Last Updated on September 7, 2024 by Katrina
What is it like to stay at a Marriott Hotel?
In a Nutshell: With more than 550 hotels and resorts scattered across 60 countries, Marriott Hotels & Resorts exemplifies the classic full-service hotel brand. The family-owned company started out in the 1920s as root beer stand and restaurant in Washington, D.C., and eventually opened its first hotel in Virginia in 1959.
Today, Marriott’s flagship brand markets to both business and leisure travelers, with many properties offering conference centers. Some resorts are located alongside beaches or golf courses. Others, meanwhile, like the ultra tony Marriott Marquis hotels, are based in bustling downtown areas.
What to Expect: A classic Marriott exudes a sophisticated mainstream ambience, thanks to a soaring “great room”-style lobby and contemporary décor. The solid foundation of amenities includes an always-open fitness center, elegant sit-down restaurants and classic lounge-style bar.
Design: While Marriott properties are omnipresent, no two are exactly alike. Some are newer and fresher than others, while many have been refurbished with sleek, contemporary furnishings, pops of color and stylish lighting fixtures against a clean, neutral palette. Rooms typically come with beds featuring a three-inch mattress topper, three sleeping pillows, and 300-thread-count sheets.
Room Categories: Standard rooms (about 250-350 sq. ft.) include a king or two queen beds, while suites (about 600 sq. ft.) and corner suites feature separate seating areas. Corner suites can stretch to over 800 square feet, for extra elbow room. When booking, you get the option of paying a little more for Concierge-level (Club M access) rooms.
Club Floor Upgrade: Many Marriotts offer a Concierge level with access to an M Club lounge, often open 24/7 with different spreads for breakfast, a light dinner and snacks in between.
Fun Fact: Marriott offers “inspirational playlists” of TED talks through the in-room entertainment system
Marriott Amenities
Breakfast: Marriotts typically offer a paid breakfast option, whether that includes a la carte breakfast at the onsite restaurant, or a flat-rate breakfast buffet. Stay on the Concierge floor and you can get breakfast for free in the Club M lounge.
On-Site Dining: Marriott Hotels & Resorts typically have at least one on-site restaurant and a bar or lounge. In addition, guests on the Concierge floor can access complimentary breakfast, light dinner and all-day snacks and (for a fee) adult beverages—making it a great value.
Room Service: Yes.
Wi-Fi: Marriotts typically offers free Wi-Fi for all guests, but sometimes only for Marriott Bonvoy members. At some hotels you might be asked to pay extra (say $6/day) for enhanced high speed internet to stream video or download large files.
Fitness Room: Marriott Hotels and Resorts typically offer 24-hour fitness centers with a wide range of cardio and weight-training equipment.
Spa: Not all Marriott Hotels & Resorts have spas. Those that do typically have a solid menu of massages, body wraps and salon services.
Pet Friendly: Many (but not all) Marriott Hotels & Resorts allow pets, with varying restrictions and fees.
COVID-19 Changes
Marriott’s COVID-19 protocols include enhanced hygiene technologies, such as electrostatic sprayers to sanitize surfaces in guest rooms, lobbies, gyms and other areas. You’ll now find disinfecting wipes in guest rooms and hand sanitizing stations in lobbies. Finally, guests can use smartphones to check in, enter rooms and order room service to be delivered to the door without you having to make contact with staff members.
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