Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Midtown/Peachtree at 17th

I’ve stayed here for years, and the staff meeting I saw in the lobby during my visit last week really stood out. Everyone looked tense and stiff, then switched instantly to big smiles and a chorus of “good morning” as I walked by. I appreciated the politeness, but it felt awkward to be a guest watching what seemed like an internal management meeting. The atmosphere came across as performative, almost dictatorial. A lobby should feel welcoming and calm, not like a seat in the middle of management operations. This hotel has done better before, and I hope it gets back to that.

Rein made a long-term resident’s move-in much less stressful, and we’re very grateful. The resident couldn’t use texting, even though the valet system relies on it, and Rein was patient and understanding. She listened, explained things clearly, and adjusted the process without hesitation. She also helped unload items and get them onto the cart so we could bring everything upstairs more easily. Her care and professionalism really stood out at the Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Midtown/Peachtree at 17th.

One miserable night cost $180, and I felt ignored by the staff. I booked a room with a tub but was given one without. It took a while to get moved, only for the tub stopper in the new room not to work, so I couldn’t use it anyway. It was 40 degrees outside, but the room AC was locked at 65 cool and the room read 63, so it was freezing. Maintenance came while we were leaving for dinner, and we thought it would be sorted by the time we got back. Instead, the AC was locked at 85 heat and the room turned into a sauna. The windows couldn’t be opened, so we shut it off. The front desk said no one else had been sent because it was late and they didn’t want to disturb us. Maintenance never came back, and we had to deal with a room that went from hot to cold with the AC off. Worst hotel stay I’ve had. I’d give a negative star if I could, and I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.

The hotel was great, and Rain, the valet attendant, was amazing, professional, and courteous. They really need luggage carts, though. Around ten were broken, and guests were scrambling to carry their things inside.