Fairfield Inn & Suites Tucson North/Oro Valley

The mountain view is lovely, and I really liked the air conditioning. Breakfast is a big plus: it feels like several options rolled into one, with a full American continental spread, hot buffet items ready to go, and grab-and-go convenience. It runs 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM Monday through Friday, and 7 AM to 10 AM on weekends. There’s also a handy 24-hour snack bar where you can pay by card, so you can get something whenever you’re hungry.

The staff were kind and helpful. When we asked for extra pillows, blankets, and towels, they brought them without any fuss. Breakfast was free and good, with waffles, powdered eggs, coffee, and juice. An attendant kept replenishing anything that ran low, and did it quickly. The pool was great, too, with an amazing view, although the hot tub had already been broken for three weeks when I left. The room seemed fairly clean at first, but it needs repairs and a deeper clean. There was grime in the tub and mold around the undermount sink that needs recaulking. The laundry room had four machines, but two were out of order. A sign said to ask the front desk for supplies, but they had no detergent. One load cost $5, so I expected either working machines and detergent or free use of the washer. I’d stay here again if I needed to.

Fernando from the kitchen was so welcoming, courteous, and focused on helping guests. Breakfast was very good, with a nice selection, including a delicious green salsa that was clearly store-bought chunky salsa. I’d stay again, though I wanted to share my honest thoughts about the room. We stayed in a suite after our BMX competition, with my husband and two boys. It was spacious and had lovely views, but management should update the furniture and provide more seating. The TVs are very old. There wasn’t any extra bedding in the suite, so I had to go get it from the lobby, which seemed odd for such a large bedroom. There was a jacuzzi in the bedroom, too. It felt dated, and I’d have preferred another bathroom.

The daytime staff were genuinely nice and helpful. They seemed to care about their work and the people coming through, and honestly, they were the only thing that saved this stay for me. I stay at Marriott’s around 60 nights a year, and this was the worst hotel I’ve experienced in their network. I can live with a 90s luxury look in the lobby and a broken hot tub, but I expect more from the room. Mine was right across from the elevator, so it was loud. I’m used to upgrades, and this felt like a major downgrade. The cheap blue LED bulbs gave the place a harsh feel. The shower stayed cold, there was a balcony outside the window that I couldn’t get to, and the business center was out of order. The room was dirty when I arrived, the bins hadn’t been emptied, and they smelled. The kitchen was useless without plates, utensils, or cookware. I was so put off by the room’s condition and lack of cleanliness that I can’t picture staying here again. The bed was comfortable, and I probably would have slept much better if the elevator hadn’t been dinging all night. The rooms need updating and the broken things need fixing. The hotel was missing basic maintenance.