City Express by Marriott Monterrey Lindavista

Breakfast was a highlight, especially since it was an actual Mexican breakfast, and the staff were really friendly. The hotel is quiet and clean too. The location works perfectly: after checking in, head outside and the supermarket is on the right. A+ for the staff.

The sweet bread at breakfast was good, but the eggs with green beans were a strange choice. The hallways were dirty, and our room needed sweeping. The mattresses were old, with metal wires sticking out. I've never stayed somewhere that made you prepay for the whole stay.

The hotel is being renovated, and the breakfast was poor. They also wouldn't let us check in early or check in without paying in advance. There were two minibuses parked by the lobby, but they wouldn't provide an airport ride. What made the stay awful was finding used, dirty bed linens and a dirty towel when I was ready for bed. I complained, but they only replaced the linens. No offer to move rooms or give a refund. Unbelievable. Don't stay until the renovation is finished and management has changed.

The supervisor at the front desk was especially professional and helpful. She jumped in and sorted out a problem with my room reservation, and the security staff and bellboys were really good too. The rooms were clean, but the front desk service overall was poor. One desk employee seemed new and might not have been ready to work alone yet. The phone operator also needs better customer service. There were power problems: the elevator and room cards stopped working, and the AC stopped too. Nobody called to tell us to report it so they could reset the AC. The cafeteria should set up a line for people getting food, since the current arrangement has everyone bumping into each other.