City Express By Marriott Freeport

We came with 20 families for a basketball tournament while the hotel was being renovated. Some things were inconvenient, but the staff went out of their way to help us and made up for it with their kindness. They were very nice and helpful.

Our room was dated, but clean, and the rest of the hotel seemed pretty clean considering the remodel. We were in town for a funeral, and the website had already mentioned the renovation, so we knew there wouldn't be breakfast. The pool was open, though we didn't use it. The front desk kid was friendly, and they were upfront about the inconveniences. No complaints.

I was in Freeport in early February for a relative's funeral, and this stay had three major problems. Renovation work started with hammering shortly after 8 a.m. on Sunday. I was already awake, so it wasn't a big deal for me, but the parking lot wasn't full and my room was just down the hall from active work. I don't know why I was put there. The worst part happened mid-morning. I had picked up breakfast from the kitchen area, which was also under construction, with ungrouted tile left for customers to step over. Back in my room, I put the "Do Not Disturb" placard in the door's card reader and started laying out clothes. Just before I was about to shower, I heard a light knock that sounded like it came from across the hall. I hesitated, then headed for the door, and it started opening before I got there. The front desk attendant was there with two contractors and asked if they could measure my window. They didn't call through the door to check whether I was awake or knock a second time to give me a moment. They just opened it, despite the DND tag. I was so shocked that I said, "Sure..." and stood there while they finished. The contractors seemed amused, maybe by my pajamas or the King of the Hill on TV, but at least they were quick. I had to ask for my DND tag back because the attendant started walking away with it. She only apologized after I complained later, and said her manager had authorized her to enter rooms. I wish I'd thought to turn them away, though they had already walked in. Thirty seconds later and they'd have seen me undressing. A couple of minutes later and I could've been in the shower. Maybe they would've taken their measurements and left without my knowing. Who knows? They should have moved on when they saw the tag, instead of invading my privacy and hiding behind company policy and some claimed urgency about measuring my specific window. I contacted the GM, Candice. She offered a free night's stay that expired this summer. I live 2,000 miles away, so that did nothing for me. She insisted there was no other option because I booked through a third-party site and wasn't a rewards member at the time. Poor excuses all around. Avoid this place.

There are renovations underway, but they did a great job keeping my stay comfortable, and the hotel is pet-friendly, which matters a lot to me. Candace, the hotel manager, was incredibly helpful and accommodating. I come here all the time, and this was by far my easiest stay. I'd give her a million stars. I'll definitely be back after the work is done to see how beautiful everything looks. Thanks, Candace and Baymont!