Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Missoula Airport

After years of staying here, we won't be back. The lifeguards were like mean bouncers with the kids, taking the fun out of a hotel pool visit. You even need a wristband just to sit and watch your kids swim. Our family wanted to sit and visit while the kids were in the pool, but we didn't have enough bands. I was told they're going to start giving just one wristband per room, then charge $10 for each extra one starting in the fall. They said they'd send lots of emails beforehand so people know about the change. This isn't a luxury resort, it's the tiniest of water parks. Super sad. In response to your reply, what was the “misinformation”? It wasn't busy when we were there, and it didn't seem like a rare occurrence, since the lifeguards were speaking to more kids than just ours. Also, yikes, your response implied we weren't watching our kids or that there had been infractions, or we'd been asked to leave. None of that happened. We were actively involved with the kids, and other people there noticed it, too.

We stayed here before an early flight out of Missoula airport, so we left before the continental breakfast was available. When I asked the front desk for a couple of forks and napkins as we headed out, they quickly got them for us so we could eat on the run. Our two kids absolutely loved the indoor slides and pool. The room was spacious and upscale, and the whole hotel was very clean. I'd absolutely stay again.

The kids left crying and confused, the parents felt embarrassed, and the birthday girl was heartbroken. Their party had been underway for only a few minutes before manager Kim came into the swimming area and abruptly told the whole group to leave and not come back. Only the children were swimming; the adults were standing along the side supervising. Kim told the host they'd “not read the directions,” and that everyone needed a wristband. Apparently just five had been provided. That limit had never been clearly explained in a way that made sense for a children's party where parents need to supervise. Instead of calmly explaining or working with the host on a solution, Kim shut it down on the spot. What made it worse was how Kim spoke to our friend who organized the party. She repeatedly called her “dumb,” and used a rude, condescending tone. It was shocking and completely inappropriate for a manager speaking to a paying guest. The group was left feeling belittled and embarrassed. We understand hotels need rules and may need to control capacity, especially when busy or fully booked. But there was no empathy for the children, and basic courtesy could have made a difference. The situation could have been handled by explaining the wristband policy beforehand or finding a reasonable solution. Instead, a celebration turned hostile and stressful, and the birthday girl's special day was ruined. We hope the complaint is taken seriously so other families don't go through this. A children's birthday party shouldn't end with crying kids and insulted parents. This was an extremely negative experience, caused largely by Kim's unprofessional behavior.

The hotel was very clean, and the free breakfast was much better than what I've had at other hotels. The rooms were really nice for the price, and my daughter had a great time at the waterpark. The two guys who checked me in were professional and kind. They could tell I was stressed and made the whole process easy. I was very impressed and highly recommend it.