So here's the deal, stayed at this Marriott for one night to be close to the airport, and for that purpose, this hotel fits the bill. For purposes of pleasure, aesthetics, relaxing vacation..nope, stay elsewhere.

The hotel IS undergoing some renovations, the elevator bank showed several diagrams with fabric swatches, plans, etc. etc. for a better hotel, but I didn't have time to read the fine print or find out when all this will take place.

Staff was friendly but there was some 'crib' unsettlement. Front desk told me crib was in room already. Got to room, no crib. Called and asked for one and was told 'sorry we're all out'. I reserved a room with a crib, what am I supposed to do with my infant, have her sleep on the floor? To me that was an unacceptable response. When I pressed and said front desk told me there was one in the room already, the woman said she would double check and let me know. Waited and got a return call that they had 'found' one last crib and it would be put together and delivered. It took over 1/2 an hour. I wasn't raging mad or anything, but come on, I expect a little better from Marriott.

Despite that small snag, the major problem with this hotel in its present state is it is gloomy. The hallways are rather dark, and not in a good way, they are yellowish and frankly dingy. Metal doors everywhere. I haven't seen metal doors to rooms, let alone metal bathroom doors, in I don't know how many years. I think I was a teenager the last time I saw metal doors. Metal doors are not pleasant. The rooms are spacious enough, but the furniture is old and shoddy, the lighting options are downright abysmal and the bathroom, while large enough, reminded me of a prison with a sparse curtain for the shower. Bathroom/sink area lighting is just awful and ancient. Difficult climate control, really, really needs to be updated. The Bath and Body Works bathroom amenities however are a really nice and well needed touch, so kudos for that.

Another kudos point, we ordered a pizza from room service (pizza hut offerings via room service) and not only was it prompt but it was piping hot! I mean steaming hot! I was thoroughly amazed and very happy! It was presented on a nice tray with glasses of ice water and a flower. Very nice!

The beds clearly have been upgraded, but I must admit, it was too soft for me. The linens however are very nice and the bed itself was a nice oasis in a room dating back to the 70s. Clearly efforts have been made to make the bed inviting and here they have succeeded. The tv is also old and clunky, but lots of good channels to choose from.

The pool area did look nice and well landscaped, but we had no time to see it up close.

Bottom line, we paid $145 for our stay here and I think that was right on par with what we got. I think this is a very good 'value' hotel, meaning if you are within a budget, you'll feel good knowing you saved a buck by staying here. I think once the renovations have been made you can expect a big jump in rates to the $225 p/night range, so stay here while it's still cheap.

Also, parking is free but you can have a hard time finding a space. Free parking is always a good thing so I commend them for that!