Courtyard by Marriott Tallahassee Downtown/Capitol

My boyfriend and his colleague were already staying in two rooms, but the hotel wouldn’t extend their existing rate for another night. Instead, when he asked the front desk to stay an additional night, he was told the rate would go up by $120, nearly twice what he’d paid the previous evening. They said occupancy was around 90%. Since he couldn’t book several nights ahead because his flight schedule as a pilot is unpredictable, they had to pack, check out, and move to a nearby Hilton that offered a more reasonable price. It felt like there was no consideration for them as current guests. It was especially disappointing since he stays at Marriott properties about 10-14 nights a month. Based on this experience, he won’t return to this location. I’d urge others to think carefully before booking.

The location was the best part: we could walk to Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, restaurants, a grocery store, and more. The young woman checking us in Friday afternoon was very sweet, even while being trained. The “manager” training her spoke to her badly in front of guests. She shouldn’t have to put up with that and could find a job in Tallahassee where management treats her much better. The woman at the desk Sunday morning was really nice too. The rest of the customer service was dead. The other staff seemed either badly mistreated or like they hated working there. We had four people in the room and were told there’d be no housekeeping until Sunday, which was fine, except there were only three bath towels. When I asked the front desk for 6-8 more, the guy acted flabbergasted and made it clear he wasn’t happy. Four people taking at least two showers each need eight towels, and we were considering using the pool, so it didn’t seem like an unreasonable request. Breakfast was a rip-off. Don’t add it to your room. It isn’t a buffet: you can order from about five hot items or pick a couple cold things like yogurt or a muffin. There’s a Village Inn at the end of the block where you can walk to get a much better breakfast for half the price. For our FSU game trip, we stayed Friday to Sunday, and I was very disappointed with this Courtyard. I’ve stayed at many before and this one was below standard. The exterior door was out of order even though the front desk told us to use it to get to our room. The furniture was beat up, the shower had the worst water flow ever, and the staff were hit or miss. At $700 a night, including breakfast for four for two mornings, it was a rip-off. I wouldn’t have paid more than $150 a night. The room was 126, even though the phone said 115. I attached pictures of it.

Being able to walk to nearby places helped me get my steps in. The hotel is centrally located near the capitol, parks, eateries, pharmacies, and other convenient stores. I didn’t use the spacious, well-equipped gym, and though the firepits, pool, and lobby looked inviting, I didn’t end up using those either. Housekeeping and maintenance staff were friendly and professional whenever I passed them. The balcony was a lovely surprise, and the clean, comfortable room had blackout curtains that made for restful nights. Charles and Maddy gave outstanding service and took my preferences into account when choosing my room. Booking, check-in, and check-out were all quick and easy. My 17-night stay was smooth and enjoyable from beginning to end, and I’d gladly return.

The staff were some of the best I’ve ever dealt with. On my first stay, I arrived late and heard voices in the room. I went back to the lobby, and the staff member helped check that nothing suspicious was going on. It turned out the TV was turned up to about 30! This was my second stay, once for a family event and once for a football game. Both times I had a room accessed by the same entry door, and everything worked. Great showers, no smell in the rooms, clean, crisp linens, working hair dryers, and I was happy with the coffee pot and iron. I didn’t try the gym, pool, or breakfast, but based on the rest of the property I’m sure I’d give them 10/10. I’ve favorited this location for next time I’m in town.