SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks — Attraction in Fairbanks

Oh my, where do I even begin? My stay has been nothing short of exemplary, redefining the very essence of hospitality. This establishment is not merely a transient lodging—it is an experience, a sanctuary where comfort, professionalism, and warmth seamlessly converge.||At the helm of this well-orchestrated operation is Lisa, an extraordinary manager whose unwavering dedication ensures that no request goes unfulfilled. She epitomizes excellence, going above and beyond to anticipate and accommodate every guest’s needs. Then there is Taylor, a veritable raconteur whose quick wit and effervescent personality will effortlessly lift your spirits. If you find yourself in need of a hearty laugh, he is an absolute must-see.||The front desk personnel embody the art of guest relations with effortless grace. Austin and Janelle commence the day with radiant smiles and an eagerness to assist, setting an uplifting tone each morning. As night descends, Leslie takes the reins, ensuring that every guest feels thoroughly attended to.Mr. Leslie—he’s a gem, always walking around with a smile, radiating warmth and hospitality. And then there is Jaqueline, the hotel’s official greeter, whose warmth and hospitality are reminiscent of a seasoned concierge. With her background as a Walmart greeter, I believe, she will always greet and greet(literally)||The culinary team is nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish is a testament to both quality and meticulous preparation, with meals consistently delivered hot, fresh, and accompanied by impeccable service. The kitchen staff’s affable demeanor only enhances the dining experience, making each meal an occasion in itself.||Sanitation and comfort are held to the highest standards, thanks to a housekeeping team that operates with both precision and diligence. The accommodations are immaculately maintained, a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of Brenda and Gabriel, who not only ensure pristine living spaces but also bring an air of warmth and hospitality to their service.||Security is of paramount importance, and guests can rest assured knowing that Tim is ever-vigilant during the nocturnal hours, fostering an environment of safety and tranquility. The night shift is further bolstered by Kathy, a paragon of hospitality whose genuine kindness and attentiveness make late-night inquiries and requests an effortless endeavor.||Beyond the core operations, the hotel boasts an exceptional shuttle service, helmed by an amiable and accommodating team, ensuring seamless transportation. The maintenance department, led by the affable Cody and Gary, ensures the premises remain in impeccable condition, addressing any concerns with expedience and expertise. And then there is Janice—an unmistakable presence, a true fixture of the hotel, whose animated personality adds to the establishment’s vibrant character.||Whether one is visiting for business or leisure, Spring Hill unequivocally stands as the pinnacle of hospitality in the area. This is not merely a place to lodge—it is a refined retreat, a place where guests are not just accommodated but genuinely cared for. An extended stay here is not simply endured but cherished, making Spring Hill Suites the unequivocal choice for those seeking both luxury and familiarity.||||This is where I will stay and will continue to stay every year for six months!||You...

The room at the hotel was clean and fairly spacious. The curtains did a decent job of blocking out the late night sun. The bed was pretty comfortable. Breakfast was average for this type of property. The rest of the review focuses on the airport shuttle and this would have been a 4 out of 5 star review rating instead of 2.5 stars if not for the shuttle service woes. I rounded up to 3 stars for the overall review because half star ratings aren't possible.

The SpringHill Suites Fairbanks advertises a free airport shuttle, a huge perk for travelers. However, my experience with the service was far from smooth sailing.The airport shuttle also makes stops at the train depot and the Riverboat Discovery, but that is not widely advertised perhaps for good reason as you'll read in the rant section at the end of this review. Overall, the inconsistency of the SpringHill Suites' shuttle service made it unreliable and a worse experience. While it can be a convenient option at times, be prepared for long waits and variable experiences. If a dependable ride to and from the airport is crucial for you, consider alternative transportation options.

Customer service rant: Improved consistency is needed for a better shuttle experience. Scheduling a pickup from the airport was a gamble. During my stay, wait times varied wildly. Twice, the shuttle left promptly, whisking me away efficiently from the hotel to the airport or the Riverboat Discovery. Another couple of times, the wait averaged an hour and a half from pick up points - the Fairbanks train depot and the Riverboat Discovery. These waits came despite calling the front desk multiple times. For one shuttle trip, the front desk representative mischaracterized how long it would be for the shuttle to arrive and didn't call me back despite the representative telling me that they would call back once the shuttle was on its way to the train depot. Imagine being told that the shuttle is on the way to the airport and that the shuttle will come after its stop at the airport. For reference and according to Google maps, it takes about a 13 minute drive from the hotel to the airport and it's about an 11 minute drive from the airport to the train depot. So there we were thinking that it would take a maximum of about 30 minutes for the shuttle to get to the train depot. Were we wrong! It would have been less mind numbing to walk to the hotel while towing our bags from the...

Our group of 7 had reserved a shuttle to leave at 1pm but the shuttle driver did not acknowledge or honor the reservation and took another group that did not have reservations incorrectly claiming it was first come first serve.

The lady manager exhibited ZERO compassion, empathy and issued no apology for the shuttle driver's error. It definitely was not our error, customer. The lady manager ignorantly claimed the driver took the other group because they were already on the bus when we showed up in the lobby; not true. When the lady manager was told that we were both in the lobby at the same time, she had no response. She said, "arguing with her about the incident was not helping the situation." Unfortunately her total lack of empathy, compassion and understanding was not helpful either.

HOWEVER, THE 2 YOUNG PERSONS at the front desk were exemplary and resolved the situation by ordering taxis for us on the hotel's dime.

The driver came back and intentionally looked away from our group and reassert his fraudulent claim of 1st come 1st serve basis, again ignoring the fact we had reservations. He then drove off to the airport refusing to drive our group to the airport. As a person of color, you know when you experience racism. The driver may not be racist, but he was definitely made us feel like it was racism. Not sure about the lady manger, she had no excuse for her utter and total failure to have any empathy and compassion; hard to believe she's a manager. Asked for district supervisor to respond. We'll see.

Other than that, the hotel staff is pleasant and location is good. 2 stars for the 2 young people at the front and the rest of the hotel staff. For the lady manager and the male shuttle driver, they need to be reprimanded to prevent this from happening to...