Residence Inn by Marriott Bakersfield

It works for us. We brought our little dog, who adjusted well to our schedule, and the dog park is perfect for him. He's not a barker except when needed. The dog-designated room we got was well kept. My only issue is that people with big dogs sometimes play fetch in the parking lot, even though there's a spacious dog area for them. We have a Rottweiler too, and big dogs belong in that area, not the street or parking lot. Thank you.

The suite was spacious, with a kitchen and living-room area, and it was quiet despite being near the intersection of 99 and California Ave. Staff were friendly, rooms clean, and the in-house breakfast was above average. Several restaurants are within walking distance, and it was very good value. Just be aware there's a daily parking fee of around $15. I'm not sure how much walk-up traffic a motel by the freeway gets, but that's the charge.

Marbella made an already amazing stay even better. The place was clean, convenient, and comfortable, with spacious rooms at a reasonable rate. Free parking, WiFi, and breakfast were an added bonus. As the Governator would say, “I’ll be back.”

The rooms feel more like apartments, with plenty of space, and they’re kept very clean. There’s coffee in reception, and they put on social evenings with food so guests can meet each other. The staff are fantastic, always polite and ready to help make the place feel welcoming. I love it here, it’s home for me right now. The AC motion sensors can be frustrating. It makes sense that they switch off when you leave, but they also shut off overnight, when you really need it, and the room can get very warm. I also wish the pool stayed open later, maybe until 10 or 10:30 instead of closing at 9.