Courtyard by Marriott Fayetteville

Our baseball tournament weekend turned into one of the worst hotel stays many of us have had. The hotel told families just one day before arrival that the hot water heaters were broken. Most nearby hotels were already booked, so many families felt stuck with their reservations and hoped the issue would be fixed or handled properly. It wasn't. We had no hot water all weekend, so families couldn't shower or use one of the most basic hotel amenities. Instead of a fair refund or meaningful accommodation, management offered what they called a “private continental breakfast” for the team: dry cereal, bananas, and oranges. That was completely inadequate for families and athletes competing all weekend. We were also told there were no pool towels. The suggested fix was to bring our used towels to the front desk to be washed and reused, which isn't acceptable service for a hotel. Other guests who weren't part of the group block were reportedly offered $25 credits to the bistro, while tournament families facing the same conditions weren't treated equally. Cheryl denied some of these details, but multiple other families confirmed them. The property was clearly under renovation, which hadn't been properly disclosed before arrival. Strong paint fumes filled the hotel, fans were running to manage the smell, and there were unfinished areas and missing baseboards. The condition was shocking for the rates being charged. Management made everything harder. Communication was inconsistent, and families got different explanations. Sometimes breakfast was described as part of the group rate, and other times as compensation for the lack of hot water. Cheryl said the staff issues were because they were college students who often didn't know what they were doing, which only highlighted the lack of leadership and training. We gave the general manager every chance to make things right privately. Despite many complaints, no fair resolution was offered. Families were left frustrated and ignored, and responses were often defensive, emotional, and dismissive instead of focused on solutions. At one point, she offered to show us a $40,000 invoice for the water heater repairs, which was absurdly inappropriate. We expected far better from the Marriott brand.

The front desk staff were really nice. The hotel is being renovated right now, though, and construction noise could interrupt your sleep.

Parking was simple, and the lot was well lit at night. There are lots of restaurants nearby, too. The room was clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated, and I found the hotel safe and easy to get around. Ask for CRYSTAL at the Front Desk, she was professional and very pleasant. I recommend staying here.

Renovation work was going on during my stay, and no one mentioned it when I booked through the Bonvoy mobile app. The corridors felt drafty, almost like being outside, and the exercise room had a significant amount of equipment missing or broken. Some parts are in good shape, including the renovated rooms and interior common areas, but the hotel overall still needs work. I'd consider coming back after the renovations are finished.