Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Flower Mound

This feels like a standard corporate hotel built for conference attendees, with little to set it apart. The sprinkler heads even had signs warning guests not to hang coat hangers on them, which gives you an idea of the clientele. Public areas were kept uncomfortably cold. The Bistro was pricey and forgettable, except Adrian's flatbread pizzas, which were fantastic. The other bar staff didn’t seem to manage the same quality. Bottled water in the room cost $5 each. My room smelled damp and musty when I arrived, and it wasn’t very clean. The bathroom sink was especially unpleasant. I could open the windows, but then cigarette smoke came in from the smokers who were almost always in the yard. It still crept in with the windows closed, despite the hotel supposedly being non-smoking. Opening the windows also risked letting in wasps from a nest on the door frame. The chairs were uncomfortable and had some nasty-looking stains on the seats. There was a safe, but it was locked and unusable. They said they didn’t have a master code. Free Wi-Fi and parking were good, though the nearby covered garage was often full, and oversized pickup trucks regularly blocked half the driving lanes. Luckily there was plenty of street parking. The open-flame gas heaters in the courtyard made for a pleasant evening, assuming you could get away from the ever-present smokers, some of whom were smoking tobacco. It might just about do for a couple of conference days when someone else is paying. As a private traveler, I’d spend my money elsewhere.

Watch out for the small island in the parking lot. As we were leaving on Sunday, May 24, I slipped on the curb, sprained my left ankle, and broke my right one. I had to call 911 and get emergency care before our 16 hour drive back to Wisconsin. Emergency vehicles were outside by the front door, but nobody from the hotel came to check what had happened or offer help. They didn’t file an incident report, either. After we got home, we called and asked for the manager, but no one has returned the call. We’d stayed once before because the location is great, but we won’t be back. I can only give one star for the service.

Great location, and Lena at the check-in desk was so kind and helpful. She offered good suggestions for places to explore. The room was nice, though the shower could have had more pressure and the wardrobe could have been easier to spot. Thanks, Marriott team. I’d recommend it.

Flower Mound doesn’t really have a central business area, so there isn’t much nightlife. But there’s a nice walking trail right next to the hotel, and the free parking garage can keep your car safe from hail. My room was spacious and full of natural light, and the staff did a great job making me feel welcome during a very long stay.