trips and overnight stops too. Between Marriott and Hilton, there should always be a place to crash for the night wherever you are!
All of the brands vary so much depending on region, for example, courtyard in US pretty basic but courtyards in Asia are usually very good. Same with Four Points
I was trying to figure out which ones are the best family ones with laundry, and breakfast included. I know we tried Springhill Suites by Seaworld and the Shamu Pool/splash pad was awesome and the room was divided even though it was small, if kids were staying. Renaissance Seaworld is amazing for families with children, pools, hot tubs and fun holiday gingerbread decorating is awesome there. It’s not too kiddish but fun.
I thought I saw you at Home Sense the other day in Vancouver! The Parq is very nice hotel, I stayed there not too long ago. Great summary of Marriott's portfolio! Welcome to Vancouver!
I stayed at the Tribute Portfolio in Cartagena, Colombia, the only Marriott available there. Loved it!! Very nice experience, treated like royalty which I appreciated.
Awesome video, for what I need, Springhill Suites seems to be what I keep coming back to, I’d say my favorite has been the Charlotte Southwest location, my least favorite being West Warwick. Residence Inn is helpful for longer stays, and I have personal boycott on Courtyard for there steep breakfast prices. I’ll say though that I’ve had several positive experiences with Marriott in general. For airport crashing, Airport Marriotts are the most convenient most of the time, as well as the Westin at DTW. I’d say that Four Points is solid for quick stays.
Moxy hotels generally have rooms that are noticeably smaller than most other hotel rooms at other brands. They are very minimalistic, as you said. The Moxy brand tries to advertise as more of a "youthful" hotel. They all have you check in at the bar instead of a front desk, as they really like to advertise the shared spaces, as you said, such as the bar. They do offer one complimentary alcoholic beverage after check in at most if not all Moxy locations.
Great video!! Now I understand the different levels of Marriott hotels. But there are more differences in the hotels located in south America, did you visit any of one's here?? If not... come to Lima, in summer, and stay at AC hotel in front of the sea!!
Thank you for the video, you helped me a lot. I wish you do the same with Hilton and Hyatt brands, no one did the same with a clear explanation. No one did it like you
A small piece of advice that I do have as a Marriott employee is that rates do change very frequently. A lot of guests (or potential guests) will call in and get very angry because the rate has gone up since they last looked, which sometimes is just a day ago or even sometimes an hour or two ago. The rates do go up a lot, especially as the date of arrival gets closer. It is always a good idea to book your reservation as early as possible as a Flexible rate (NOT prepaid), as you get a cancellation policy and hold the room when you aren't sure or want to discuss it further. Maybe even book a few rooms if you are trying to decide between hotels, since you can always cancel your reservation prior to the cancellation policy ending and not be charged. I have literally seen a rate double in a matter of minutes on many more than one occasion. Never, ever book a prepaid rate unless you are FOR SURE going, no matter what happens. They are non-refundable no matter the circumstance. Every single day, I get at least one person with a non-refundable rate trying to call in and cancel. They get mad at me when I have to say that they forfeit the full charge for the room that has already been paid, no matter what the issue is. They do not make exceptions for these reservations regardless of Bonvoy Elite level, how important the reason is for cancelling, I've even seen them refuse to refund for someone who passed away and their child called in for a refund. The only time I have seen it happen is when the hotel has been evacuated due to extreme weather and only for a minimal number of days until the hotel is open again.
That being said, there have also been times when the rate has gone down since the guest booked. This obviously does not happen nearly as frequently, but it would surprise you to see how often it does happen. It is never a bad idea to double-check the rates to compare with the current rates, especially if you booked months previously.
Something else that I would like to bring up that I see many times a day is when a guest calls in about a reservation that they booked through a third party, like Expedia for example. These reservations do not qualify to earn points under your Bonvoy account, nor do they count as an Elite Night. It is still worth adding your Bonvoy number (which can only be done by calling Marriott) because you will still get the free wifi that all members get (some properties charge extra for wifi access, and it can be pricey) plus you can do mobile check-in and you will still earn points on the amount you pay for incidentals or any additional purchases you make while there (food, movies, long distance calling, etc.). We cannot do much with these reservations if you need to modify, cancel, add a name, etc. You would need to call the third party company for most situations.
A lot of people also forget that you are eligible for further discounts if you are a AAA/CAA member, senior aged 62+, a government employee or have corporate discounts. We cannot proactively ask you, either. So it is on you as the guest to mention if you are eligible for any of these discounts.
Many people may or may not know about the Marriott Best Rate Guarantee. Basically, if you find a third party who is offering the exact same room on the exact same dates with the exact same type of rate (for example, a prepaid rate vs. flexible rate) for a lower price than Marriott is offering it, we will match that price (subject to terms and conditions) AND give you the choice of an additional 25% off the matched rate OR 5,000 Bonvoy points. In order to be eligible, you must be booking at least 24 hours in advance. You fill out the Claim Form and someone in the Best Rate Guarantee department will email you back within 24 hours to let you know if you do meet the requirements. It is always worth trying, especially if you put in the claim well enough in advance that you can still cancel should you be declined and can then book through that third party. I do not know all the requirements but I do know that most people's claims are denied (as they compare the non-refundable third party rate to our flexible rates, which are more than the prepaid).
Also, keep an eye on your inbox for emails from Marriott regarding promotions. They offer a new promotion every month or two that you must sign up for using the link in the email. For example, the promotion right now is 2,000 bonus Bonvoy points for every stay of 2+ nights at a Marriott hotel up until late November. A lot of times, there are promotions for guests booking 2 rooms with a buy one, get one 50% off. These promotions are not advertised, therefore the only way to find out about them is via email.
Another great tip for anyone booking a reservation for a special occasion is to mention it when booking your reservation and when checking in to the hotel. Most Marriott properties will give you some sort of amenity, like free breakfast/parking or a complimentary room upgrade to a room with a nicer view when it is a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. You can mention it when booking to have the agent note your reservation, but it is necessary to tell the front desk as well, as they are the ones actually giving the gift/amenity.
There are so many more tips and tricks I could write here. I could go on for days, but I think I've more than worn out my welcome. If anyone has any Marriott-related questions I can answer or if you wanted any tips that I haven't mentioned just comment and I will, of course, respond.
Excellent info! You should start making vids with this type of info and it will be very successful! Greetings from a Tiny Island in Maine, USA 😊
I work at a Courtyard and Residence Inn. They are two separate hotels in the same building so I work for both brands at the same job. I enjoy working at the Marriott because you get to meet lots of new people, everyone has a different story to tell. I also enjoy how the people I work with are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Overall I would say being an employee for the Marriott is a very rewarding career choice
bit late but do you get hotel discounts across all marriott hotel brands as employee benefits or just the brands you work for? I work for Travelodge and get 50% discounts for all Travelodges is it similar for you?
@@unnaturaldisaster1728 you get a marriott discount at any marriott hotel in the world, and the hotel i work for is owned by a company that manages hotels all throughout canada, so i also can get a special rate at any hotel owned by that company as well
@@DVPlushieswant to apply to work there what are the procedures?
@@abdulmahmoud9989 apply and ask
Is it possible to apply when outside the country and how can I apply
Residence Inn, Towneplace Suites, and Element are extended stay hotels and having kitchens and provide complimentary breakfast and accept pets.
Nice summary. The only one you didn't mention was "Homes & Villas by Marriott" which is their effort to compete with the airbnb market. Some pretty awesome properties with lots of space for family and friends. In Canada they are located at your typical resort locations - Whistler, Big White, Toronto cottage country and Mt. Tremblant among others in Quebec.
Thank you for extensive coverage of Marriott. I like how you presented advantages and disadvantages of each brand.
You say positive things about each of them. It is very professional. Thank you 😊
One thing to note about the Element hotels is that they come with complimentary breakfast to every guest, no matter of their elite level or status. You don't even need to be a Bonvoy member to get breakfast included at these hotels.
They also have full kitchens in each rooms and offer a complimentary glass of wine. They all have upgraded their parking lots to include complimentary EV charging stations for people who need to charge their vehicle. Something unique about the Element hotels is that they offer the Bikes to Borrow program that allows you to utilize one of the on-site bicycles free of charge. Another unique benefit of booking an Element hotel is their pet policy. They are very pet friendly and some even offer a dog bed, treats, food, bowls, poop bags, etc. Most Element locations also do not charge a pet fee. They are definitely one of the best options for travellers who have their pets with them!
I work for Marriott and had to learn the differences between each brand in order to help guests best select the hotel based on their preferences.
You haven't really mention the core of "Luxury collection" hotels. Luxury collection is a brand of "hand picked" properties which are either on a very special/unique location or are an important historical "building". They are quite unique and every Luxury collection hotel has a story.
Ohh I wanna stay at one now
This!☝️ every word! The LC is a truly unique portfolio within Marriott!
That would be our favorite Jovana! There are so many amazing Luxury Collection Properties in Japan. The new one in Kyoto - The Mitsui Kyoto is absolute gorgeous.
Yes
The Andaman Langkawi is part of this collection and its location is breathtaking - the jungle, coral reefs…unfortunately it suffered a bad fire last year and is currently closed. 😭
Yooo this video was incredible! I want Intercontinental Hotel Group brands explained next :)
We stayed at The Element hotel in Red Rock . It was a basic room with a mini kitchen ( small stove, micro, slim fridge , all kitchen utensils included) . It also included a free breakfast everyday ( just have to get to it on time or it's gone). Bbq and pool outdoors.
Pretty comprehensive list. Thank's for the info. 👍🏽
The Element's I've stayed at are usually very modern and accommodating, one had free coffee from a custom cafe machine like at Starbucks, and a very very good free breakfast. Like a very fancy resident in a hotel, some rooms have 2 separate bedrooms and a full kitchen. Would recommend over a courtyard, only because most courtyards are old builds that are remodeled and elements are all newer builds
Thanks for the explanation! I'd like to add a bit more regarding Marriott's "official" separation between "Select"(Courtyard, Four Points, SpringHill, Fairfield) and "Extended Stay"(Element, Townplace, Residence Inn). From my experience staying at these brands in U.S, I would say that they usually share the same material quality and most of the time same prices, if you find them in the same town. "Select" hotels generally target guests with 1~2 night stays while "extended stay" hotels' main targets are business travelers/ short-term contractors(families do love them too). Because of that, you would typically find full-size fridge and dishwasher comes as standard in an Element or Residence Inn. Service is YMMV, but personally I found my worst experience to be in a college-town Hilton Home2Suites in the Midwest.(Their concept of a hot breakfast is a microwave plus a fridge full of frozen burritos)
I’ve stayed at the Element Miami Airport, and despite a few negatives, I found it to be a relaxing, reasonably-priced place to stay for a night or two. Their big selling point is their dedication to being environmentally friendly-sustainable amenities in rooms, no plastic straws, etc etc. I really do value this green mentality; I hope more hotels step up their efforts soon!
That’s a good point, I’m looking forward to my first Element stay after hearing everyone’s positive experiences.
@@PrinceofTravel ive been to that hotel….it does have two spaces for charging electric cars….which is nice
Residence Inn hotels all have full kitchens in every single room. They tend to have bigger rooms in comparison to other hotel brands. They also generally tend to be less floors than a lot of Marriott-owned hotels. Most of them offer some connecting rooms. All Residence Inn hotels offer a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, which I have been told is one of the better complimentary breakfasts offered by a Marriott hotel in comparison to the other brands offering complimentary breakfast. This means that any guest will get breakfast, whether they are a Bonvoy member or not. I have yet to book at a Residence Inn that had the Concierge Lounge, as these hotels tend to be more budget-friendly without all the bells and whistles of the more upscale and costlier hotels. Almost all of them also offer special rates for "long-term stays" of 3+ days. These hotels are geared more toward longer stays, as they do have the kitchens (complete with dishes, silverware, pots, pans, dishwasher, etc.), they offer breakfast and they are bigger rooms with more space. They also all have laundry facilities and dry cleaning.
Great overview of Marriott brands. As a Titanium member, I only stay in these brands.
Some notes:
- The Telegraaf hotel in Tallinn is my favorite hotel, cozy hotel, great restaurant, wonderful spa and next to the old town square.
- Design hotels are always great. Real boutique hotels with a very personal look. It is a separate and independent brand and only a few of these hotels can be booked through Marriott. That's probably the main reason for only partially participating Bonvoy benefits.
- Tribute hotels are usually lower-ranked design hotels, still nice but not as nice as Autograph hotel ("classy") or Design hotels ("always very modern designed")
- The Sheraton brand is not consistent all over the world, most Sheraton hotels in the US can certainly be ranked lower than those in other places in the world
- Homes and Villas Marriott is a great way to combine your family vacation and still earn nights/points.
The Moxy line doesn't have a hostle feel at all, FYI. Just stayed at the Moxy East Village (NYC), the room was small but bursting with character. Solid review as always, my friend
Thanks for sharing - sounds like the Moxy East Village will be something for me to try on the next trip to NYC.
@@PrinceofTravel Solid spot with you and a +1, but there are of course better properties close by (the W in Union Square for example). Catch you on the next video!
Element is the mini Westin. It's environmentally friendly/clean, and often includes kitchenettes. They're pretty nice, actually, for extended stays.
I don’t think they do upgrades for elites. Also less loyalty points
@@dimebagg1 I've gotten some upgrades (as ambassador/lifetime titanium) pretty consistently at both NYC Times Square Element and Summerlin (Las Vegas) Element. It is fewer points (5 per $ instead of 10 per $) and I think 250 vs. 500 check-in. The full-sided fridge and kitchen is pretty nice though.
I just stayed at the Protea Owerri Select in Owerri, Nigeria this past April. It was decent. Great video. Keep up with the good work.
FYI, Element is an extended stay, kitchens,etc. They are smaller rooms with vibrant colors. Suits are limited and same with all Marriott extended stays, you don’t as many elite points per stays. I am and will continue to be an exclusive customer to the brands in the portfolio, and stay a ridiculous number of nights in Marriott brands. Thanks for content. I was hoping to hear about redemption hacks and best values. Good content!
Great video! Appreciated you going in depth on the difference in each brand.
Appreciate your work. Are you planning or have you made a similar video on Hilton brands?
Great overview. Agreed on many points. Just in case you end up in Calgary for a night (or extended) the new Residence Inn downtown is stellar. New. Views of the Rocky Mountains and big sunsets. Prior to COVID some nice food and beverage too. Keep it up, dude.
My mom and I stayed at a Residence Inn in Ann Arbor when I was recovering from an operation. Nice place!
Thanks for all your videos! JW Marriott is my fav of the Marriott brands.
I enjoyed the video, ive worked in the hotel industry for just about 20 yrs and i personally enjoy the extended stay lower end marriott brands that have a living room area and pool/bbq area.
Another epic reference video... Very well done!
Nice one Ricky.
Cheers Wane as always
Great video. Thank you, I would say one of my favorite JWs is the one of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I have also found AC is pretty common on Latin America
Te falto el : MARRIOTT VACATION CLUB RESORT ... these all have 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room and full kitchen. They are great for vacations with the family. ... Great video.
Gaylord Rockies is amazing offering different attractions throughout the year. They have the biggest flat screen tv in Colorado in mountain pass sports bar. The hotel was actually built around the caboose and track that runs through the grand lodge that was on the property when they purchased the land, along side of a waterfall and river running through the grand lodge of the hotel. Lots of dining and retail options to choose from. They basically have a waterpark in their hotel with several different slides, a wave pole and a lazy river outdoor pool is remain open year-round with heated ground surrounding. Definitely the perfect getaway!
Great breakdown of Marriott hotels.
Have been thinking about getting into their loyalty program, your video really helped. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
This is a great video. Very helpful. I’m definitely going to refer to it in the future!
Glad you found it helpful 👍🏼
I stayed at Edition in Hollywood for my birthday. They gave me a full sized candle on the house. Service was impeccable.
I start work at courtyard by Marriott on the 20th I’m 23 an want to make it a career .. hopefully I can use it to travel
Fantastic video . You packed a great deal of information in the time slot.. I appreciated your giving your impressions of different hotels I look forward to future videos. Thank you. .
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it!
Can't wait to travel and try out some of these hotels!
"Revenge travel" cannot come soon enough
I have stayed at AC Hotels (Dominican Republic), Ritz Carlton (Grand Cayman, Toronto and Atlanta), Mariott (Washington, DC), JW Mariott, (Washington, DC), Gaylord National Harbor. This was great video. Thank you
Amazing video as always, would love a summary of Hilton and Hyatt's hotel collections as well if at all possible!
Agree!
Great suggestion! I'll need to try out more of their brands first, but I'll definitely make those videos one day
I’d love to hear your thoughts on IHG, they’re the main company I have points with
I love Marriott I have stayed at 14 of those. I would love to try the St. Regis. Great video
Nice Video! I'm currently staying in all of the Marriot Bonvoy hotels I can in Bali and Jakarta in a bid to review them all and rake in some elite nights. Decided to do this since I haven't ravelled outside of Indonesia due to Covid. So far been to in Bali: The Laguna (Luxury Collection), the Westin Nusa Dua, the W Seminyak, The Renaissance Uluwatu, the Fairfield, Aloft Bali, and Element Ubud (this was better than I was expecting, especially the breakfast!). In Jakarta: the JW Marriot (not my favourite tbh, very dated), the Ritz Carlton Pacific Place, and the four points. Loved your video, keep it up!
I’ve only done the St Regis and Ritz Carlton in Bali, but the W and the new one in Ubud are next on my list.
Great Video Ricky! So far one of my favorite Bonvoy hotels is 'The Andaman' in Langkawi, Malaysia (The Luxury Collection). We stayed there in 2014
I stayed there in early 2019! Although they recently had a big fire that burned down the main building 😞
@@PrinceofTravel that's too bad. You know we stayed there in 2014 because it was on a 50% discount on account of major renovations at that time. It was SPG then and was the beginning of our taking notice of loyalty programs.
one more Question out of curiousity: Do you leave reviews via Trip advisor or via Marriott's system after you stay at a hotel? How do you rate them and do you hold them accountable to global standards? For example, the Marriott Fallsview & Spa Niagara Falls Ontario (Where I recently stayed 2 nights staycation); is a cat.6 on Bonvoy (likely only due to it's location) but so is the Keraton Jakarta and Sheraton Yogyakarta, Indonesia and JW Medan Sumatra etc (which are way better). Have you done a video yet on reviews and 'holding them accountable'? One more thing I just thought of... we checked into the JW Istanbul Bosphorus for 2 nights in January 2020 (Plat.elite status) and weren't initially impressed with our room and the food options so I went down and talked to the manager at the front desk who apologized and assured me a memorable upgraded stay would be in order. From that moment on we were treated to a 'palace room' suite upgrade and introduced to their executive chef who curated incredible 5*meals according to our diet which immensly impressed us during the rest of our comfortable stay. Also I'd like to suggest a discord chat channel if there's enough interest.
Courtyard Penang was so nice! Similar to your choice. They had a free buffet breakfast with tons of options. Because of the blend of cultures in Penang you had a lot of options. Very nice!
Autograph collection is my go to 🙌
They're quite nice indeed 👌🏼
Moxy is great value for redeeming my points. Being a lower category number than full service hotels you really do get more upgrades and better service on your membership (I'm always either Plat/Titanium) and traveling solo I love meeting other people in the social spaces.
Thanks, Ricky,
1. FYI the number of brands is due, in part, to the many acquisitions
2. no mention about the other "extended stay" options: Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott Executive Apartments
Great video Ricky! Glad you added your favorite stay with each brand!
Thanks Tylor - there were lots of favourites!
Great resource Ricky. Thanks for posting.
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed
Spring Hill suites in Panama City Beach Florida is a very nice beach front property. The decor is amazing the beds are comfortable and the hotel is just wonderful
I've stayed at a number of Autograph Collection hotels and had very good experiences. Not really luxury, but everything was still first class and the rates are reasonable for business or vacation travel without busting a budget.
I've stayed there in Tampa FL. It struck me as 3 star place that attempts to mimic true luxury hotels without the staff or substance.
Shimo Prince bad hotel service...
Well DONE. SPOT ON. I have stayed at least 14 of 30 Lifetime Titanium.
Quite informative, thanks for this.
Shimo Prince bad hotel service...
I just stayed at an Elements hotel last night. I thought it was fine. It was convenient for crashing after attending a wedding. The only complaint I had was that there was loud music coming from one of their wedding halls. So better soundproofing would be in order.
Thank you so much!!! Making presentation for this!!!
I was just thinking about this! Thanks for making this vid! ☺️
Good job summarizing the Marriott hotel portfolio! I stay at Marriott often but I need to try out some new brands. I like Autograph hotels
There’s so many brands to try! Autographs are usually quite nice in my experience too.
Thank you for this fantastic video!
Nah
Thanks, Ricky, for the detailed description of the Marriott brands!
Before the pandemic, I went to Toronto for the first time in 20 years, and had a blast. I cannot wait to go back. I have Platinum elite status, does the Delta Hotel Toronto have lounge access and free breakfast?
Dude, that was great. Thanks for all the info.
Glad you enjoyed it!
As someone who normally would stay at a motel 6 for a vacation in San Diego I think the courtyard hotels are a huge step up without being too snobby…. Those fancier brands are for people driving BMWs and the courtyard is for people driving Altimas
New subscriber here. Gold x 7y/Platinum x2/Titanium x1, 20 brands. Great stays I've had: St Regis (Osaka), Ritz-Carlton (Kyoto, Vienna, Marina del Rey), W (NYC Times Square, Chicago Lakeshore, London), Luxury collection (The Hague Hotel des Indes), Marriott (Seattle), Sheraton (Kuala Lumpur), Westin (Paris, Osaka), Autograph Collection (Hawaii Mauna Kea, Las Vegas the Cosmopolitan), Design Hotels (Brussels The Dominican), Tribute Portfolio (Miami Royal Palm), Four Points (Dubai), Element (Amsterdam), Moxy (DC), AC Hotel (Kansas City).
Love this video very informative. Do you have a similar video for Hilton group hotels?
Coming soon
A very common hotel that I book most frequently would be the Fairfield Inn and Suites. This brand is definitely our most popular seller. I would guess it is due to the very affordable rates (one of, if not the least expensive brand through Marriott) and the complimentary buffet available to every single guest. Most have pools and almost all, if not all, have a gym. They are great for people on a budget who are not looking to spend a lot of money and who are just looking for something more basic. You will find a lot of the hotels close to the airports are Fairfield Inn and Suites or another similar brand that is less expensive. As a result, a lot of Fairfield Inn's offer complimentary 24-hour shuttle service.
Great video! Would love one of these for Hilton!
They just recently added a lot of "All-inclusive" resorts also like some Planet Hollywood and Royalton hotels. Will be interested to see how those fit into the Bonvoy program. I am not sure about some of the other boutique brands but like the Autograph Collection has some sub-brands in it. For example the Bohemian hotels are part of the Autograph Collection. Stayed at the Bohemian in Charlette, NC then few weeks ago at the Bohemian, Mountain Brook (Birmingham, Al). They are part of a Kessler collection that has their own wine, they have cooking classes (for a fee) along with wine tastings but the main thing that people will notice that sets them apart is their focus on art. They have a art gallery at each location along with art on every floor and the two I have been to also have a rooftop bar/restaurant that seemed pretty popular at both locations.
The Four points by Sheraton offers a laid back comfort atmosphere they make you feel like you are the only guest in the hotel by greeting you by your name always asking if there is something that you need or like during your stay...they also offer their Best Brews if you like a nice cold beer from time to time which comes from their local brewery giving you a taste and feel of the local area is an experience in itself, they also offer free samples of the Best Brews if your not to sure of which one to choose. With that being said the Four Points by Sheraton is an Experience in itself.
I did enjoy your video...
The dislikes are from Design Hotel Staff Members!! as always great video and insight!
🤣🤣 There's always one or two rogue Design Hotel staff members running around hitting dislike
I’ve stayed at quite a few varying brands of Marriott hotels and I can say Moxy south beach Miami is my all time favorite stay.
thanks for making the video, it was very informative
Glad it was helpful
Awesome work!
Great informative advice 👍 thank you
Thanks a a lot for the vdo,
I stayed at Sheraton, W, Renaissance, Westin, Courtyard, SpringHill, and The Naka Design Hotels is my favorite.
Very detailed breakdown, would you do ultra-lux brand, Aman next?
The Westin Grand in Vancouver is a excellent place to stay. It's very roomy , large bedroom , roomy bathroom and a separate living room with nice views of the city.
Love how you said a hotel is good “by Canadian standard”, as if Canadian hotels have low expectations
As long as there is heat in the winter, it is good by Canadian standard.
Anyone who's stayed at a South East Asia or Middle East hotel knows what I mean. ✌🏼
I'm a Canadian living in Dubai, a 5 star hotel in Montreal is at mosssst a 3 stars in Dubai.
For e.g., I’ve stayed at the JWs in both Vancouver and Singapore. As much as I love the Vancouver property, the Singapore property is at a whole different level! I got to watch a FORMULA 1 race from the Singapore property’s terrace! 🤩
@@PrinceofTravel 100% agreed. After watching your video I am again reminded to hold on to my points redemptions for better experiences overseas. Even the JW Muskoka is nice but has nothing on JW Medan, JW Beijing etc.
Elements are part of Westin but intended for long stay guest that only look for limited service. I believe all rooms have a small kitchenette with a washing machine. They also feature(d) the free sneaker usage and highlight running tracks and other sport activities in their vicinity. I believe quite often they are next to an aloft hotel.
Thanks for posting the video Ricky. I absolutely love the Marriott brand. Love doing road trips and wish they had a brand that focused on smaller communities as well. Last year driving around BC I could only do Marriott in Vancouver. Delta in Victoria and Kelowna. Otherwise slim pickings!
I personally find the Courtyards and SpringHill/Fairfield/TownePlace Suites great for road trips and overnight stops too. Between Marriott and Hilton, there should always be a place to crash for the night wherever you are!
I think your missing out on Moxy, I've had good experiences with the brand.
All of the brands vary so much depending on region, for example, courtyard in US pretty basic but courtyards in Asia are usually very good. Same with Four Points
Le Meridian Paris has a great view of Eiffel Tower. Hermes soaps are provided in suite.
Thanks for the info. Sitting at 1.6 million points, I might start using them soon. Ritz honors lounge access if you are at Ambassador level.
Damn! That was some good information. Thanks for your research!
Very informative video Prince of Travel. Just became Ambassador with Marriott so lets see if there is any difference from Titanium.
I was trying to figure out which ones are the best family ones with laundry, and breakfast included. I know we tried Springhill Suites by Seaworld and the Shamu Pool/splash pad was awesome and the room was divided even though it was small, if kids were staying. Renaissance Seaworld is amazing for families with children, pools, hot tubs and fun holiday gingerbread decorating is awesome there. It’s not too kiddish but fun.
You forgot to mention that aloft hotels are exceptionally medium dog friendly. Not glamorous but some people need to travel with their ENTIRE fam.
Great video Ricky.... always good info
Glad you enjoyed it
I thought I saw you at Home Sense the other day in Vancouver! The Parq is very nice hotel, I stayed there not too long ago. Great summary of Marriott's portfolio! Welcome to Vancouver!
No way! It was definitely me, picking up some items for our new place. Come say hi next time!
I stayed at the Tribute Portfolio in Cartagena, Colombia, the only Marriott available there. Loved it!! Very nice experience, treated like royalty which I appreciated.
Thanks for the tip! As I recall Hilton seems to have a stronger presence in Colombia but it’s great to know there’s a Tribute in Cartagena.
Would love to see a similar overview of Hilton properties.
Duly noted
agreed. so many hotels
Ritz-Carlton Maui! Loved it!
Excellent overview btw!!
Thanks! 🙏🏼
Awesome video, for what I need, Springhill Suites seems to be what I keep coming back to, I’d say my favorite has been the Charlotte Southwest location, my least favorite being West Warwick. Residence Inn is helpful for longer stays, and I have personal boycott on Courtyard for there steep breakfast prices. I’ll say though that I’ve had several positive experiences with Marriott in general. For airport crashing, Airport Marriotts are the most convenient most of the time, as well as the Westin at DTW. I’d say that Four Points is solid for quick stays.
Moxy hotels generally have rooms that are noticeably smaller than most other hotel rooms at other brands. They are very minimalistic, as you said. The Moxy brand tries to advertise as more of a "youthful" hotel. They all have you check in at the bar instead of a front desk, as they really like to advertise the shared spaces, as you said, such as the bar. They do offer one complimentary alcoholic beverage after check in at most if not all Moxy locations.
Great video!! Now I understand the different levels of Marriott hotels. But there are more differences in the hotels located in south America, did you visit any of one's here?? If not... come to Lima, in summer, and stay at AC hotel in front of the sea!!
YOU ENGLISH SPEAKING IS VERY BEST AND BEST TH-camR
Always had a good experience at any Sheraton I've ever stayed at. It's my default choice.
Thank you for the video, you helped me a lot.
I wish you do the same with Hilton and Hyatt brands, no one did the same with a clear explanation. No one did it like you
The Accra line was wild !
AC seems to be expanding footprint in USA. Florida and northern US especially. I really like the chain.
I enjoyed your analysis especially since you tell the truth.
Love to see you do one for Hyatt and Hilton as well!
One day, I will! 👍🏼
that was such an awesome wrap-up
Cheers