We stayed at the Residence Inn while attending a convention at the nearby Sacramento Convention Center and we were quite impressed. I have stayed extensively at Marriott hotels throughout the country and this met or exceeded my expectations.


LOCATION: Overall, the location was outstanding. It is a short block from the Capitol building and convention center and within very easy walking distance of an array of interesting restaurants and shops. It is next door to a parking garage for easy (but expensive - $17 a day) parking. In fact, if you are doing everything within the downtown area you may be able to walk exclusively.

ROOM: The one bedroom suite was exceptionally clean and well-appointed. The hotel has a very new feeling to it and the hotel room gave off a very new and clean feel. The kitchen (with granite and stainless steel) was a nice touch. Overall the room is a bit small for a Residence Inn but for two people it shouldn't be an issue. The free breakfast provided in the lobby was one of the better that I've had staying at the Residence Inn. It had a solid selection of hot foods (eggs, waffles, biscuits, oatmeal) and also a good selection of cold cereals, juices, yogurt etc.

OVERALL: Overall we found the staff, room and hotel to be great. We also stayed there on a very fair rate (booked two months in advance for $84 a night over the weekend). Given its location downtown it seemed like everything you needed was right there. My only caution would be the relatively high parking rates of $17 for self-parking and $20 for valet per night. I did not explore to see what the rate would be at other locations nearby but It was a bit high given the relatively low price on the room rate. We would stay here again. It has a small but functional gym and four computers in a small business center that abuts the lobby. The computer usage is free.

I wrote a not so glowing report about our September visit saying I wouldn't stay here again. Well here we are. I decided I should try and compare.
I am sitting at one of the available computers, killing time / working/ waiting for a business meeting to get out. I am very grateful for these.
Yes, we decided to go with the familiar BUT to upgrade to a 1 bedroom unit instead of a studio.
Here is the difference: a few feet, if any. It is the same plan with a slight variation. There is a wall with a door. On either side of the wall is a lcd tv on a narrow table. This made all the difference in how crowded the room was. There was a space to actually put something on the floor...like luggage! The studio had a very wide large "island" with a swivel TV. It took up much more floor space.
Still 1 sink, still the same hard uncomfortable couch. Still the ac/heat vent blowing on your head in bed (someone else mentioned it) I didn't like the draft with ac or heat.

Breakfast was still good.
Parking is still a peeve with me. Hotel parking is on the assigned top (5,6,7th) floors. We waited for the elevator, only to find out that the elevator is broken. "oh well" was the attitude from garage attendant and front desk. There was no sign even stating such as my husband strongly suggested there should be as you wait and wait and wait...
Not bad going down, but going up? And what about those unable to do so? Valet, I guess, but those are on the low level. Mostly we were annoyed because they don't mention it to those checking in. They just find out when they get to the top.
nyway, the point wasn't to gripe, but beware if you aren't able to climb stairs.
BTW, the shower water is great.

We stayed in a 1 bedroom suite with a family of 3. It was a little small for 3 people since there wasn't enough space for luggage, and the sleeper sofa was not a good second bed (it was a sleeper sofa).

Location was nice since it allowed us to walk around downtown, and to a nice nearby restaurant. Breakfast was good.

Below is the text of the letter we sent to the general manager, the corporate office, the Sacramento chamber of commerce and convention bureau, AAA, and Trip Advisor. As you can see, we were never able to experience the amenities of this property. We were bumped.

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On September 8, 2008 we secured a one-night reservation (AAA rate – No. 80138652) for Friday night, October 10 at your property. This was our final night of our vacation and we were looking forward to a comfortable room in downtown Sacramento where we could relax, walk to a fine dinner and see the Capitol area.

On October 5 we received an email for your organization confirming the reservation and stating “we’re excited you’ll be visiting and are preparing for” our stay.

On our arrival date, we drove in from the Metolius area of Oregon (no cell phone or internet service), walked into your lobby and were informed that there was “no room for us at the inn.” We were flabbergasted. When we asked why, we were told that former customers had decided to stay longer; therefore, no room for us. You would provide us with another complimentary room at another Marriott property in the Sacramento area.

We did not want to drive hither and yon to just get a “free” room in a hotel at a less-favorable location. We left and drove another eight hours to our home in the San Diego area. If we had wanted any old room to crash in, we would have originally booked a different room at a different hotel – and certainly not in the downtown area.

We are utterly disappointed with our Marriott experience. Why should we make a “guaranteed” reservation if the hotel is not going to honor it? When we make a reservation, we give you our personal credit card to guarantee a room and a rate. If we need to cancel that room, we are required to do it within a certain time period or be billed. So please, tell us why a customer who decides on whim to stay an extra night or two should not be told “sorry, we have already reserved this room for another client.”

Our friends and coworkers were equally flabbergasted when told our story. No one has ever heard of such a thing. Is this your standard policy? If it is, we will certainly inform those we know personally and professionally so that they avoid risking their valuable business or vacation time in one of your properties.

Our days of regarding Marriott as a respected hotel property are over. Our future vacations will be spent at other hotels where the term “hospitality” actually means something.