Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Norwood

Just to clarify, we stayed at the Milford, Ma location, not this hotel. Google should make the hotel locations clearer, since we were asked to review Norwood, Ma, Holiday Inn Express even though this hotel is in Milford, Ma off 495 south. We like the location for visiting family in Framingham, but the hotel could use some improvements. The mattresses need updating, which surprised us for a Holiday Inn Express. The TV was confusing to use and we couldn't tell what we were watching, so we ended up watching things on our own devices. We also had to request extra keys several times after ours failed to get us into the room. The sink and wash area are open to the room, separate from the toilet and tub. That may be convenient, but if you want to use the bathroom without waking your partner, you may want another hotel. The refrigerator was handy, and breakfast was good, though I'd like to see more fruit. The hotel also needs electric charging stations. Gabe was an excellent host and should be promoted. Chuck, the maintenance tech, promptly unclogged our toilet. He is key to fixing problems around the clock, and deserves room and board with decent benefits.

The room smelled fresh as soon as we walked in, and everything felt clean. I loved the decor in the hotel and the upgraded carpet. The black marble bathroom sink and bedside spotlights were nice touches, and we really enjoyed the in-room whirl hot tub. It was better than any hotel I’ve stayed at this year, with more amenities than the others and an even lower price.

The only thing I liked was how quiet it was. The pool is closed indefinitely, and housekeeping only comes if you specifically ask. The beds were awful, very squishy and so high off the floor that I had trouble getting into one. I woke up with back pain. There’s a lot of empty space in the room, including a 10x15 cold tiled area with just a bench. I had to trek across it to reach the bathroom at night. The rooms are in bad shape, and there are basically no amenities. I can’t believe I paid this much for so little. I haven’t enjoyed a single thing about staying here.

The front desk staff were nice and accommodating, and the location was convenient. Our room was spacious and clean, with a really comfortable bed. I didn’t find any hair or stains, which has been an issue at other places I’ve stayed. The bathroom and shower were nice, and the little Bath & Body Works soaps were cute. I’d come back.