Courtyard by Marriott Old Town

I’ve been coming here since college, and I still choose it for business even when I’m allowed to stay at higher-end hotels. I like being able to walk to Old Town bars and restaurants, but it’s the staff who keep bringing me back. The front desk, restaurant, and others are consistently positive and attentive, a kind of service that’s rare these days. It’s clear management has built a healthy atmosphere for both guests and staff from the top down.

A basic, clean room and pleasant front desk staff made this older property suitable for a night before a flight. It’s within walking distance of Old Town and very close to the highway. Even so, the windows are well insulated, so road noise was minimal and didn’t bother me.

The staff were very nice, but I wouldn’t stay again, especially for the price. The beds were usable but not comfortable, and the rooms were just okay. The bathroom was a good size, though the toilet needed a thorough scrub. The mini fridge didn’t work well, and there was no in-room microwave, but one was available in the lobby. The room deadbolt and bathroom door latch didn’t work properly. The lobby sofa was dirty and ripped, and I was embarrassed to meet friends there for a drink. Parking in the garage cost an extra $30 daily, with only a few spaces in front of the lobby as an alternative.

We got a two-queen room that was spacious and had decent amenities, including a pool. The TV was a good size. I liked the light-up bathroom mirror and the huge mirror in the room for getting ready for an event. The shower pressure was normal, not especially strong, but fine.