Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront — Hotel in Charleston

Overall, this will be a mostly positive review of the Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront, but I’ll give you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let’s start with location. It’s over on the Ashley River, so it’s not quite close to the historic section South of Broad. It’s about 1.5 miles from Marion Square, so it’s walkable, but not a great walk seeing as you have to cross Lockwood Dr. which can be busy. If you’re in town for sightseeing, however, they do offer a free shuttle every half hour that will take you to the fountain at the north entrance to Waterfront Park. The drivers really know the city, so feel free to ask them for tips on where to go. On the other hand, if you’re in town for medical care at any of the MUSC facilities, you’re definitely at the right place. As for the exterior, it’s pretty. Painted a pastel yellow with white columns, it has nice "southern charm" and could even fit-in on Rainbow Row (see pics). Unfortunately, the interior is pretty standard for a Marriott or any other large chain hotel. It is modern and charmless (see pics). It’s as if the architect and the interior designer never met! Contrary to some things I found on the internet, breakfast is not included in the rates. They do have a “bistro” onsite which is open for breakfast and dinner. Although the menu is limited and the place looks more like a snack bar than a restaurant (pics), the food is surprisingly good. In particular, try the chicken quesadilla or the flatbread. The pool area is neat and clean (pics), but there is no bathroom near the pool. You have to go up to the restroom just off the bistro. Up the stairs from the pool is a nice outdoor lounge area with plenty of seating and a nice view overlooking the river and marina (pics). I’ve only stayed in a water view king suite. The view does not disappoint, overlooking the river, marina, pool, etc. (pic). The room features a kitchenette (microwave, coffee maker, full size fridge) with table, a sofa, two chairs, and large screen TV. The balcony is off this room. The bedroom has a king size bed, chaise lounge, and chair. (See pics). There is one bathroom. There is a door to close off the shower and toilet, but not a door to the bathroom itself. This means that if one person wakes earlier, the light from the bathroom shines into the bedroom. Water pressure was pleasantly forceful and hot water flowed almost instantly (no waiting). There was some mold on the ceiling above the shower (pic). Several reviews I found online complained of a musty or moldy smell. I cannot say I detected that. However, there was an overwhelming smell of some kind of air freshener in the 3rd floor elevator lobby. Perhaps this was to cover up some other odor? I can’t say, but the freshener was overpowering. There was free wifi and an option to upgrade to faster service for around $10/day. The free service was fast enough to stream video. Coverage was generally good, but not by the pool. Staff were friendly and always pleasant to deal with. Rates were reasonable and on par with other similar hotels in the area. It’s not a perfect hotel. It’s definitely not a “resort” (nor does it present itself as one). Overall, a pleasant stay. I would not hesitate to...

My sister had surgery at MUSC University. Apparently this Hotel was given to her by MUSC staff as one of several hotels nearby offering discounts for patients having procedures/surgery @ MUSC University. She reserved the rm. for two. I traveled from FL, to her home in Anderson, SC then to The Marriott. A day in advance of her pre-op for major back surgery. We currently are both disabled. Non the less, I transported her to surgery at MUSC and basically was on stand by in the hotel in the event of an emergency. I traveled all hrs to and from MUSC throughout her admission. I unfortunately was the one who was at the hotel the majority of the time. Approximately 2 days into stay freezer froze up. Room was not being serviced properly. No English speaking housekeepers. Eventually after spending approximately 150.00 on food, I spoke to mgmt. at front desk kept food, which had froze up and was inedible. Some even purchased at the Hotel restaurant. She gave me a $20.00 meal voucher as compensation. Then another day goes by. I’m exhausted, an emergency alarm sounds, all occupants are alerted to evacuate bldg. via stairwells. Our room was on 6th floor. It was raining, had to wait for First responders (fire rescue) to clear bldg and ensure it was safe for all to return. No answers as to why. No compensation., etc… they did send an engineer up to adjust fridge. Then, I couldn’t figure out why when I went to bed I kept itching. Had immediately mentioned to my sister before her surgery. Well, I got ahold of head of housekeeping who spoke English. She checked out beds and looked at rash on my ft. Which worsened. Her husband in Engineering came in to check for bed bugs. Then they contacted mgmt. it was then they moved us to another room. The head manager due in on Monday should have received a text according to Engineer whom told me he was sending her one. I called to front desk requesting to speak with her. She was unavailable. I gave the clerk my phone number and asked when she is to have her personally call me. To date never heard from her. I picked my sister up. We spent one more full day there and that refrigerator started to freeze up. Engineering brought another. We checked out the following eve. Only to find they have no bell hops. I had to load all upon arrival. Then load (disabled) 2 carts. When finished the front desk said to notify them and they would send valet up. Who is a sub contracted company. They were wonderful. Both when I got my sister home from hospital and upon leaving. We were sure to tip them generously. Also the head of housekeeping and engineer did assist with move to room but, I still had to put all away. Horrible experience. Do not know how they ever obtained their ratings unless they come from MUSC staff or employees. My sister nor I will ever stay in a Marriott again even if offered free. She had originally booked room through Nov. 2, 2023. Also, we were told original room would be closed off and unable to access. Upon my sisters discharge from hospital we took old key, after ensuring nobody answered knock, easily accessed and opened room with key.? My hope is that others take time to read review. My photos are live on IPhone. Therefore, like some say...

As part of a 45-day road trip staying exclusively at Marriott properties, I was extremely disappointed with my experience at the Charleston Courtyard Waterfront, a stark contrast to the exceptional stay we have had at other Courtyards.

The rate of $480 per night was unjustifiable for the quality of this property; it felt more like a $150 a night hotel. This was, hands down, the worst Marriott experience I have ever had.

A crucial amenity for me, due to chronic back pain, is a hot tub. I confirmed by phone before arrival that one was available. However, upon arrival, I was informed that the hot tub was out of order for "routine maintenance," and it never reopened during our stay. Additionally, our room lacked even a bathtub to provide some relief.

Noise was another major issue. The hard surface flooring in our room allowed us to hear every movement from the room above, throughout the night. Despite using a fan to drown out the noise, sleep was hard to come by, not helped by the exceedingly loud door closures and housekeeping staff disregarding the "Do Not Disturb" sign at 8 AM.

I requested a room change to a quieter top floor, or even to check out early, but neither accommodation was possible, nor was a transfer to another Marriott property, apparently due to different ownership.

The advertised shuttle service was also a letdown; it was either out of order, not servicing our destination, or didn’t show up at all. Complaints were met with indifference at the front desk.

The lack of maintenance was evident everywhere from unsightly drywall patching, missing caulk in the shower, to a squeaky bathroom door. It seems there is little pride taken in the upkeep of this property.

To add insult to injury, upon communicating with management, no reasonable attempt was made to recompense me for these issues.

I paid a lot for this stay, and it was not worth it. I have requested a partial refund so I can use them at a Marriott property that meets the standards one would expect.

Conclusion: This stay was a stark letdown with numerous failed expectations. Future travelers should verify property conditions and available amenities before booking to avoid similar frustrations. Do yourself a favor and stay at any other property than this one.

(Edit) The manager’s response to this review says it all: they made no reasonable attempt to make things right for me, just claim that they’ll make things better for the next guest. They had no problem taking my hard earned money, failing to provide the promised experience, and then saying sorry. Don’t fall for these empty words—avoid this hotel at all costs!)

Update: After speaking with Marriott customer service regarding this issue, I was told that “Marriott stands by their properties rather than their customers and if I still feel that this situation is unresolved, I need to sue the property.” I don’t know...