This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

As the largest multicity hotel strike in American history continues, travelers with upcoming reservations at select Marriott hotels might want to consider booking a room elsewhere.

When their contracts expired, thousands of Marriott International employees — nearly 8,000 — formed picket lines in eight US cities to demand higher wages, improved sexual harassment protections, increased workplace safety, job protection around automation and more secure schedules. They are supported by the union Unite Here, which represents workers in the US and Canada who work in the hotel, gaming, food service, airport and transportation industries.

Though the strikes have ended in four cities, Oakland, Detroit, San Diego and San Jose, the protests continue at the remaining properties. At this time, all of the Marriott properties with striking workers remain open. But travelers have reported severe service disruptions, including a lack of housekeeping, no restaurant or bar service and noise from picketers at 15 hotels across Boston, San Francisco, Honolulu and Lahaina, Hawaii.

If you’re planning to visit one of those cities in the coming weeks, consider booking an equitable union hotel that’s not involved in a labor strike. And opt for a property far enough way from the picket line to avoid the cacophony of megaphones, drumming and chanting.

(Photo courtesy of Ames Boston Hotel.)
(Photo courtesy of Ames Boston Hotel.)

Boston

If you have a reservation at the Aloft Boston Seaport, the Element Boston Seaport, the Ritz-Carlton Boston Common, the Sheraton Boston, W Boston, Westin Boston Waterfront or the Westin Copley Place, consider staying at one of these hotels instead.

Use your stash of Hilton Honors Points at Hilton property such as:

There are plenty of other fair hotels where travelers can pay cash (or use points) for a strike-free stay in Boston, such as IHG points at the InterContinental around the corner from South Street Station.

(Photo courtesy of Hilton San Francisco Union Square)
(Photo courtesy of Hilton San Francisco Union Square)

San Francisco

If you’ve got a reservation at the Westin St. Francis Union Square, the San Francisco Marriott Union Square, the Palace Hotel, W San Francisco, San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Courtyard San Francisco Downtown or the St. Regis San Francisco, there are plenty of other options in the area. Multiple travelers have reported that even nearby properties are impacted by the noise of the protests, so we focused on properties farther away.

Travelers should note that there are a couple hotels in San Francisco on Fair Hotel’s boycott list, too, including the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf and Le Meridien San Francisco. Also, there are many Marriott hotels not on strike, so travelers can redeem their Marriott points at properties like the Sheraton at Fisherman’s Wharf.

(Photo by Melanie Lieberman / The Points Guy.)
(Photo by Melanie Lieberman / The Points Guy.)

Honolulu

If you’ve got a reservation at The Royal Hawaiian, the Moana Surfrider, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani or the Sheraton Waikiki, loud protests and disrupted service are a good reason to shift your stay.

Travelers have reported noise disruptions at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, which is near properties on strike.

Lahaina

If you’re planning to stay at the Sheraton Maui Hotel by Marriott, there are plenty of hotels not on strike on the island, including two Westins.

If you’re ever in doubt, consult the Fair Hotel guide by Unite Here to find socially responsible hotels.

This article has been updated to reflect the end of the strikes in San Diego and San Jose.

Feature image via Shutterstock. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at SPG, Marriott, and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,140 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the $550 annual fee makes sense for you.
Apply Now
More Things to Know
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
  • Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
  • 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
  • Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
  • Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
  • Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
  • $550 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Regular APR
N/A
Annual Fee
$550
Balance Transfer Fee
See Terms
Recommended Credit
Excellent/Good
Terms and restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.