Aloft by Marriott Austin South

I usually love Marriott hotels, so writing this is hard. The room may suit someone who likes a modern edge, but it wasn’t for me. I booked for two, yet the table was so tiny it barely fit one person. The bathroom’s hanging door wouldn’t close all the way, which meant someone sharing the room could smell you using it. I couldn’t even go in there and had to use the public restroom downstairs. There was no microwave or enough storage, and if you need towels or toilet paper, you have to go down to the front desk yourself. We bought breakfast and had four choices: a sausage and egg biscuit, a chorizo taco, a gourmet egg and bacon sandwich, or oatmeal. I wish I’d picked the oatmeal. My partner and I tried different items, and both were equally disgusting, as if frozen food had just been heated up. The rock-hard muffins were so dry I could barely bite into one. The convenience store snacks were a poor selection too. They didn’t have Dr. Pepper once. Isn’t that sold everywhere in Texas?

The room was clean and comfortable, and the location was handy for pop-up bars and nightlife. But the overnight receptionist was extremely rude to my husband over something that could have been sorted out with clear communication.

Our room was clean and the bed was very comfortable. The location felt a little sketchy, but every staff member and security person we dealt with was nice and professional.

So far, we’ve had a great stay. Getting downtown by Uber or Lyft is easy enough, and the rates are quite reasonable. Knowing it’s a Marriott property gives a certain sense of trust.