Courtyard by Marriott Savannah Midtown

For the price, check-in was easy and I can't say I had any specific problems. It's a solid three-star place, though quite dated. The bed was comfortable, water pressure was good and stayed hot, getting around by car was easy, and the hotel sits far enough from the road that traffic noise was minimal. We asked for towels and they brought them. We didn't request housekeeping during the week, so I can't comment on that. Free parking was a plus. Our bottom-floor suite opened onto a courtyard, which was great for letting our baby run around without worrying about cars. The pool area is gated. Laundry was useful for washing our car seat. Speed Queen machines cost $2.50 per wash and $2.50 per dry, take 30 minutes each, and cost a little more for other settings. There was no sign on the building, which made it confusing to find at first. The place wasn't well kept: hallway ceiling tiles were popped up, and the courtyard was dirty. A hose ran across the whole courtyard to the closed, dirty pool, so you had to step over or under it, a tripping hazard. There was trash and cigarette butts on the ground, and all the furniture was piled upside down so it couldn't be used. Before leaving, we checked under the furniture and found dirty socks beneath the couch. They clearly don't move furniture to clean. The mini fridge was full of water and leaking at check-in, so we had to thaw it before using it. If you can afford somewhere nicer, go for it. Still, for the price it's not a bad place to sleep before heading out on adventures.

The pool was closed, and no one had warned us. If we’d known, my friend and I probably would’ve booked somewhere else. We also got mixed messages about the coffee. For the first two mornings, a staff member gave me small coffees for free. On the third day, another employee said they weren’t complimentary and challenged me about asking. She called over the first staff member and reprimanded her in front of me, which was awkward and unprofessional. I offered to go back to my room for money, but was told rather abruptly that I’d get the coffee since I’d already had it before. It came half full, without a lid or sleeve, and was burning my fingers. Another staff member noticed and kindly brought me both. The communication and service were frustrating. I sent the same complaint to the hotel, but it went nowhere. Brijit, who received it and had been rude about the coffee, said she was the general manager.

Coffee in the lobby isn’t complimentary before 7am, and after that you have to pay for it. There’s a coffee maker in the room, but I don’t want to wake my whole family to use it. If you’re an early riser or traveling for business, this place doesn’t seem to think of you. After paying for a room, I’d expect a fresh cup of coffee as a small gesture of appreciation. I won’t be back.

The room was grimy, with someone else’s trash left behind and sandy, dirty cushions on the couch. The toilet only flushed if I held down the handle, the lighting was dim, the wall thermostat didn’t work, and the wall units left the room freezing or swampy in summer. The outside doors often stood open and didn’t seem secure. Front desk staff looked completely lost when I asked questions. I didn’t smell marijuana myself, but other reviews mention it, so now I wonder if they’ve simply moved where they smoke. Parking is another mess. They charge $10 a day, so if you arrive without a car, tell the desk, or they may assume you parked one. Even if family drives you and only picks you up or drops you at the front door, you could still be charged. They told me, “We saw you drive off.” Management said it was policy and wouldn’t reverse the charge, and corporate wouldn’t step in either. Shocking for a Marriott property. The customer service was basically nonexistent, and I’ll never stay there again.