As 2014 ended, I found myself thinking about accommodations that I’ve favored over the years. It didn’t take very long for me to come to the realization that Marriott has been my brand of choice more than any other hotel – JW and Casa Magna luxury resorts, full-service Marriott hotels, Courtyards, Fairfield Inns, Residence Inns, Springhill Suites, Protea Hotels – I’ve stayed at each of those brands, lots of times.
And by lots, I mean 48 different hotels, many of them multiple times, within the United States as well as internationally (find a list at the bottom of this article). From right in the middle of the downtown bustle and action, to high-end resorts that are secluded on their own private oasis property, the Marriott brand has never disappointed.
I got to thinking, “Why have I stayed at so many Marriotts?” I sat down to come up with a list and some of the reasons that quickly came to mind. Here’s my Marriott review:
- Staff – I’ve never had a bad experience with any Marriott staffer. Without exception, from check-in to concierge and even housekeeping, their friendly attitudes and willingness to help with whatever my need might be, always made my stay, whether business or vacation, pleasant.
- Consistency – the welcoming décor of the lobby and nicely appointed rooms is consistent within the U.S. as well as internationally.
- Location – The proximity to attractions, downtown, businesses, or seclusion is well-thought-out in accordance with the type of hotel and what travelers for that brand would be looking for.
- Competitive – the room fees are well-priced for their market, most often lower than accommodations of similar quality.
Trying to pick my favorite Marriott is kind of like trying to decide which of my children I love the best! However, here are a couple that stand out:
Vacation: Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino
This is the spectacular tropical view that greets you as you enter the lobby of this luxury resort in Curacao. Situated right on the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean, this hotel offers stunning ocean views and lush tropical gardens. Endless palm-lined beaches, newly renovated pool facilities, multiple restaurants, a casino, and diving facilities make this hotel a favorite of visitors from the U.S., Europe, and other countries. There is also a convenient shuttle for hotel guests to downtown Willemstad. I’ve stayed in a lot of gorgeous hotels in tropical locations, and what sets this particular hotel apart from the others is the exquisite level of hospitality and service from the manager and staff – beyond anything I’ve experienced to date.
Business: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Spring is a great time for conferences in Phoenix, especially at this hotel which is set on 316 acres in the Sonoran Desert. This is the view from my private balcony at this Marriott. Other rooms have dramatic desert vistas or mountain views. There are 40 meeting rooms to choose from for every group size, as well as the Grand Canyon Ballroom special conference events of up to 4,000 people. For free time, there is a spa or many activities including the Wildfire Golf Club, home to the LPGA Founders Cup.
Listed below are all the Marriott hotels I’ve stayed at…. so far. There are many more on my bucket list.
Marriott Hotels in the Caribbean
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
St. Thomas Frenchman’s Reef & Morningstar
Renaissance Curacao Beach Resort & Casino
Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Marriott Conquistador Puerto Rico (sold)
Mariott Hotels in Latin America
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Mariott Hotels in Mexico
CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Mariott Hotels in Africa
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
Protea Hotel Sea Point Cape Town
Mariott Hotels in Asia
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa (sold)
Mariott Hotels in Canada
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Mariott Hotels in Europe
London Heathrow Marriott Hotel
London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch
Mariott Hotels in the Middle East
Mariott Hotels in United States
Courtyard Miami Beach South Beach
Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel
Courtyard Boston Logan Airport
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
Residence Inn Sacramento Downtown at Capitol Park
Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Residence Inn Las Vegas Henderson/Green Valley
Fairfield Inn & Suites Hershey Chocolate Avenue
Courtyard Greenville Haywood Mall
Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa
Courtyard Charlotte City Center
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Courtyard Minneapolis Bloomington
Courtyard Manhattan Fifth Avenue
Courtyard New York/Upper East Side
Fairfield Inn & Suites Rapid City
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
Courtyard Winchester Medical Center
Courtyard Columbus Phenix City
TownPlace Suites Birmingham Homewood
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