Courtyard by Marriott Petaluma Sonoma County

The location is super easy to find, right off the freeway and close to restaurants and just about anything you might need. The wisteria along the parking lit is a beautiful, welcoming touch, especially when it blooms. This is my favorite hotel in Petaluma after several staycations around town. I’m back for three nights in an upgraded room, and the rooms are fantastic, with gorgeous decor that matches the website photos. The bed feels heavenly, it’s peaceful and quiet, and I slept comfortably on my last visit too. There was a mix-up because my upgraded room wasn’t ready, but Enma went above and beyond to get it cleaned and offered me something from the marketplace. As a platinum member, I really appreciated that. I love the one-bedroom suites, since not every courtyard has them, and the sofa is a nice change from the usual chair. The balconies are great for getting fresh air without heading downstairs. There’s no complimentary breakfast, but the breakfast menu is delicious. Last time I had eggs, hash browns, and sausage, and they even made mine with just egg whites. It’s clean, with mostly showers, though you can request a room with a tub. The upgraded rooms don’t have one. The hot tub, pool, and fitness center are all stellar. I really can’t ask for more.

After a long day of travel that ended with a drive through San Francisco, we were glad not to have to go out looking for food. The small kitchen had tasty, healthy choices. Our room was spacious and clean, and the beds were extremely soft. Just what we needed.

The place was nice enough, but paying $200+ a night and getting neither breakfast nor even a cup of black coffee feels like a rip-off. Why doesn’t Courtyard put complimentary coffee in the lobby? Room coffee is subpar, and the Bistro doesn’t open until 6AM. Some locations have a Starbs machine, but it charges $5 for coffee that’s only a little better. Do better, Marriott.

The room was new and modern, and the staff did try to help by moving us to the fourth floor, but the ants were still everywhere: in the AC, on the bathroom counter and nightstand, and even in our water cups. They got into my car too, so I had to buy traps and am still waiting for them to work. Staff said construction next door caused the problem, and that clearly won’t be over for a long time. They offered 2,000 points, which doesn’t make up for the hassle. Ant infestation. Avoid at all cost.