Element by Marriott Scottsdale at SkySong

We weren't told at check-in that the water would be shut off, and there was no notice in our room. On our last morning, after a long three-day festival weekend, the water stopped while I was showering. My husband asked the front desk and was told guests had been informed at check-in, but that hadn't happened for us. I had to rinse the shampoo from my hair with bottled water we'd bought. It was a disappointing end to the weekend, and clearer communication would've helped.

The outside was beautifully kept, and the clean lobby had a nice setup with plenty of places to lounge, study, or eat. Best of all, there's coffee available around the clock. The staff were great, especially Brian, who kept guests welcomed and looked after and made sure the coffee was fresh. When a sketchy guy walked toward me while I was getting some fresh air, Brian came outside to check on my safety and called Logan from security to help make sure I was okay. Thanks, Brian, for being so kind and giving such amazing service. You're a rockstar!

Breakfast felt badly suited to a hotel this size. The dessert plates were tiny, so people needed three or four just to get enough food, and there wasn't much protein. If you wanted more eggs, you had to line up again. One woman made eggs for everyone and was also meant to bake muffins. During our three-night stay, whenever I went down, she was cooking nonstop on two pans. Two other women were busy refilling the yogurt cart and replacing plates and utensils. When they ran out of bananas, they took away the banana bin the next day, a Saturday, instead of getting more. We had a mini-suite that was smaller than expected, though it was clean when we checked in. Many of the wall outlets didn't work, and I'm not even sure they had wiring behind them. The whole breakfast setup seemed more appropriate for a small B&B than a full-size hotel.

The air conditioner wouldn't cool the room, and when I called, the front desk said the maintenance person had already left for the day. The clerk said they'd ask the manager what to do. All I got was a box fan. I was told I could call the manager about an accommodation for the inconvenience, which I did, but never heard back. The lack of response is what I'd expect at Motel 6, not from a MARRIOTT BRANDED HOTEL. This feels like a very low-end business hotel, and the photos are misleading. The rooms have Ikea-type furniture, and I'd put the place on about the same level as a Motel 6. Overall, it is a very low-budget establishment.