SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairfax Fair Oaks

The room itself was clean enough, but the service and preparation were disappointing. We booked a week ahead and were told check-in was at 3 p.m. We got there at 5, yet neither of our two rooms was ready. One person was working the desk while other employees lingered around. The guest ahead of us took 10 minutes to check in, which wasn’t the desk worker’s fault. Then we waited another 10 minutes while someone from housekeeping was reached, followed by another 10 minutes for the rooms to be cleaned. After traveling, that was a long time to wait when we’d arrived two hours after check-in began. The person who booked for us is some kind of deluxe member and travels a lot, and there was a card on the account. Even so, they required a physical card. What’s the point of keeping one on file if they can’t use it? The preparation for guests was severely lacking.

The staff were very friendly and helpful, and they deserved a much better property. This was the worst Marriott I can remember staying at. The room had tired, depressing mid-eighties decor in brown, hair on the shower walls and curtain, and carpet across the floor. Wall-to-wall carpet in a hotel felt unsanitary and disgusting. Whenever the heat came on, the unit made a high-pitched whine that woke me up. I plugged in my laptop overnight, then found the outlet was dead and my laptop was too. Only one elevator was working, and the carpet in the elevator lobbies was worn and frayed. Breakfast was truly sad, high in carbs and low in protein, with nothing healthy. No yogurt or fresh fruit. The owners should be ashamed and should lose their flag.

The hotel was very clean and comfortable, but our pool was closed for all three days we were there. I’m giving it three stars because a very unfriendly desk clerk was disrespectful to my disabled Navy veteran daughter about handicap parking. I hope they make this right.

The rooms were very clean, the breakfast was nice, and the staff were professional. It was quiet at night, though traffic noise picked up in the morning because our room faced Random Hills Road. Good value for the location I needed, and I’d definitely recommend it. Getting onto the property was a hassle when traveling north on Waples Mill rd, since there’s no left turn. Making a U-turn at Random Hills can be a little dicey in traffic.