Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Maria

I’ve stayed here three times, and this was my last. In Room 209 I couldn’t sleep because the people above us kept running and stomping heavily. I understand people walking around, but this was loud, and it went on from 8 pm. I called the front desk twice asking them to help quiet things down, and the noise was still going at 11 pm. I had to work and had paid $460 for two nights. The service was awful, the room was the worst, and you can hear everything. For another $100, I would’ve paid for a hotel with better rooms. I never write reviews, but this was the worst place I’ve stayed.

The AC cover falling off startled me awake, just like it apparently did for another reviewer. Apart from that, I had an excellent one-night stay in a king room. It was the cleanest Marriott I’ve visited in years, and the staff clearly care. I separate normal wear and tear from dirt when I rate a place, and this is a Fairfield, so I don’t penalize it for ordinary signs of use. The hotel was sold out but stayed quiet, even near the elevators. The elevators were very slow, so I often took the stairs. Breakfast was typical, and free coffee is always nice. There’s a microwave in the room, so I brought my own meals. The timed mini fridge didn’t keep things cold, but there’s an ice machine, and I brought ziplocks to use my own cooler. The little patio beside the small pool was enough space for me. I loved the hot tub and hated having to leave it to drive home and get back to reality. A BBQ grill would’ve made me love the place even more. I’m not sure I’ll return to Santa Maria, but I’ll keep this hotel in mind.

I’ve stayed here five or six times for business, and it’s always been a very nice hotel. The new parking charge is ridiculous for Santa Maria, as if this were downtown LA. It feels like a way to tack more onto the room cost, and I’m not happy about it. I’ll look at other options first next time.

I came with my wife for a wedding nearby, and I’ll be back in a few months for work. The room was clean, breakfast had a good variety, and the service stood out. The housekeeper I met and the manager at the front area were both outstanding. This is the best hotel I’ve stayed at in the area.