TownePlace Suites by Marriott Pleasanton

We had a great two-night stay and would definitely return. Breakfast had scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, potatoes, waffles, bread, bagels, oatmeal, cereal, and yogurt. The hot dishes were actually hot. Our room at the back of the hotel was very clean and quiet. The beds had just the right firmness, though most pillows sank too low. I bring my own pillow, so that didn't affect me. The kitchen seemed to have the utensils we needed, and the shower got hot quickly. A couple of room issues: the front door stuck and took force to open, and light came through at the top and bottom. The blackout shade also let light in around its edges.

The rooms are actually very nice, with a thoughtful layout and design, which makes my two similar stays in the last three weeks all the more frustrating. On the first visit, I arrived early to avoid afternoon traffic and planned to leave my luggage before going for a hike. When I asked to use a restroom, I was told I could only get in with a room key. Refusing an incoming guest access to a restroom is ridiculous. On my second visit, I had forgotten my razor and asked the front desk for a complimentary one, since free toiletries are advertised. The same employee told me razors were only for sale in the market. Maybe it's that particular employee, or perhaps poor management. I work in the industry, and both situations are unheard of to me.

Breakfast was a complete fail, even though the room was fine. Almost everything ran out, including biscuits and gravy, sausage, waffle batter, bread, orange juice, coffee, and hot water for tea. We had to ask several times over roughly 30 minutes to get things refilled. Definitely not the Marriott level of service.

I came out to California for a lot of work and ended up spending 30 nights here by myself. The hotel has a brand-new feel, with airy, contemporary rooms, and the staff are so sweet. Every woman I've dealt with has given outstanding service. It was a fast-feeling month, and I'm sad to check out, but I've already booked another stay here in a couple of months. For a long-stay hotel, the amenities are impressive. The gym is in mint condition and has enough equipment to work every part of your body, though you may need to get creative. The heated pool is my favorite, and it's super clean. The hot tub is pristine too. Its jets weren't working for a few days, but were fixed within a week, which I find satisfactory for a business. They're working now and set in the right position. I love the pool area's look, whether I'm soaking to unwind from work or roasting in the afternoon sun. Breakfast is complimentary, tastes like breakfast at other Marriott properties, and starts right on the posted time. There was an older woman I saw often, though I never caught her name. We both worked night shifts, and she'd see me come back exhausted from work and then catch me full of life on my days off. She made me feel at home, almost like a second mom, and I'll miss her. I hope she's still here when I return in a few months. Her hospitality made this place feel less like a hotel and more like home. My odd work hours meant I didn't get to know the other women as well, but they were just as kind and sweet. The hospitality here is top notch. Please give them all a shoutout.