TownePlace Suites by Marriott Hadley Amherst

I stayed one night last month while traveling to a meeting in New Hampshire. Check-in and checkout were smooth, but on my drive home that afternoon I got an email saying I’d damaged the room microwave and that my card had been charged $300. The property hadn’t called before charging me. I called right away and told the manager I hadn’t damaged anything or even used the microwave. I also mentioned that I’d been a Marriott member for a long time and had never had an issue like this at a Marriott property. The manager wasn’t helpful and refused to refund the charge after supposedly speaking with the owners. Corporate Marriott sided with the property and also refused to credit me. I disputed the charge with my card company, which found my dispute valid and paid me back for the alleged damage. Corporate Marriott also reimbursed me for the one night’s stay. It sounds like, after being challenged and having to investigate, the property found that the microwave was faulty and other rooms had the same damage. Sorry for the long post, but I’d avoid this hotel if you don’t want to spend time pursuing reimbursement. There are other options in the area.

The staff were really friendly and willing to help make our stay great. It’s a 5-10 minute drive from UMASS, so we’ll use it when we visit our college student. The rooms are very spacious, and the small kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, two-burner stovetop, dishwasher, and sink.

The breakfast had a little of everything: waffles, bagels, toast, an oatmeal bar, eggs, plenty of drinks, and more. I loved all the options. The front desk staff were always there whenever I walked by, ready to help, and they were so kind about welcoming me or wishing me a good day. We were greeted by friendly faces as soon as we arrived. I booked a king room, and it was clean and spacious. The glass shower door was a big plus for me since I don’t usually like shower curtains. The TV was large and had plenty of channels. I only stayed a short time, so I didn’t use the kitchenette, but it was nice to see everything ready to use without needing to call down for supplies. I first thought the hotel was a little pricey, but a family member was staying there too, so I booked, and the cost was well worth it for us. I’d definitely consider staying again on another trip to MA if it fits my budget or is close to where I want to go.

It was peaceful, with plentiful parking right in front of the building, and the place wasn’t overrun with guests. The lobby was bright and open, and my room and the rest of the hotel seemed exceptionally clean. It felt like a new hotel that management keeps up with, which was one reason I chose it. The young woman at the desk respected my privacy and didn’t say my room number out loud. Nobody bothered me, and I felt very safe staying there alone. I was in town for a class and stayed just one night. It was my first time staying at a hotel by myself, so I looked into local lodging before choosing this one. It’s a good option for solo travelers, and the king suite felt fairly priced. I had a five-star experience. My only complaint is about the turn off the main road into the parking lot, not the hotel’s fault. Traffic behind you moves so fast, so be careful when you visit.