Family Friendly property near hershey was a good value and a nice stay. The Helpful staff and nice amenities made up for being a older property

Summary:

It's all about what you come there for. This is a standard small convention hotel, nothing special, nothing really bad. If you have a meeting there or are doing business travel, this is a perfectly fine option depending on what rate you can get. For Leisure travel, I would have to recommend the Embassy Suites across the street (or if going to the Inner Harbor, the Marriot in the Harbor although it is more pricy. Now, lets talk details.

Location:

The Hotel is a short drive from Camden Yards and whatever they call that stadium the Ravens play in. It's right off Route 83 and easy to find. Baltimore proper is 20-30 minutes away and there is light rail access across the street (note, crossing the street on foot requires the ability to run fast, its 4 lanes of highway in each direction and a short light.)

Rooms:

Standard Marriott rooms, all non-smoking. Of note is the beds, which have all been upgraded to the new mattresses and are VERY comfy. Note. The hotel is only 3 stories, they expanded back along the property, not up. Some rooms are quite a ways from the lobby!

Amenities:

There is a small business center, a pool (half indoor/half outdoor seasonally) and a whirlpool (which is in need of a little TLC). There is also supposedly a very good dry sauna but I have never used it. There is also a concierge level with lounge access (I was there for a weekend convention, the concierge lounge is not used during the event so I cannot speak to it). There is a small sundries shop available near check-in.

Food:

There are four food options in the hotel. The Cinnamon tree Restaurant is a full service eatery with generally decent food at standard hotel pricing. They also offer a buffet at times. There is also the Hunt Cafe, which features bottled drinks, pre-made salads and sandwiches and made to order pizzas (from frozen dough). If you are looking for something quick and tasty, go to the Paddock Bar and ask for the bar menu. Service is quick, food is good and prices are very reasonable. Room service is also available.

That said, leave the hotel. About 3 years ago a large shopping center opened across the street and features a huge array of eating options, such as Chipotle, Damon's, Outback, Carrabas, Carmines and more. Also, the Wegmann's market has an excellent prepared food department and a huge eating area on the second floor. If you need groceries or sundries, there is the Wegmann's, a Wal-Mart and Sears all in that center.

Area:

With the above in mind, I need to point out that while the hotel and mall are not themselves in a 'bad area', there are some less than savory areas not too far away that can spill over occasionally. There have been sporadic reports of vehicle breakins, etc. PLEASE NOTE, I am specifically NOT saying you should not stay here because of this, just follow basic common sense safety rules like don't leave money on the seat of your car. Wegmann's offers escort services to cars late at night if you are not comfortable.

Service:

I'll be honest, I stay at this facility twice a year for events and its very hit or miss, especially since the hotel ownership changed two years ago. I have had both great and horrible service, sometimes on the same day. My general feel however is that the staff tries very hard to do a good job, they are just overloaded (an example, this past weekend they had one room service waiter on Saturday morning, for a group that orders a LOT of room service breakfasts - we have been there for at least 10 years, this is not something new to them).

Misc:

About two years ago, the hotel was remodeled. Whoever approved the carpet design was either color blind or spent too much time experimenting in the 60s, nudge nudge wink wink. It's truly horrid and somehow is managing to still give off red fuzz that sticks to your clothing.

Convention Space:

For you event planners out there. The facility has one main ballroom dividable into 4 sections and 6 smaller rooms on the lower level (some can be combined). On the main level is another ballroom and a smaller function room as well as 4 more breakout rooms. As meeting facilities go, it has a lot of flexibility.

I stayed here for four nights in April for a conference. The floor plan is a bit confusing, but my room was fine. Great bed and bathroom. No cigarette smell was present. The bar staff was very accommodating. The front desk was great with directions. The buffet breakfast was fine but not wonderful. Our conference had a great experience. There are a series of new strip malls close by that have a lot of the upscale chain restaurants.

Stayed here for a week. Reminded me of an average Courtyard hotel.

Pros
- Excellent soundproofing in room
- Comfy bed
- Sturdy desk with outlets at base of lamp
- Ample free parking
- Excellent Air Conditioning (not a "wall unit")
- Friendly knowledgeable staff

Cons
- Blackout curtains only cover outer 20% of window (bright light outside)
- Workout equipment is a hodgepodge of 1990's home-quality stuff.
- Icemakers on 2nd & 3rd floor didn't work (at least two days)
- shower had low popcorn ceiling (maybe 7')
- 30' swimming pool good for pre-teens. Not for swimming.
- no power outlets at bedside.