Towneplace Suites by Marriott Las Cruces

For a one-night stop on my trip, this was an easy place to get to, with friendly staff and a comfortable room. Breakfast was the usual spread of fruit, breads, waffles you make yourself, eggs, and breakfast potatoes. I appreciated that it began at 6 a.m. on weekdays, earlier than at my previous hotel. When I first got to the room, the bathroom floor was dirty and there were grapes spilled beneath the fridge door. The front desk sorted it out quickly while I was using the small but functional fitness room. Thanks, Mira.

The staff are exceptional, and the rooms look nice after what seems to be a recent remodel. The beds have that familiar Marriott comfort. There's also laundry, plus a compact gym with good equipment. The hotel sits on a quiet cul-de-sac near the freeway. Leaving can take a little patience, though: Telshore road is often busy and there's a blind curve to the left, so allow time to wait for a gap.

The rooms actually look much better than the hotel's website photos suggest. The site itself seems poorly maintained, and the service isn't good either. The team tries, but management seems to be the problem. When we raised concerns, the manager started complaining himself, and our issues didn't seem to be taken seriously. Our TV didn't work, and its awkward position made it hard to watch anyway. The toilet clogged in the middle of the night. Avoid a room beside the elevator unless you want to be woken around 6 a.m., since it runs right next to the bed. I'd like to suggest a better option in Las Cruces, but other hotels nearby seem to have plenty of problems too. It may be better to stay in a neighboring place.

The rooms were comfortable, and breakfast was hot and good. The guy working nights was cool, though I didn't get his name. It's right off the highway. I'd come back, no complaints.