When you think of an idyllic room service breakfast in a hotel, you might picture a table set with fresh juices, baked goods, butter, jam, and a hot dish tucked under a cloche.
According to one woman staying at a JW Marriott in Philadelphia, that might not be the case anymore.
In a video that has garnered over 158,600 views, TikTok creator Tay (@thisblackreader) says what she received didn’t match that picture.
Why Did The JW Marriott Room Service Disappoint Her?
“I just don’t understand why when I wanna be an adult, nothing is nice anymore,” she says in the video.
When she ordered breakfast, she expected a more luxurious experience.
“I’m thinking they’re gonna bring the cart to the front of my room with the carafe of coffee and the croissants in the basket,” she says. “Which is what I love so much about staying at hotels.”
The TikToker then shows how her breakfast actually arrived, pulling a plastic container with bacon strips in it, and another with pancakes and some fruit. She also says she received four separate small bottles of water.
The experience, according to her, felt lackluster. “This is at a JW Marriott mind you,” she wrote in the caption. “Is this late-stage capitalism?!?”
Is This Common In The Hotel Industry?
According to a report by real estate firm CBRE, the 2020 pandemic may have had a lasting impact on hotel guest experience and the industry overall.
During social distancing, hotels had to come up with new ways to serve food, which led to the rise of grab-and-go options instead of traditional dining.
It also resulted in a reduction in both room service and mini-bar offerings.
Other hotel guests have noticed a difference as well. On Reddit’s r/marriott, one customer said they ordered room service only to receive it in a to-go box inside a bag. “What happened to sending plates, salt and pepper etc?” they asked.
This may have also influenced guest behavior. According to Boutique Atelier, some hotel guests are opting out of room service altogether, choosing instead to order delivery, which is often cheaper and offers more options.
Commenters Say She’s Not The Only One To Notice
In the comments section, viewers said they had also experienced something similar recently.
“One place I stayed at brung room service in a paper bag, but had the audacity to charge a ‘tray fee,’” one shared. “What tray?!!”
“NOT EVEN ON PLATES OMG,” exclaimed another.
Others theorized that the pandemic might’ve had something to do with the downgrade.
“Hotels saved money during COVID and never went back to the same level of service,” a user stated.
“I finally have money and everything is reheated and made of polyester,” chimed in a fourth.
@thisblackreader This is at a JW Marriott mind you. Is this late stage capitalism?!?
BroBible has reached out to Marriott and Tay via email for comment and additional information.