In August we stayed at the other Fairfield property, Inn On the Harbor, and found it to be, overall, a far better experience than this one. Here's why.

The personnel at the Harbor property were experienced pros with quick answers and help. The Long Wharf crew consisted of a bunch of kids who responded with the deer-in-the-headlights-look when I asked simple questions. In this regard, I had the same experience as a previous reviewer.

The room layout here was identical to the Harbor but perhaps a bit larger. All bathrooms here apparently have this jacuzzi/shower combo but entry was awkward to navigate; a minor slip would mean a major headache and I would not recommend this for anyone with any kind of handicap. All bathrooms are marble. The water pressure for the jacuzzi was great but the pressure for the shower was like a dribble. The room was very clean and "refreshed" daily. "Refreshing" here meant changing the towels and washing dishes. Nothing more. This was very different from the Harbor property where the room was cleaned and made up daily. It seems to me that the Inn is the poor cousin of the Fairfield Resort across the street and treated as such.

Check-in is at the Resort, there is no attendent at all at the Inn. No one to help with baggage altho there are 3 luggage carts by the elevator. The only signs directing you to the Resort are posted in the parking bays and are easily missed at night (we did and had to ask another guest where to go) but now you know!

The "Inn" is a separate building from the Fairfield Resort but Inn occupants are permitted to use the Resort's facilities. The kid had a great time in the pool; the indoor portion has a slide and the pool continues outside. The indoor pool/slide is used under the very watchful eye of an attendant. The second, far larger pool was closed for the season.

Every time we left and every time we returned to the Inn there were Fairfield sales people standing by the front door smoking. That was annoying and they seemed oblivious.

The room was very, very quiet, had a pleasant view over the harbor and came with a seagull who tapped on our window every day looking for food. Minutes after I called, a mechanic tightened the two toilet seat bolts.

We had one child with us. He slept on the fold-out in the living room. For privacy, we closed the shutters to the bedroom but that cut off all ventilation; there is a fan but it didn't seem to work...the bathroom vent also did nothing.

If you've made it this far through this stream of consciousness, I must say that this is a good place to stay if you can't get a room at the Inn on the Harbor. Parking is ample and easy and you're just a brisk walk from brick alley. It's also a great place to stay if the swimming is an attraction. The Resort has other available amenities.