Courtyard by Marriott Boston Andover

I went in expecting an overpriced hotel breakfast because they have a bistro, and I wasn't excited about it. Then Carmine greeted us, took our order, and went out of her way to help me with the menu. My wife loved her breakfast burrito. I ordered eggs and bacon, ready to judge every detail, since texture and temperature matter a lot to me. The plate looked like a 10. The potatoes were hot and crispy, the eggs were perfect, and so was the bacon. Even the butter was spreadable. I later found out Winston was behind the care that went into making sure the breakfast met his standards. I'm a chef myself, and he made it feel like more than just a meal. We stayed Saturday into Sunday, and the hotel was great. I live close enough that we'll come back for breakfast even when we're not staying here.

I didn't get a chance to sunbathe on the little porch, though it looked like a nice spot to sit and enjoy the sun. My room was clean and spacious, with a clear view of the training school beside the hotel. The toilets and vanity area were well maintained. There are parking lots to choose from, but none are especially close to the lobby when you arrive to check in. Breakfast may be pricey if it isn't included in your booking, and it wasn't anything special: you can get a sandwich, bagel, or eggs with bacon and roasted potatoes. The coffee is made from Starbucks beans. The location feels secluded, so you'll need to drive out for meals. They don't offer room service.

It's a nice hotel, but there are several extra costs and missing perks: breakfast isn't included, parking isn't free, the Topgolf room is $40 an hour, and there's no complimentary coffee downstairs. At least Dunkin is only a 3 minute drive away.

Ana and Lucy went above and beyond and made my stay wonderful. I was at the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Andover recently, and had a very positive experience. The rooms were roomy, clean, and comfortable, with plush bedding and amenities that helped me relax after a long travel day. Getting to the hotel from major routes was easy, and local attractions were nearby, which made exploring simple and stress-free.