Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix West/Avondale

After staying here four times in the past two years, I’m confident the hotel is being run poorly. It has great potential, but whoever’s in charge doesn’t seem to put guests first, and staff aren’t held to the standards a hotel of this brand and caliber should follow. I’ve heard maids playing personal music at an unacceptable volume and singing along loudly and off-key. You’re working in a nice hotel, not cleaning your own house on a Saturday afternoon, so professionalism and common courtesy should matter. I’ve also seen employees smoking right outside the entrance and parking their personal vehicles in the guest area used for checking in and unloading bags.

The housekeeping team and the rest of the staff were wonderful, and the rooms were clean. The problem is the highway side of the hotel, where the road noise is pretty excessive. If you’re a light sleeper, be ready to bring earplugs.

I was completely dissatisfied after three sleepless nights. The lobby and front desk were great, but dust covered my room, and the air felt like it did in a motel. I don’t have dust allergies, yet this was the first time I struggled to breathe, kept sneezing, and developed a dry throat. I can only imagine how much worse it would be for someone who already has dust allergies. I travel often and like trying Marriott properties, but experiences like this make being part of a big brand feel pointless.

The front desk guest service agent was really nice and helpful, and the location is handy for nearby venues. Ask for a room facing the front of the building, since that may help with the highway noise.