Residence Inn by Marriott Redwood City San Carlos

The Residence Inn at Redwood is well maintained and up to date, with rooms that are well appointed and show no wear. Its location isn't anything special, but it's convenient to the highway and just 20 minutes from SFO. The staff are generally quite friendly. The off-hours front desk could use improvement, though, since they were either unavailable or uncaring. Still, it's a solid place for business or leisure, and this Marriott location is worth visiting when you're in the area.

The newer facilities can't make up for having to share living space with animals. There were three dogs in the unit next door, and we could hear them through the walls. Dogs were also near the dining area, which concerned me, and having pets allowed in all the rooms worried my family too. I love animals, just not where we sleep and eat. Some people are still concerned about covid and masks, yet the hotel has no problem with flea carriers and dog accidents in rooms. When I raised this, staff quickly checked me out and defended the pet policy. Pet friendly, but not customer friendly. Never again, and I don't recommend staying here.

This hotel has all the things I expect from a $300/night Residence Inn: a kitchen, desk, dressing room, lovely bathroom, beautiful decor, immaculate rooms, a capable gym of noteworthy size, a full-featured breakfast, and cushy seating areas. I'd go back if I could get an odd-numbered room. As a Bonvoy member, my one request every stay is a quiet part of the hotel, and this time I had a hard business trip pushed into a miserable one by the morning disruptions outside my third-floor room. Avoid the even-numbered rooms at all costs. There was ear-shatteringly loud trash pickup in the 5 o'clock hour, then an hour of absolutely putrid-smelling suction excavator activity directly outside room 308. I assume it was raw sewage, but I might be wrong. See video, the first half is with the window closed!

The property was clean and well maintained, and at first the pool party for my 3-year-old niece's birthday was going well. Adonis, the friendly and helpful employee at the pool gate, greeted us warmly and paid attention to what our group needed. His professionalism and kindness set a good tone. Things changed when he went on break and an older Hispanic woman, who we later learned was a manager, took over. She came across cold, rude, and unwelcoming, telling us no balloons, birthday banner, or patio decorations. We understood the rules and followed them without arguing, but her tone was much harsher than needed. The worst moment was when she told adults supervising the kids, about my 3-year-old daughter on the autism spectrum, “If this child runs again, you’re out.” She also said that if other kids could follow the rules, my daughter should be able to as well. That was insensitive, inappropriate, and discriminatory, and showed a lack of understanding, compassion, and basic decency. We were respectful guests and tried to keep things orderly and fun for everyone. We didn't deserve to be treated that way. Residence Inn should retrain its managers to interact respectfully and empathetically with guests, especially families. A little kindness and flexibility goes a long way. Until then, I can't recommend this location for family events.