Courtyard by Marriott Surat

For corporate meetings, this place was a deeply uncomfortable disaster, even though the accommodation itself is good. The ground staff were helpful enough, but the supervisors and managers came across as unfriendly, incapable, and lacking basic business manners. Make sure seating arrangements are nailed down in advance. Management may override what the ground staff promised, and their arrogant attitude can ruin the experience. I can't recommend the venue to local professionals for business.

I booked this Marriott after checking with the Marriott helpline in advance because of language barriers. They told me I could get alcohol if I had my passport and drank in my room. At check-in, Sangita said I could order after filling out a form saying the hotel wasn't responsible for the service. Once I was checked in, I was told to go to my room and wait for someone to bring the form. I waited 20 minutes, then called the front desk. The line was usually engaged, and when it rang, nobody answered for a long time. About 10 minutes after the call, someone brought the form, but the attendant didn't know what to do with it. After finally reaching the front desk again, they told him I should order at the bar. I went there, but nobody was around. The cleaner sent me back to reception, where they told me to leave the hotel and turn right to get served. I hadn't done this before, but I followed their directions. With some help I found the door to the supposed bar, and it was closed. Back inside, I was told alcohol wouldn't be available until 1pm the next day, after I would have checked out. I chose the hotel after confirming alcohol was available, and Sangita also assured me I could get liquor. In the end, I couldn't. I understand alcohol rules are strict, but service should still be organized. The person I emailed at Marriott Seattle and Sangita at Marriott Surat gave me wrong information. Abhishek, the front office manager, seemed unable to do anything, and I regret directing my anger at him. I'm appalled that the duty manager refused a refund, claiming I'd spent more than an hour in the room. That's nonsense: much of that time was spent dealing with the problems above, and I left the room as I found it. The duty manager wouldn't come to reception to speak with me. Expedia refunded me, but the hotel didn't, and they didn't even pay for the taxi I asked for. The hotel is quiet for a reason. People locally say it lost its appeal after Marriott took it over. Avoid it. Update: Abhay Tandel replied, but the hotel still hasn't addressed three things: 1. Why staff didn't know alcohol was unavailable that day. 2. Why the duty manager wouldn't refund me or speak with me in person. 3. Why they let a foreigner leave in a taxi without ensuring payment was covered.

This was my first trip to Gujarat and Surat, though I've been a Bonvoy member for years. I usually pick Marriott because I don't get unpleasant surprises, and Courtyard surat was just as dependable. If you're after luxury, comfort, and variety, I'd look no further. The staff were generally polite and supportive. Soumen deserves a special mention: very polite, down to earth, and good with customers. Hope this helps with your stay in Surat. Cheers!

We spent four nights here and felt very well looked after. The staff were welcoming and attentive, and every meal was delicious. Chef Kishore deserves a special mention for calling us himself to check that dinner would be prepared just how we liked it. Really grateful for the hospitality and food.