Residence Inn Denver South/Park Meadows Mall

The breakfast was standard, and I appreciated it being included. The chef was so kind. The fitness room, though, is tiny, about the size of the bedrooms, with only two or three treadmills and an elliptical. I can’t remember if there was a bike. At 6:30 on Tuesday morning, nearly every machine was in use. I’ve stayed twice for business, four days each time. On the first visit my room was quiet, well kept, and had no odd odors. On the second, it smelled like pot, especially in the bathroom, so I asked for another room. That one was okay, but the extra blanket in the closet was clean and damp. I let it air out; it smelled a little like mildew until it dried fully, then the odor went away. There are dogs around. One barked loudly in the hallway when a door opened, and another jumped on me near the elevator. The staff weren’t rude, just not especially hospitable, and I’d have liked a warmer welcome. There’s a mix of families, business travelers, and everyone in between. The location worked for me, but next time I’ll try a different extended stay hotel.

Most of the staff I met were friendly and helpful, which I appreciated, but that couldn’t make up for the room or the stay. I wouldn’t choose this place again when there are better options nearby. The room had broken lights, a used Q-tip in the bedroom, old food buildup in the microwave, and leftover food in the freezer. It also smelled persistently musky and sweaty. At night, strong cooking smells from somewhere else made it unbearable. The window wouldn’t open because it was broken, so there was no way to get fresh air.

The front desk gentleman was courteous and very helpful when I arrived late at night. The room was a bit smaller than I expected, but it was clean and plenty spacious for me. The location was great, just minutes from shopping and restaurants.

I’d hoped to give this at least three stars, but then the invoice came by email with a $10.00 parking charge. I have to park there, and I’d have been less annoyed if the fee had been mentioned during booking or at check-in. At check-in, nobody mentioned or offered any of the minimum benefits for my gold membership. I had to ask for late checkout. Nobody told us dinner ran until 10 p.m., though we arrived around 9 and would have appreciated knowing. There were no free water bottles and no upgrade. I’d booked a room with a fireplace, but mine didn’t have one. The AC sounded like 50 Blackhawk helicopters all night, which made sleeping easy. NOT. Breakfast might have saved the stay, but with 30 minutes left they wouldn’t add more scrambled eggs or sausage. We got the last eggs; the family after us only got cereal and toast. Then came the response to my review, which blamed the customer and took no responsibility. I told you so. I advise everyone to avoid this property like it’s COVID. And to the person from the Residence Inn who replied, should I post a photo of that HUGE hallway sign about dinner? Hmmmm? Marriott, do better. There are 30 other hotels around there I could choose. You’ll probably respond with a cookie-cutter promise to retrain staff, but you won’t. Put your money where your mouth is.