Courtyard by Marriott Austin Round Rock

The beds were comfortable, and the location was handy for a volleyball commuter, right across the street from Round Rock Sports Center. But the room smelled, so I had to buy room spray. The guy at the front desk was questionable. It was freezing cold, frozen all over the place, and he had the nerve to say I couldn’t check out later. I set him straight!

I’ve stayed at many hotels for work and never had this happen. My job was paying for the room, but at check-in they asked for my personal card to keep on file for possible damage and said it wouldn’t be charged. By the next morning, they’d charged $700 to my card, and apparently charged that amount to everyone staying there. I’d come from out of town after a 4-hour drive for a work function. I only had $200 in my account, so the charge left my card overdrawn by $500. They said it would take 3 business days to get the money back. I couldn’t use my card for food, gas, or anything, and still had a 4-hour drive home. Thankfully I’d filled the tank before checking in, but I had no food for the trip. What could possibly have cost $700? The room isn’t that expensive, and I was there for one night. Ridiculous treatment. I hope my work doesn’t pick this hotel again. If it does, I’ll sleep in the car.

For work, I’ve stayed here repeatedly, and it’s been one good experience after another. The rooms are exceptionally clean, staff are incredibly helpful, and several restaurants are within walking distance. The pool area looks inviting enough that I’ve started thinking about swimming in spring. Sierra has quickly handled every small bathroom issue I’ve run into, unlike at some other places. The bathrooms are dated, though, so if you expect a fully updated one with fancy mirrors and fresh tile, this may not be the place for you. I’m an easygoing traveler who needs a hot shower and a bed, and I change my linens at home once a week. I also dislike strangers in my room, so on longer trips I usually request minimal housekeeping. For a convenient, surprisingly quiet stay, even with I-35 nearby, I’m happy to make that trade. If someone above you sounds like a tap dancing elephant, bring Loop brand earplugs or call the front desk. Expecting 5 stars from a 3 star chain is like expecting a Michelin star meal from a Chili’s. And you youth sports travelers, business people think your demands are ridiculous while you’re also ruining our peace, so think twice before posting that review, Karen.

I’ve stayed at this hotel for the same conference before, but this time kids were running around out of control at all hours of the night, cursing and yelling. The night before checkout, they ran and cursed down the hallway until 3am. I asked Mariana and her property manager Clifford for a late checkout so I could rest before my drive back, and they said no. That’s how they treat loyal Bonvoy Elite Silver Members!