Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake City

The staff made this stay feel welcoming from the moment I arrived. Dhimmant Soni, the owner, clearly puts care into the property and guest experience, and that kind of hands-on attention really shows. Thomas was also wonderful, checking in often and making sure I was comfortable. He was professional, attentive, and genuinely kind. The hotel was clean and well maintained, with a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Every staff interaction was positive, but Dhimmant and Thomas especially made the experience. I had a great stay and would happily return. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a welcoming place with great service.

Breakfast was good, especially the mini waffles, and the 24/7 coffee bar was a nice perk. The room was nice too, though I wish I hadn’t looked under the bed. I only checked because my necklace broke and I couldn’t find the cross pendant, which is gone for good. Before 5am, my neighbors started yelling and slamming doors, and I couldn’t get back to sleep. There seemed to be plenty of other space, so I was frustrated that they were put right next to me and my sleeping infant. No one asked about my stay at checkout, or I would’ve brought it up.

I’m a Titanium Elite Marriott member, and I stayed here with my family expecting the consistency that loyalty is meant to bring. The AC barely cooled the room, and the shower only got lukewarm, but my kids weren’t complaining, so I let those things go. The trouble started with my 4 PM late checkout request. I submitted it through the app and confirmed it at the front desk, but they said they couldn’t allow it because the cleaning staff leave at 2 PM. That shouldn’t cancel an elite benefit. After breakfast, I asked for management. The owner, Dhimant Soni, came out with an aggressive tone and asked what I wanted. I calmly explained, and he confirmed the hotel wasn’t fully booked, but still refused the late checkout. The exchange felt disrespectful and dismissive, and it didn’t match Marriott standards. I hadn’t planned to write a review, but after spending enough with Marriott to earn Titanium Elite status, I feel I need to speak up. I’ll also escalate this to corporate. The owner of the location is pictured below 👇🏽

Our plans to stay in St Augustine went badly, so we stopped here without a reservation. Even though the hotel was nearly full with holiday travelers, the desk staff were pleasant and accommodating and found us a lovely room for the night. They also started breakfast before the scheduled 7am opening because they knew travelers were eager to get on the road in the heavy traffic. Amazing. I’d definitely stay here again.