Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor — Hotel in Burlington

In the hospitality industry, the guest’s welcome experience should be paramount. From the moment we arrived, the hotel staff exhibited an unwelcoming demeanor that left us underwhelmed. There were no smiles, no warm greetings—just a palpable sense of unhappiness. It’s disheartening when the initial interaction with staff sets the tone for the entire stay.| |As we made way to our room, our young daughter accidentally spilled her apple cider on the floor. We notified the front desk agent (will call her “S”) and her response was simply “OK”. Despite us notifying them, the spill was still unattended when my husband passed by the front desk 15 mins later. Mind you, there were 3 people at the front desk – any one of them could have taken care of it or placed a cone to ensure no one slipped on it.| |Shortly after reaching our room, I realized “S” failed to mention that our room rate included daily breakfast. We were rushing to make a dinner reservation, so I approached “S” after returning to confirm. Unfortunately, her response was lackluster. No acknowledgment of the oversight, no apology for the inconvenience—just a nonchalant check of the computer and a binder before handing over the vouchers. It felt as though I was asking for freebies rather than receiving what I had already paid for.| |Adding to our frustration, despite our profile clearly indicating a preference for a room away from the elevators, we were assigned one right next to them. It seems attention to detail was lacking once again. We are frequent travelers (over 40 nights at Marriott hotels so far this year) and expect that these preferences are taken into consideration when rooms are being assigned. | |As for the room itself (810), maintenance issues were evident, mostly in the bathroom. The wallpaper was peeling in several places, the tile floor lacked grout, and the overall lighting was insufficient. Also, the prior guest’s hair was on the shower floor (yuck!).| |The highlight at this hotel was our breakfast at Bleu. Emma was a sweetheart! The entire staff was great very friendly, and the food was delicious. | |We did eventually receive a nice greeting at the reception desk, but unfortunately it was when we were checking out. In case you’re wondering, it was not “S”.| |Unfortunately, this hotel fell short on multiple fronts. Let’s hope they take these observations to heart and improve for future guests. Until then, I recommend you try...

While not a bad hotel by any means, I was underimpressed for the price of each night. I had a broken refrigerator in my room, and so did one of my coworkers who stayed on a different floor.

The elevators require key card access to go to any floor with guest rooms. The beds and pillows were comfortable and the bathroom was nice, with the exception that my shower did not drain properly and the tub stopper did not seal, so I had to decide if I wanted to constantly refill a tub for a bath or stand in four-plus inches of water to shower. The rooms get a bit of redemption in their window views - absolutely beautiful views of either the city or the lakefront.

The hotel itself has no breakfast service, instead relying on a vastly overpriced restaurant which often needs a reservation to get a table. Service is pretty slow and the menu averages $18... for items like two eggs with a strip of bacon and a piece of toast. So expect to either charge an expensive breakfast to your room or walk a couple of blocks down the street to the Dunkies for something cheaper.

Expect to pay $15 for parking and have to walk from the public city side of the deck through the hotel parking, dodging vehicles flying down the ramp around a somewhat blind turn.

All in all, it felt like a mediocre hotel stay with a luxury price tag - and none of the luxury. I'll be back in a couple of weeks to give it another shot and will update my review appropriately.

Update: I have stayed here a number of times and the rooms have definitely improved in the last year. I haven't had any subsequent issues with any of the rooms, though occasionally weak water pressure in the showers. Pricing fluctuates dramatically throughout the year, with the same room ranging from $150 to over $400 a night depending on demand (leaf peepers 🙄). The restaurant has high qualty food and the wait time has improved, though $42 for a plate of fries and a very small steak is a bit much (also dear GOD way too much salt in that dish, though the steak was cooked perfectly). Occasionally I have difficulties with the parking - you pay per night for parking, $15 for self park and I think $22 for Valet - you will on occasion find a parking ticket from the city workers, especially if you check in late at night, but just bring it to the hotel desk and they take care of it. The pool is fantastic and heated, and there's a soaking...

I have been staying here on business for 6 years and love it. As I Platinum Elite member I am consistently upgraded, whether the room or the view. Hotel is on a hill over looking Lake Champlain. The views of the lake and the NY Adirondacks from the hotel are stunning. Staff here is exemplary. The best at any Courtyard. Unlike other Courtyards they have NOT moved to the Bistro model. Hotel has a full bar and restaurant open every night. They still serve free coffee in the morning. All the rooms have recently been renovated. Many have new beds, all have new furniture. These rooms are larger than any in any other Courtyard. A short walk brings you to a shopping mall then Church Street, which has had several blocks closed to traffic, full of fantastic restaurants, bars and stores to try. In warmer weather there are various festivals in this area, often there is live music along its length, great for people watching. In the opposite direction is the lake, with a huge park where you can exercise and also experience various festivals, museums, boat rides and restaurants. Hotel is also very close to all the local colleges so very convenient. Not too far to skiing as well. Rooms are always spotless, wifi works great, gym has recently been renovated. There are several variations on suites available there as well. Staff is extremely friendly and takes great effort to get to know all the guests. Best bartender in any Marriott works here. Make sure to ask for Frank on weekdays. Restaurant kind of a trendy seafood place so bar does not have typical bar food (no wings, for ex) but with so many restaurants close by not a problem. Lobby has a cozy fireplace, and is always decorated with fresh, fragrant flowers. Totally unlike any other Courtyard. Can't say enough good things about this facility. Oh-I almost forgot! Every Wednesday from 5-6 they serve free wine, beer, apps, and have a therapist giving free chair massages, all in appreciation of their guests. How can you not...