TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lancaster, CA

This was a rough way to begin my Thanksgiving holiday. I booked two rooms, but Booking.com charged me for two and TownPlace Suites charged me for an extra room, making three. Then Jessica at the front desk called today to say they’d forgotten the incidentals and I needed to pay another $40, $20 for each of two rooms. She said her manager told her, but when I asked to speak with the manager, I was told they weren’t there. I swiped my card for the $40. Now there’s an extra $410 hold on my account, $370 for the additional room plus $40 for incidentals. This is not a good look for the hotel.

The room’s kitchen was well equipped, and I made some of my favorite steaks on the outdoor grill. I stayed a week and found the hotel a solid choice for families or business travelers, with a comfortable room and friendly staff. Breakfast was good, though I’d like to see more variety.

My mom has always loved staying at TownPlace when she visits, but this time they put her at their sister property, Fairfield Inn, instead. She looks forward to relaxing in the sun by the pool, and the Fairfield Inn’s indoor pool is hot and humid. She asked whether she could at least use the pool at the hotel she’d booked, but they wouldn’t let her. Their explanation was that the two places count as the same hotel because they’re both Marriott properties. That sure didn’t feel true to us. I’m disappointed, especially since I recommended this place when she first started visiting and my best friend also stays there when she comes to town. I think we’re all done with it.

It’s been a month since they charged my deposit, and I still haven’t gotten it back. Be careful, lots of people seem to be missing their deposits because of the hotel’s mistake. The staff weren’t very friendly either.