First off, let me say the staff here is top-notch. Courteous, attentive, professional, everything you'd want. Virtually every staff member I encountered, from front desk to housekeeping to food service, went the extra step. Management should be extremely proud of this team.
It's a good thing the staff is great because they have to compensate for a property in dire need of updating. There's a reason none of the hotel photos show a television. It's because they are all big, clunky, circa-1995 bow-front CRT TVs. No flat panels in the hotel at all (yes, I asked). No HD. I know how old they are because I bought one of these monstrosities back in '95 (of course, back then it was cutting edge!).
In addition, the "high-speed" internet is delivered via ethernet cable. No wireless in the rooms. AND it's sloooooooow, AND it disconnects frequently AND you have to PAY for it. In 1995, when the internet was all brand-new and shiny, we were thrilled and impressed just be able to connect while traveling. However, this is 2010 (soon 2011) and wired, slow and spotty just doesn't impress anymore. This was the deal-breaker for this hotel for me. I had a lot of work to get done and it was virtually impossible. Highly frustrating. Unacceptable.
There is no in-room fridge (although you can have one brought up) and no microwave. Hotel parking is a few private floors in the public airport garage. While there are security cameras and bright lighting and a few wandering employees, it still felt a bit creepy walking through the garage alone at night. Parking is $17 per night (other hotels in the area are $7 while still others are FREE). I'd have probably paid extra for the security of valet parking but it is not offered.
Ok, let's go over the neutrals: location -- it is connected to the airport. IF you're going out on Terminal B, you're all set, you can walk. Any other terminal, however, and you may as well be 3 miles away. Terminal F is an especially long walk. I know because on my first night, I mistakenly followed the few signs that said Hotel This Way ---> and it took me a good 40 minutes, including having to follow a very nice airport employee (I'm not being sarcastic) who took me the *fastest* route, which included 5 or so minutes traipsing through the parking garage.
The bathroom in my room was good. Somewhat larger than your typical hotel bathroom, but not luxury-size. Definitely workable for one person at a time, although I think you'd be hard-pressed for two to try to get primped simultaneously.
The lobby is quite nice. Very business-appropriate. No complaints here whatsoever. I did not see or use the business center, pool or fitness center, so I can't comment on them.
Now, with that out of the way, let's go back to the positives: the bed was fantastic! Oh so comfy. Everything was very clean. No bedbugs or evidence of any (yes, I checked). Room service was quick and efficient and the food was tasty.
This is a no pets hotel. That is definitely a positive for me. I don't live with animals of my own, and I definitely don't want to be around someone else's. Dog slobber. Ick. I believe it is also a no-smoking hotel. Again, a positive.
Overall, I would love to rate this hotel higher, simply based on the staff. Unfortunately, this Marriott is, I believe, the most expensive hotel near the airport. Simply being attached to the airport is not, in my opinion, enough to justify the price or to overlook the glaring shortcomings. Marriott could, and should, do better. Until it does, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this property.
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