News and notes from around the interweb:
- “Brand standards.” Remember when those were a thing? Back when the Marriott family was in charge, maybe.
Disgusting bed at Renaissance Meadowlands (NJ)
byu/barbarossapl inmarriottNot to focus on this one hotel, really, because it appears to be a more widespread problem.
Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons
byu/Federal-Frame-820 inmarriott - There was no better movie about politics than the first half of Eddie Murphey’s The Distinguished Gentleman (before all that ‘power lines’ stuff). Although Mel Brooks in History of the World said it best, “It’s good to be king.”
Kyrsten Sinema (no longer a senator) spent nearly $400,000 in campaign funds over the past three months, including:
-$86k on airfare and in-flight services
-$86k on security detail (including $600 on ski tickets)
-$7k on meals pic.twitter.com/9F1VUX8HqZ— Jacob Rubashkin (@JacobRubashkin) July 14, 2025
- Now you’re supposed to tip based on the post-tip total. Isn’t that an infinite regress?
Auto gratuity for a party of two is just the beginning of the WTF on this check. Basing tip suggestions on a balance that includes an auto gratuity is pure gold. (h/t Sam Novak) pic.twitter.com/ojKswWzsfU
— Vital Vegas (@VitalVegas) July 13, 2025
- The only way I’ve ever been able to order like this on a plane was flying Etihad’s first class back before the pandemic when they had an inflight chef program (one flight attendant with real restaurant experience). It was best on the Airbus A380, with all its galley space. You’d see the menu as a list of ingredients. Execution varied on the quality of the chef (it always does)!
The trait of Sally being a picky eater was based on Ephron herself: “I want it the way I want it” was something she said to Reiner. Ephron said years later she was on a flight and, after making a specific order, the stewardess said "Have you seen When Harry Met Sally?"
11/41 pic.twitter.com/Lf7MtvizzS
— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) July 14, 2025
- Hertz AI damage scanner in Atlanta: here’s damage from before your rental, we’re billing you $500 now and will tell you what it costs later. No wonder they’re 5 times as many renters for damage than they used to.
- Amid competitive pressure, American elevates its customer experience but will they move beyond quick wins from low hanging fruit, to making real capital investments?
Ole ref needs to be called out on this. They even force a 20% tip on open tabs.
Call this FRAUD
Disgusting, but what do you expect Corporate america. It will get worse.
Now, turn on that black light… *shudders*
It’s bad enough I’ll be in Jersey next month…
@Gary Leff — “You’re majesty, I must have a word with you…” it’s ‘History of the World, *Part I*’ (I know, I know.. Count de Monet… “Don’t correct me!”)
Mel Brooks may be 99, but I’m still looking forward to Part 2, and also, ‘Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money’ (which is may actually be happening, expected 2027.)
Epic references.
A good argument for avoiding Las Vegas with extreme prejudice.
I see someone had Indian food.
@ Gary — Just Say No to Tipping.
No to tipping and no to Las Vegas.
Real capital improvement funds are gone ; they are spending it on depeovemdnts (continuing to density coach, pulling out seat back screens without fixing the charging outlets in seat.
I’d like to hear some data points from the credit card issuers once the get involved like CSP/CSR that come with primary rental CDW insurance. Primary more valuable than ever.
@Beachfan — I typically share in your cynicism; however, there are pleasant surprises.
On airports, at least in NYC, there have been major improvements in the past 5 years (LGA, EWR Terminal A), and many more planned in the coming 5 years (JFK T1, T5-6); during the construction, it’s brutal; afterwards, it’s magical.
On hotels, yeah, when a property shows its age, you can tell. Usually 5-10 years is the average time for minor-to-major renovations, but some places are ‘cheap.’ I appreciate when Gary posts about them so I know to avoid specific locations, and specific franchisees/operators.
On rentals, one of the reasons I am so disappointed with these new CSR changes (after October of this year) is that while we maintain the ‘primary’ insurance with the card, the earnings will reduce from 3x (general Travel) to 1x (unless booked via their UR portal). That’s a downgrade to me. But, yes, you are correct, primary is huge when these games are being played by the companies (false claims, using AI squeeze us, etc.)
Shame on Marriot!
I’ve spent tens of thousands at Marriot hotels but haven’t been a guest in years.
Their loyalty rewards system has always been disappointing.
Nowadays, anytime they’re in the news it’s usually due to negative press like this.
As long as Marriot continues to disappointment, I will gladly spend my travel dollars at other hotels.
In 1995, a two-night stay at a luxury Las Vegas Strip hotel averaged about $200 per night, totaling $400, with virtually no resort or facility fees – at most $10 per night. Food and beverage prices were also significantly lower, with a $100 dinner in 1995 equating to roughly $225 in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. Snacks and coffees that cost about $10 then would equate to $22.50 today. Food and beverage costs have also exceeded inflation, with coffee and a bagel at high-end properties like Fontainebleau running $30–$33, while two coffees and croissants can cost $40. Typical luxury dinners on the Strip now range from $250 to $300 each, totaling $500–$600 for two nights, with an additional $30–$60 for snacks and drinks. As a result, the 2025 total for hotel, resort fees, and dining reaches approximately $1,580. Comparing the two, a luxury two-night stay in 2025 is about $360 more expensive than an inflation-adjusted equivalent from 1995, reflecting a real increase of roughly 30 percent, driven mainly by the introduction of resort fees and above-inflation food and beverage pricing. (This does not factor in alcohol, the prices of which have skyrocketed staggeringly by 50-100% or more over inflation across the same period.) Vegas used to be fun in large part because it was cheap outside of gambling losses. I no longer have any interest in visiting and only do so when compelled for work purposes.