Two moms and 6 kids did a quick Lincoln fieldtrip from Chicago during the middle of this past week. The Fairfield Inn provided just what we needed. The kids ranged in age from 10 to 3. They have an indoor pool (albeit smaller than most), and free hot breakfast in the morning. I'ts located about 15 minutes from the Lincoln Museum and other downtown historical spots. The staff at the Fairfield is friendly and were more than helpful. We ordered pizza the first night and our request from the delivery people for plates was forgotten. The staff on duty at the hotel was very helpful and provided plastic utensils, cups, plates, and other things. The pool, while small, was clean, and the towels they provided after the pool were quite nice compared to other "pool towels" we've used. The hotel is located across the street from a Target and Walmart and a Walgreens was on the same block. It was convenient to have those merchants so close for forgotten items, or medicine for childhood ailments. The only area for improvement would be to have ice makers on all floors. The only one we could find was located right off the lobby on the main floor - we were on the 3rd. My next overnight in Springfield will include a stay at Fairfield Inn.

This review is based on a mid-October 2006 stay by a member who frequents Marriott-brand and Hilton-brand hotels throughout the US.

This hotel was damaged by a tornado that ripped through Springfield in March 2006. I was fortunate enough to be one of the first guests to stay there 1-2 weeks after it reopened in October 2006.

Most of the hotel has been gutted and rebuilt. The new carpet smell exists everywhere. According to front desk staff, nearly all rooms have new 32" LG TVs, new beds and linens, and furniture. I had an executive king room that came complete with two sofas, a king bed (naturally), a microwave, and bar fridge; all appeared to be good and in working order.

Bathrooms are a wee bit on the small size, but the curved shower bar and adjustable massaging showerheads are welcome features. The other bathroom fixtures (including tub, curtains, toilets, taps, and hair dryer) appear to be old.

Breakfast area is new, and features the usual juices, milk, coffee, bagels, english muffins, toast, waffles, cereal, fruit selection, microwaveable egg/bacon/ham sandwiches, etc. It's complimentary and on-par with other Fairfield Inns.

Internet access is 10Mb wireless access, which can a be a little slow for some users.

It is located adjacent to lots of restaurants and shopping on Veterans Parkway.


Cons:
- My room was above the pool, and strangely enough, I could hear folks swimming and playing in the water relatively clearly.
- The front door to the hotel bangs shut rather loudly; I am surprised such did not receive any attention.
- There is not an on-site gym for fitness lovers; however, they do have an agreement with a full-sized gym club in town.
- There is only one phone in each room, and it is beside the bed. There is no phone on the work area desk.
- It features an open (i.e. no-door) closet behind the entry door, which is interesting, but unusual.


Overall:
For $89-99 USD per night, I would highly recommend this place, particularly since I know the other two Hilton-branded hotels in town and the Courtyard hotel next door are not as good as this one.

We stayed at this property April 29-30, 2005. We reserved an "executive king room," which I think is their version of a suite. Instead, we were given a king room for people with disabilities. The desk staff initially argued that we had reserved a only a king room. We produced the reservation printout to demonstrate otherwise. We were told that our reservation was not honored because a guest decided to "stayover," and that the only remaining executive room was a smoking room. When we asked the staff to inquire about a room in the nearby Courtyard we were told "They're full." We asked them to go ahead and check. It turned out that the Courtyard had plenty of rooms.

Our room was clean. However, the bathroom doorknob was faulty and would only turn if pushed in from the outside (like a medicine bottle). At one point, one of us was trapped in the bathroom. We reported it to the desk staff who were not concerned enough to come and fix the doorknob. One wonders what happens when a person traveling alone gets trapped in the bathroom. The other major problem was the (we guess) children running windsprints around the room upstairs. Based on the booming noise, it was either that or the guests were rearranging the furniture. Two calls to the front desk still did not stop the noise which continued until well after 11pm.

We enjoyed a very pleasant stay at this hotel 2 years ago, which is why we chose to stay there again. It seems that since then, the maintenance of the hotel has declined a bit. The room was clean, but starting to show wear and tear in a number of spots. The primary problem was inadequate service. It's unclear whether the desk staff were following Marriott policy, were having an off night, or were simply bad at their jobs. We've had nothing but excellent experiences at Marriott hotels in the past and have never complained about any hotel. However, if you are familiar with other Fairfield hotels, you are sure to find this property below average.

This hotel was a pleasant surprise. We had a comfortable king sized bed in a very clean, large, quiet room, with a sofabed, desk, table etc. Great continental breakfast. Conveniently located, near restaurants, interstate, etc. Helpful staff. Couldn't ask for more.