SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte Univ. Research Park

I left my jacket in the room after my first visit, and the hotel staff wouldn't let me retrieve it. They said they'd give it back the next day, but never called. I asked for a manager, who didn't call either. The front desk said they'd look into it and call me in twenty minutes. Days later, I still hadn't heard from them or gotten my item back. I guess the staff really needed or wanted my coat.

Breakfast was great, with plenty of hot food to choose from, and they still clean the rooms every night. Most hotels have switched to cleaning every third night. The hotel was also quiet despite being near a highway, so I slept without trouble during my two-night stay. The HVAC remote only worked now and then, so I mostly used the buttons on the wall unit instead. The bathroom fan was really loud, but those are minor complaints. I'd definitely stay here again.

The king bed had a really old mattress, and breakfast was just OK. It was fairly quiet apart from the usual air-conditioning unit noise. The fitness center door was hard to open. If you can get a room on the parking lot side, the window opens.

The room was so dirty that I packed up and checked out. I found dried urine and feces splatter on the toilet seat, and it made me worry that the rest of the room hadn't been cleaned properly either. I was there on a business trip, and had started working at the desk without checking the room over first. After about 45 minutes, I was heading out to dinner when I went into the bathroom and saw the mess. I asked to speak with Steve, the General Manager named on the business card, so I could make sure I wouldn't be charged. The desk attendant said he was on vacation, took my name and number, and said another manager, Tristen, would call the next business day. I didn't hear from him. When I called and asked for Tristen, they said he was off. I still haven't received a call about the cleanliness or possible unnecessary charges. The property is dated, clearly not clean, and needs a remodel. I've stayed at other Marriott properties, but this was by far the worst and an embarrassment to the brand. I won't book here again and wouldn't recommend others do either. Fortunately, I found a great room at the Hyatt around the corner. I usually don't stay at Staybridge properties, but this was one of the few options nearby because of concerts.