Courtyard Marriott – Round Rock Review

We stayed here for one night after visiting Salado, TX and Georgetown, TX. As Courtyards go, this one is fine although as mentioned in previous reviews, the noise from I-35 could bother some people.

For a Saturday night stay, I was surprised to see how few customers they had, however competition for this price point hotel is pretty steep in Round Rock. We are Marriott reward members so we try to stay at Marriott properties as often as possible. We hadn’t been to a Courtyard for a while however, preferring either higher end Marriott properties (in larger cities) or Fairfield Inn and Springhill Suites for on the road stopovers. Frankly, I’m not sure where Courtyards fit in the Marriott lineup anymore. They don’t serve free breakfasts (as Fairfield, TownePlace, and Springhill do), but they don’t have higher end amenities like full blown Marriott or Renaissance Hotels.

This Courtyard in Round Rock is easy access off of I-35 for those wanting to be near but not in Austin. The lobby area is fairly new, there is a large screen TV viewing in the lobby area, and a nice outdoor pool and courtyard off of the lobby. There is also what Marriott calls the “Bistro”, which seems just a bit more upscale than the complimentary breakfasts lobbies offered at the above mentioned Marriott type properties (which also have little snack purchase areas). I guess if you didn’t want to drive anywhere, the quick sandwich/small meal options are fine and you can buy snacks and drinks also. But with so many eating establishments, chains restaurants, and other options around Round Rock (and of course Austin), we didn’t see the need. In fact, I don’t remember seeing anyone ever sitting in or buying items at the “Bistro”. We didn’t try it so I can’t comment on how good or bad the food is.

When we arrived, in the early evening, the lady at check in was pleasant and efficient. I jokingly asked for a room with a balcony and was given a room with a real walk out balcony (king) on the 3rd floor. The view (and noise) of I-35 detracted from this addition to our room but it was still kind of fun to have. The room itself didn’t distinguish itself from the other “by the highway” Marriott properties but it was comfortable enough. The room did not seem as updated as the lobby/bistro downstairs and I believe this property is about 10 years old. Maybe they are going to update the rooms eventually. The bathroom has a step in tub/shower and again seemed a bit dated. The LCD TV was nice and you do get free WIFI but again…no different really than a Fairfield Inn.

Bottom line is that if you like the convenience (and less expense) of a courtesy breakfast and don’t need a “Bistro”, a Fairfield Inn is a better option. If you want a little more upscale lobby, more chance of an outdoor pool, and want the convenience of being able to buy drinks and small meals/snacks then you’ll like Courtyard. The price seems to be within a few dollars of each other. In fact, we had our choice of several Fairfield and Springhill properties closer to Austin that we could have selected (and probably will in the future). I guess Marriott is all about choice. I just think their choices aren’t really much different, at least when it comes to choosing a Courtyard over other similar Marriott properties.

This hotel is in a great location - near good food (Rudy's, Chuy's, etc.), near lots of shopping (e.g. Round Rock mall), and right on I35 for easy access to all the local toll roads.

The hotel provides everything needed, including a good-enough fitness center and restaurant. Their new remodeled lobby and business center is great. I also found the staff to be extremely friendly and helpful. I got great advice on the area, which helped a bunch since my family and I are in the process of moving here.

Good location north of Austin. Remodeled lobby. Friendly staff. Typical rooms. I would stay again. No issues at all.
I appreciate the speaker phone in the room. Traveling on business, most hotels don't have the speaker phone functionality. When you have to be on conference calls, this is a big plus.

I travel for business 80 nights per year. I dont like to write long reviews, but like to reward good experiences and warn others about bad experiences. Problems with this hotel. (1) not up to the standards set by other Courtyard or Marriott properties. (2) Very dated rooms. (3) Sub par breakfast and service in general, (4) Not concerned about customer satisfaction. I had an issue or two and the conversation is one that we have all had where the response goes "I am sorry and understand how you feel, BUT move on.

There are many good hotels close by that are better such as the Holiday Inn Express. Spend your money more wisely than on this dated relic.