Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Sabal Park/Brandon — Hotel in Brandon

As a loyal Marriott traveler, it saddens me to leave a negative review. I often travel for work and leisure, and a Marriott property is always my first option. This is my first bad experience in over 20+ years of travel.

I booked a room for one night to try my luck at the casino. I booked through a third party, Expedia, and upon my arrival my reservation and payment were confirmed. The clerk asked to placed a $190 hold on my credit card for room charges and incidentals, and assured me the hold would be released upon checkout.

The next morning I checked out without any incidents or charges to my room. For the next few days I kept a watchful eye over my credit card account, only to find I was charged $187.47, instead of the hold for $190 being released. This resulted in me being double billed, since I had paid through Expedia. I immediately contacted corporate customer service whom initiated a claim with the property. A rep from the property claims that no charge was made to my card. Next I decided to contact the property directly speaking to Greg, whom confirmed that my room was paid for through Expedia. Greg goes on to state that they have no record of my card, even though it was inserted in a terminal for the hold. Greg had me give my card number and expiration date over the phone to research the transaction. Now the property is refusing to issue a refund for the fraudulent charge, claiming that they have no record of my card on file.

Corporate customer service is able to spot the error, but the property manager refuses to correct their mistake, which spells out fraud to me. Now I have to be inconvenienced, and take matters up with my credit card company. I also plan to contact the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants, in case others have fell victim to this scheme.

In summary, I plan to continue staying at Marriott properties, but never this one again. In was insured a receipt would be emailed upon check out, not to my surprise it never showed up. These people are crooks and cant be trusted with your hard earned money.

*Update My proof is in the picture. This is not a hold, just as the Macy's perfume charge for my wife is not a hold. Would you like me to post a picture of the receipt from Macy's to prove...

Stayed here for 20 days during the Florida state fair. The first day was the best. The bed was nice, everything was neat and clean, and I got a random call to my room phone. Turned out to be the staff giving our team of people a gift at the front desk for choosing to stay there this year! Every breakfast was good and had plenty of options, including many different diets and even local produce and fruit. I locked myself out of my room twice during my stay, and the staff were quick to help me get another card. The kitchen included a dishwasher, full-size fridge, garbage disposal, double-eyed flat top, full set of all kinds of dishes, utensils, pots, and pans. The dining table was big enough for two and had a cozy light just above. The couch was nice to relax on and enjoy the view and some television. The bathroom and breezeway were very spacey and bright. The glass doors to the shower were a little bit of a fright as I'm typically very clumsy. I didn't break it, at least. Back to the externals, the hallways were always clean and clear aside from some janitor carts and luggage racks. Nothing unusual. Stairs in two convenient spots, as well as an elevator that was fairly quick. The lobby and common area included a lounging table with a tv, many tables and chairs for breakfast in the morning, and a fireplace that was actually quite warm in the cool hotel air. Outside hosted an open courtyard and a fireplace area to relax around until 10pm. Parking was way too easy as there were enough parking spots to have 2 per room, at minimum. Located just off the main highway, less than a 5-minute drive from the fairgrounds, and very easily accessible. I recommend staying here anytime you plan on spending more than a few days...

I as a loyal Marriott gold elite customer was appalled at the experience I had at this hotel and would strongly advise anyone not to make reservations here. The first thing I do before I unpack is check my room meticulously making sure the beds and bathrooms are clean and safe for me and my family to use. In the first room the bed was filthy(Pictures provide below) Manager later tells me the sheets were fine neglecting the fact that the bed was covered in blood and urine. The staff then downgraded me from my two bedroom suite that I paid extra money for to a studio. This was horrible my daughter had to sleep on the couch even though I paid for my family to be able to sleep comfortably on beds. She also had a soccer tournament I was worried about her not having enough comfortable rest to perform. In the studio I check it the same way I did to the other and to my shock. I find the toilet seat was unclean(Pictures below) and bugs on the table. This is just straight up nasty. I bring this up with the manager she tells me she’s okay with the bugs because of Florida’s weather. I also bring up the fact that her staff downgraded me, she proceeds to try and gaslight me into believing that I was actually not downgraded. I in my opinion rightfully ask for my money back she only gives a portion of it back even though they downgraded me and my family had to sleep in an unclean room that we had to clean ourselves. Overall I recommend everyone avoid this hotel like the plague especially if this is your first experience booking with Marriott. If they will treat a repeat customer in this way imagine how they...