This was my first time staying at a Delta Hotels property, and as a loyal Marriott Bonvoy member, I had contemplated staying at a Delta before but was discouraged by the mediocre reviews. Unfortunately, my experience at the Delta Hotel by Marriott Columbia Northeast did little to change my perception.
Let's start with the positives - the front desk staff was exceptional. They were incredibly friendly and helpful, truly going above and beyond. For instance, when I needed milk for my tea and cereal, and both the pantry and the restaurant were out of stock, the front desk staff made extra efforts to assist.
The Marriott Pantry, available to higher-level Bonvoy members, was a valuable perk. Being able to drop in and grab a soda, chips, or a delicious house-made yogurt parfait in the morning was a convenience I appreciated.
However, when it comes to the property itself, it was a bit of a mixed bag. From a distance, it looked quite appealing, but a closer look revealed that the fresh paint and finishes could only do so much to conceal its former life as an old Holiday Inn and Suites. Furthermore, I noticed that many of the renovation efforts were showing signs of wear and tear, with worn areas, chipping paint, peeling wallpaper, and warped floors in both public areas and rooms.
We were fortunate to be upgraded to a suite, for which I commend the staff. Yet, the room left much to be desired. It felt dark and cavernous, with limited natural light due to only one relatively small window. The low ceilings and uneven vinyl flooring added to the discomfort. The mismatched furniture, evidently from different renovation periods, didn't contribute to a cohesive atmosphere. However, I must highlight the comfortable bed, which was a bright spot in the room.
The bathroom was another adventure through the hotel's renovation history. The aged, peeling wallpaper contrasted with the modern vanity and sleek, oversized mirror with touch-controlled lighting. Unfortunately, the bathroom was dimly lit, with only one overhead light near the shower.
Finally, the view from our second-floor room was a disappointment. The little flat roof area below was strewn with broken glass, a discarded razor knife, and even a chicken bone. It was unappealing, to say the least.
In sum, the hotel's ambiance seemed like a mishmash of various design elements, as if they'd shopped for decor at a discount store. It felt like adding another layer of paint or veneer to an old and tired building.
Despite the exceptional staff (who, in my opinion, deserve to be at a higher-tier property), I find it challenging to recommend staying here. This experience has given me pause about considering Delta Hotels in the future, and it makes me question Marriott's direction...
Read moreThey staff was friendly and location was great. That is all of the nice things I can say about this hotel. Almost every day there was something new that was BAD . I don’t have room for all of it with only 2,490 characters. We checked in Saturday evening, and immediately notice the major renovations going on, went to our room and came back downstairs wanting to have a drink at the lounge (it was closed). Went back to the room and wanted to warm up some food in the microwave (there was none). Next morning made a cup of coffee, went in the fridge to get my milk and everything was spoiled so we had to toss milk, coffee creamer, cold cuts and flat soft drinks that got warm after being cold, (fridge was not working). Went to the restaurant for breakfast (closed, no chef). We spoke to the front desk clerk about the refrigerator and she asked if it was plugged in. Guess it works, but took a bit to figure out it plugs in behind a closed compartment under the desk. After breakfast down the road, we came back to the gym for a bit (water fountain not working). Went out for the day, came back and went to where the ice machine should have been on our floor (no ice machine in the spot, had to go to the 1st floor). Next morning I woke to get some computer work done and the internet was going in and out and was not secured even with password entry (I couldn't get any work done). Went down to lounge by the pool for a bit and catch some sun and take a dip in the pool (it was closed, we could lounge but couldn't get in the water). This was the only pool , even though the description states there is an outdoor pool and communal pool. Description states there are 2 restaurants and a coffee shop, untrue, there is only 1 restaurant which includes the lounge/bar. When we finally got breakfast at the hotel on Thursday morning, we had to wait approx. 20 minutes after paying for our meal to get the transaction to go through the computer system and we needed to leave for an appt. It never got settled so 1 good thing about this hotel, our breakfast was complimentary because they could never figure it out. We spoke to the manager on several occasions pertaining to our issues as they happened and all we got was, I am so sorry and will pass it on the GM. Never heard from the GM. The manager on site just kept saying these issues were all on VRBO for misrepresentation, WRONG. Their own website stated there are renovations going on but did not state the pool was closed, stated microwave in every room etc ...... I would NEVER recommend this...
Read moreTL;DR staff incredibly responsive and helpful, easily navigated and resolved any issue that popped up, love the mattress super comfortable, organic teas provided in room and love that the brand of soap donates for every bottle sold, room was spacious with dorm like aesthetics. Very kind and would ask how our pup in the hospital at CVETS was doing.
I had some last minute needs to be in Columbia, SC and stayed under 2 separate reservations and nights.
The staff are extremely welcoming and the most responsive via messaging on the Bonvoy app that I have ever experienced in a hotel.
The rooms are quite spacious which given the price point is pretty impressive.
I prefer to walk barefoot and the floors were clean as could be seen by the bottom of my feet.
Both nights I stayed the bedding was pristine and clean.
One night the first room I was placed in there were a few challenges. A service team member came up whom I had met earlier in the elevator and was lovely. Did not know at that time he worked at the hotel just was genuinely warm and friendly.When I reached out to the front desk via the app they asked if I would like to switch rooms as one of the problems maintenance would have to look at but were not available that night.
When I said I probably would prefer to switch rooms the gentleman at the front desk went up and checked the other room to make sure it did not have the outlet and mirror issues that the first room had. He then delivered my keys to my room and asked if I would like help to move my luggage.
The next room was all set. I actually found their mattresses to be the most comfortable that I have experienced in the past few years for hotels. They were awesome in my opinion.
If I noticed anything that needed attention I just popped them a message in the app.
Aesthetics it is more like a spacious dorm room. I think that the value if pretty great even more so considering the space.
One thing I was happily surprised is that each room had organic teas offerings in addition to the coffee options in both caffeinated and decaf. I usually drink chamomile at night and was thrilled to see it in the room. In the morning I thoroughly enjoyed the organic english breakfast tea with some sugar included in the room and a powder non dairy creamer.
To really explain their kindness, the staff would ask how our pup in the hospital at CVETS was doing or wish her good health. They were all just incredibly kind people.
I would...
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