Marriott Strike: Which Hotels Affected and Best Alternatives

Marriott Workers at 21 Hotels in Boston, California and Hawaii Are Still on Strike, a protracted labor disagreement that started in early October and is still ongoing. Only two of the original 23 hotels have reached agreement with management, the Oakland Marriott City Center and the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. The strike is focused on gaining union workers wages that keep up with the cost of living, as well as the potential for job loss with automation and outsourcing of certain tasks.

What the Marriott Strikes Mean for Guests

All of the hotels where workers are striking are being picketed some of the time, sometimes by very loud striking workers. Since the striking workers are housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, bellmen, and concierge staff, expect there to be fewer services, such as no or limited housekeeping service during your stay, restaurant and bar closures or limited hours, and instructions for where to place your trash and where to get clean towels/linens.

Here are the hotels that are still impacted by labor strikes:

Boston

Aloft Boston Seaport
Element Boston Seaport
Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
Sheraton Boston
W Boston
Westin Boston Waterfront
Westin Copley Place, Boston

San Diego

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

San Francisco

San Francisco Marriott Union Square
Palace Hotel
W San Francisco
Westin St. Francis Union Square
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Courtyard San Francisco Downtown
St. Regis San Francisco

San Jose

San Jose Marriott

Waikiki, Hawaii

The Royal Hawaiian
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
Sheraton Waikiki

Maui, Hawaii

Sheraton Maui Hotel

FAQ

Can I Cancel My Reservation Without Penalty If I'm Within the Cancellation Penalty Period?

Per Marriott, regular cancellation deadlines and penalties still apply. You can certainly appeal to the property's GM or senior management to try to get the penalty waived, if you're within the cancellation period, but there's no guarantee the penalty will be waived.

Will the Hotel at Least Waive Resort Fees, Given the Lack of Services?

Yes, resort fees are being waived at properties that normally charge them, in light of the service cutbacks.

What About Other Compensation for the Inconveniences?

You may be able to receive a partial refund or Marriott Rewards points from GM or senior management, but it's not a given. Flyertalker bxg101g was not offered points for the mandatory “Green Choice” program (no housekeeping) during his/her recent stay at the Sheraton Waikiki, nor was asquare at the Westin Waterfront in Boston.

What are the Best Alternative Hotels to Stay In?

Boston

For a stay on the Boston waterfront, I recommend the Boston Harbor Hotel, otherwise the Mandarin Oriental Boston.

San Diego

In San Diego, I recommend The Pendry. Virtuoso benefits include:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Breakfast credit at Provisional Restaurant or In-Room Dining for two daily for duration of the stay ($30 maximum per person, per day)
$100 USD Resort/ Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

San Francisco

In San Francisco, I'd recommend the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, ideally a Club Room or Suite so as to enjoy access to the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Club Lounge.

San Jose

San Jose, CA doesn't have any real luxury hotels, so I'd instead recommend the Four Seasons Silicon Valley, about a 20-25 min. drive away.

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii

In Waikiki, in my view the best luxury hotel is the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, which is NOT part of the strike. It is not a Virtuoso member, however, and also does not participate in Marriott Rewards.

Maui, Hawaii

In Maui I recommend the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, and for extended families and groups of friends, the Montage at Kapalua Bay.