Residence Inn by Marriott Shreveport-Bossier City/Downtown

We've stayed here many times over the years, and the service has always been great. Zoe and Rain are at the top of my list after more than 25 years as a Marriott Rewards member. They show Marriott's high service standards and deliver wonderful customer care. Management should recognize both of them in their upcoming reviews and give them a financial bonus.

The deadbolt in room 403 didn't work, and the latch on the inside of the door was barely attached to the frame. The sofa cushions also need attention. I've been told this property is due for a remodel, and I wouldn't recommend staying until that work is finished. I stay at Marriott properties almost exclusively, so this was a major and inexcusable disappointment.

The breakfast server got everything ready by herself, and I want to thank her for all she does. Big thanks as well to housekeeper raven for cleaning, and to the rest of the staff for being kind to us. They let my family and me check in early, brought extra towels and blankets, and replaced our iron with a new one.

The late check-in put my whole weekend off on the wrong foot. I had checked in on my phone for a 2:00 p.m. arrival and got there right at 2:00, but was told the room wasn't ready and that I'd done the phone check-in incorrectly. I knew that couldn't be right, since I'd used the same process many times without a problem. They said check-in was at 4:00, so I left and came back then. The room still wasn't ready. After some discussion, they offered a different room than the one I'd booked, which I accepted. If they'd offered it earlier, I'd have taken it, reluctantly. I was in town for a funeral and had my dog with me. I was supposed to board him, but the delay and afternoon traffic made me miss the kennel's arrival time, so I had to keep him overnight and take him Saturday morning. I tried to explain that to the front desk woman, but she said too bad and charged me a $75 pet fee. She tracked me down by phone to do it. That left a sour taste for the whole weekend. The stay itself was okay, though the rooms could use some updating, which I expect with older properties. The front desk woman was unhelpful, while everyone else, especially the overnight gentleman, was very accommodating. I usually get a post-checkout email from the hotel or Marriott, and I believe they deliberately didn't send one so I couldn't leave a review there. I wanted to write one anyway, but it seems they don't want this one.