TownePlace Suites by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

The room had a dirty smell, and the lobby did too, with cigarette smoke noticeable as soon as I came in. The place felt more like a Motel 6 than a Marriott. It was noisy, with fans that seemed loose and worn furniture; even the credit card offer on the table looked battered. There was no bottled water or other amenities. A sign pointed to a spa, but you have to work out for yourself that it’s an outdoor hot tub and where to find it. The pool and gym are shared with the Holiday Inn Express across the parking lot. They apparently have free washers and dryers, but after seeing the rest of the property, I didn’t want to use them. There’s only a tiny host stand, no bar, and a small display of unhealthy snacks for sale. I wasn’t greeted when I arrived. I’m disappointed Marriott owns a place like this and definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

The front desk staff were friendly, and the hotel is very dated. I only made it through half a night this past weekend. Around 3 a.m. I woke with bites on my right arm and left ear. I checked for bed bugs, though I may not have looked carefully enough. Be careful.

The fitness room was barely bigger than a closet, with just a treadmill and elliptical and no weights. The room itself was dingy, with dirty carpet, stains, and allergens that seemed trapped in it. I was shocked when I first walked in. I travel all year for my job as a television sports announcer and stay in hotels every week, and this place doesn’t deserve the Marriott name. It felt like a room in a housing project. Such a disappointment. I’m having my four-letter network remove it from our choices.

My reservation was canceled without anyone telling me. I’d booked two weeks ahead, then called and spoke to Betty at the front desk, who said they were sold out and didn’t have a number to call. I’ve been a member for 10 years, my number is on file, and I used to work there, so this was a real letdown. I had a five-hour drive for medical procedures.