City Express by Marriott Louisville Southeast

I don’t understand how this place has good reviews. The hotel smelled like cigarette smoke and grime, and the first floor was full of construction materials. My room was filthy and dated, with mold and stains. The mattress and pillows were awful. I’d have rather slept in my car. They also require a $100 cash deposit at check-in. To get it back, you have to keep a slip of paper, bring it to the desk at checkout, wait for an attendant to arrive, then wait while they go inspect your room. Only after they come back do you get the cash. It’s 2026, come on.

Our King Suite had loads of room for two couples, and everyone was comfortable. The bed and pillows were comfy, the AC worked great, and the room was so quiet that we never heard anyone in the hall or using the elevators, even though we were right across from them on the fourth floor. The staff were super friendly, and the clean room showed they’re working hard on the remodel. We’d definitely stay here again.

The exterior door had a keycard reader, but it didn’t work. Luckily the front desk woman warned us she wasn’t sure about it, and we were able to hold the door so we didn’t have to haul our bags around the building. She was nice. The room was plain and ugly but usable, and the bed was fine. The fridge was warm when we arrived; even after adjusting its settings, it was still warm when we left. The food we put in there was a loss. The shower stayed ice cold through about 15 minutes of running. Breakfast was bland and mushy, with no condiments available.

Stayed one night and won’t be back. The pool and hot tub were under maintenance, the TV had no cable, and my key locked me out of the room at 3am. The hotel photos also didn’t match what I saw, since it’s being renovated.