With all the hype about this hotel, we found it to be mediocre at best. Our room was very small and it was just my husband and I. Mostly, as soon as you enter the hotel, you are overcome with an over-powering odor of some kind of air freshner that was very intense throughout the building.It was very strong in our room. Gave me a headache. The people were not particularly friendly and we did have an issue withour reservations. Had to print out a cancellation notice from them to prove the change in our plans. Would not recommend staying here as there are many hotels to choose from that don't smell I am sure.

As a travel agent, I have a good frame of reference and a solid understanding of what you should get for your money. In sum, the Marcus Whitman overcharges and underdelivers. This is definitely not a luxury hotel. The old part of the hotel is OK, but not worth the price. The newer hotel wing from the 1960's is much lower quality. There is a strange odor throughout and this part of the hotel looks like a Holiday Inn Express. In addition, our bathroom was filthy. Another word of caution - I found three erroneous charges on my credit card a week after I was charged for my room for an additional $500. When I got a hold of the hotel manager, she was unbelievably rude. I also had a bar charge on my final bill, which wasn't mine. At the end of my weekend at the Marcus Whitman, I felt like I was scammed.

If you decide to book, request a room in the old, historic part of the hotel. Also, skip the inedible breakfast and go to Starbucks.

We were traveling with out oldest son, scouting out colleges, and had spent the night before in Spokane, but we decided to head back a night early to Portland via Walla Walla to check out one more college and had heard The Marcus Whitman was located within walking distance of the school. Lucky for us they had a vacancy and it was a perfect night! The hotel is beautifully maintained, the rooms were quiet and comfortable, the rates reasonable, the hotel staff was pleasant and professional and the bonus was one of the most amazing breakfasts we have ever had - and it was complimentary!!!! We loved Walla Walla and will absolutely stay at The Marcus Whitman the next time we visit.

We've stayed at the Marcus Whitman twice. The first time, a couple of years ago, we had a lovely suite in the old part of the hotel, and really enjoyed our stay. This time, we had a room in the newer part of the hotel, which suffers the ambiance of any convention center hotel. The walls are thin, the TV old, and the smell overwhelmingly of cleaning products. The soap / shampoo / conditioner are in pumps on the wall - which although a much greener option than small bottles and individual soaps - is not what you expect for the rates at the Whitman.
The hotel is ideally located, very short walking distance from downtown, which now hosts 20+ wineries.
Overall, I recommend the Marcus Whitman, with the caveat that if you are looking for a romantic getaway; request a room in the historic part of the hotel and pay a bit more. For a business class hotel in a convention center, it suits fine.