Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Marion

The older gentleman who checked us in was extremely kind and helpful, a 10/10 for customer service. We’re on my daughter’s Make A Wish trip, and after driving almost 500 miles with another 918 miles still to go to the Wish destination, we were all tired. The rooms are clean, the beds comfortable, and the TV is a good size. Having both a fridge and microwave is great. The pool was very cold and heavily chlorinated, but the kids didn’t mind too much. The hot tub temperature was great, though it badly needs updating. It’s been a great stay!

It was clean enough, and a typical basic Fairfield near the highway, fine for a quick stop. The odd part came when I went to the lobby early for coffee so I wouldn’t wake anyone in my room. An employee showed up, presumably starting a shift, and took over the space by turning the TV way up so they could hear it behind the front desk. It got uncomfortable to sit there, even though several guests were already there. They seemed completely oblivious to us. Just odd.

Breakfast is why I’m giving it four stars. There’s a waffle machine, but that’s the only warm food. Apart from the coffee, I didn’t bother with it. The room was a little threadbare, but clean and perfectly adequate. I had no hesitation taking my shoes and socks off.

I stayed three nights, 9/7-9/9, after almost giving Marriott one last try. The mobile keys never work for me, or the front desk doesn’t issue them, and I sometimes feel like I’m bothering Marriott staff. Savannah changed that. She gave the kind of service I expect at a Marriott and saved my experience. She was also covering up a leaking ceiling in the front lobby at the same time, and I didn’t even notice it. She’s awesome. I’m still missing points, though.