I stayed here. The hotel itself was beautiful. Nice spacious room, and comfortable beds. Two thumbs up on the complementary soaps and stuff, which made me smell great. The staff was friendly and helpful, most notably the restaurant staff, but all were very good. I didn't get a chance to check out the pool, unfortunately.

My big qualm was parking. First, I tried to valet, but there was a line of cars almost out to the street and only one very flustered looking valet on duty who pretty much ignored me, but who can blame someone who is that busy. Next, I tried to self park in the garage. There was very little signage and I was quite confused as to whether or not I could park there overnight or if it was even hotel parking at all. The lot was almost completely full and it literally took me 45 minutes to park and get to the lobby to check in. There were even people in the garage directing traffic, but only letting one car go at a time at 4 way stops, which in my mind is kind of what would happen at those anyway. Regardless, this confused and late making nightmare was not a very good first impression to an otherwise great stay. Usually, I am not too hard on things like this, but for the price, I would expect a bit better in this department.

Everything you expect a Marriott should be--clean, comfortable, convenient location and outstanding staff. I had issues with my reservation--when I called the 800 reservation line to confirm my late arrival they could not find my reservation and booked me again. When I arrived the front desk was very helpful (and light-hearted) and not only discovered I now had two reservations but upgraded my room because of the inconvenience. The upgrade was appreciated as it put us far away from noisy soccer tournament guests. Also, the next morning in my quest for a yogurt, (Starbucks was out) instead of charging me to "take out" a yogurt from the restaurant -- they gave it to me! It is the small things like this that makes Marriott rise to the top for me.

This hotel is attached to the Hartford Convention Center and that alone tells you they have a built-in market and they don't have to be fabulous to be busy--just okay. The hotel lobby is very large & updated. The desk staff were friendly and I was quickly checked in. The room I had included a flat screen TV, frig, acceptablely-sized bathroom with adequate counter space and make-up mirror. The bed and bed linens were in good shape (have fitted sheets, which I like) and the room was clean, including the shower and bath area. My room was quiet and I did not hear my neighbors or hall noise.

So why the score of a 3? It was all just oaky. The room rate is similar to other hotels in the area. The room furnishings are in decent shape, the gym area was adequate, my internet did work. But overall an average Marriott and nothing more. If you don't stay in hotels much you will probably like this one.

As you're aware, Marriott's are complete hit or misses these days. It was a late, rainy Friday leaving NYC for a drive to Maine and I just had to stop for the night. I made a last minute reservation with a bit of trepidation given it's downtown Hartford. WHen I arrived at 11.30 pm, the bar was thumping with music and a good crowd (turned out to be an Episcopalian Convention!). The front desk was efficient and hospitable and the room was top shelf, clean, and comfortable. If you remember the way Marriott used to be, this brings back the good old days! Congrats to the staff of the hotel for doing such a great job. And thank you!