Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Airport Burlingame

The room looked over an abandoned hotel next door, which felt sketchy and made for a terrible view. That’s not what I expect from a Marriott. We paid for parking at check-in, but nobody told us a pass had to be displayed on the dashboard or rearview mirror. In the morning there was a notice threatening to tow our car, which caused needless stress. Parking rules should be explained clearly at check-in and in writing, and checked before notices are issued. Staff should also compare license plates with paid parking records before threatening a tow, so they can confirm whether the car belongs to a guest.

The little cafe on site turned out to be a real highlight. It looks like it might just reheat prepared food, but both dinner and breakfast were fresh and surprisingly delicious. The hotel itself is nice and new or newly renovated. The downside is parking costs $30, and although it seems to have been disclosed when booking, it was buried in fine print and wasn’t clear. That felt shady and annoying.

The rooms are big and clean, and the bed was comfortable. There’s Starbucks coffee in the morning and a free airport shuttle. The hotel has a restaurant, though I’d have liked more dining choices. Downtown Burlingame is about two miles away and has plenty of options. I couldn’t find a corkscrew or bottle opener, and the staff didn’t have one to lend me.

It’s quiet here, with a few really good food spots nearby, including GIGI's and a Mexican place by Top Golf. The airport shuttle runs on a 35 minute rotating schedule.