Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hollister

We asked for a single bed away from the elevator, but only first-floor or elevator-adjacent rooms were available. The first room had no hot water, so I went back to tell the curly-haired check-in guy, maybe TJ? He switched us right away to a better room and upgraded us at the same price since the exact type we wanted wasn't available elsewhere. He was quiet, chill, and understanding, and asked the right questions without being pushy. He made the stay a great experience. I'd choose this place over the Holiday Inn across the street any day. Great service, 5/5.

The hotel was fine for our one night in Hollister for a party, but the service left me not wanting to return. All the male employees we dealt with were helpful and nice. One young man said there were no rooms ready before noon, suggested we check back around 12:30, and even offered to call us. We had driven five hours and only had about an hour to shower and get ready, so we came back at 12:30. He wasn't there then. A middle-aged blonde woman came out with an attitude and told us there were still no rooms, that the man wasn't there, and we'd have to wait about 15 minutes for him to return. Her tone was rude and unfriendly. Several other party guests I spoke to had the same impression of her. Earlier, when I tried to reserve in person a month ahead, I waited 15 minutes only to be told no staff were available; I had to return the next day. At check-in I rang the bell because no one was at the desk, and a high-pitched woman's voice called from the back, 'We'll be there in a minute,' sounding annoyed. I won't stay here again.

My son enjoyed the gym and pool during our visit with family, but the rest didn't meet expectations. The breakfast area was chaotic, and the food quality was below standard. The front desk staff didn't seem to know how to treat Marriott members. To me, this was motel standard at best and not qualified to be a Marriott hotel.

Breakfast was good. The hotel is only three stars, so you get what you pay for, but it feels like new management has let the place go downhill.