Another week of travel and yet another hotel stay, but not at a Marriott. I’m in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania which is about 15 miles from Wilmington, Delaware and even further from the nearest Marriott. For better or for worse I’m staying at the Hilton Garden Inn. I am less than a mile from the client so it’ll be a very short commute for the next couple of days.
Not In A Marriott This Week
Fairfield Inn Houston Westchase
Identifying Information
Marriott Brand: Fairfield Inn
Location: Houston, TX
Property Web Page: Fairfield Inn Houston Westchase
Critique of the Property
Common Areas: Nothing exciting. Small lobby and the carpets in the hallways are worn. They need an upgrade and I believe that they are planning to do just that.
Guest Rooms: Staying in a king room with a sofa bed and refrigerator (by special request). The carpets, bedding and curtains are the old style from a few years ago and there’s a marked difference from the renovated rooms in other Fairfield Inn’s. Clothes rack in lieu of a closet with a full bathroom.
Other Amenities: There’s a pool, currently being refurbished, and a jacuzzi. No exercise room but you can use the room across the street at the Homewood Suites hotel. Free wireless internet access.
Things To Watch Out For: Get a room on the top floor. The ceilings are low and you will hear people walking above you.
Staff: Always prompt and very nice.
What’s Nearby?
The hotel is located in the Westheimer district so their are lots of convenience spots, including gas stations, pharmacies and restaurants.
Restaurants: Wolfgang Puck Express, Outback Steakhouse, Ninfa’s Mexican Food, Taco Cabana, Schlotsky’s Deli and many others.
Other Marriotts: Marriott Houston Westchase, Courtyard Houston Westchase, Residence Inn Houston Westchase
Other Hotels: Homewood Suites, Hilton Houston Westchase, Studio Plus
Tags: Marriott
Back In Houston
Remember my mini odyssey last month in Houston? First my hotel was full, then Hurricane Rita forced me out after only one night. Well I’m back and the weather is a lot nicer this time around. And I’ll be staying at yet another Marriott property in the vicinity of my office. This will be the third property in my last three trips to Houston. I’m at the Fairfield Inn Houston Westchase, which is less than half a mile from the office. I’ve stayed at this hotel many times but a full report will follow before my stay is over.
Introducing Marriott Flexrez
Marriott has added the ability for travelers to make hotel and car reservations, as well as hotel reservations, directly from their website at http://www.marriott.com. They’ve added “Find A Flight” and “Rent A Car” links to the main page, basically creating a one stop shop. I’ll have to try this out when I book my next trip.
Tags: Marriott
A Real Wake Up Call
My friend Shel Holtz was the victim of a missed wake up call at a Residence Inn in Charlotte, South Carolina.
I never do the wake up call thing. I’ve taken to using the alarm on my phone since hotel alarm clocks tend to be either confusing, broken or both.
Bring Marriott Home
You can now buy those new mattresses, sheets, robes and other signature items from refurbished Marriott hotels. Head over to http://www.shopmarriott.com/ and let your fingers do the walking.
Marriott Launches Renaissance ClubSport
Marriott has announced a new hybrid hotel and upscale fitness club which they are dubbing Renaissance ClubSport. Fifteen locations are expected worldwide over the next seven years.
JW Marriott Hotel New Orleans Reopens
The JW Marriott in New Orleans reopened yesterday. Just one positive sign that New Orleans will come back from this difficult catastrophe.
Marriott’s Grand Chateau Opens in Las Vegas
Marriott has opened a swanky new Vacation Club resort in Las Vegas between the Aladdin and MGM Grand hotels.
Farifield Inn Green Bay Southwest
Identifying Information
Marriott Brand: Fairfield Inn
Location: Green Bay, WI
Property Web Page: Farifield Inn Green Bay Southwest
Critique of the Property
Common Areas: Nice looking lobby with a breakfast area to the side.
Guest Rooms: Staying in a renovated executive king room with a sofa bed, refrigerator and microwave. Colorful light green curtains match the bed accents with a red sofa bed. The king sized bed has a new, firm mattress which feels really nice. Standard bath area with sink on the outside and clothing rack. No closet.
Other Amenities: There’s a pool, jacuzzi and small fitness room. Free wireless internet access.
Things To Watch Out For: Nothing that I can think of.
Staff: Very nice and helpful upon my late arrival.
What’s Nearby?
The hotel is located a couple of miles from Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers NFL football team. Lots of retail stores, gas stations and restaurants near the hotel.
Restaurants: Perkins, Hardees, Arby’s, Max and Erma’s and a host of other fast food places in the general vicinity.
Other Marriotts: Residence Inn Green Bay
Other Hotels: Baymont Inn, Hampton Inn Green Bay, Super 8 Green Bay
Tags: Marriott