Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Columbus OSU — Hotel in Columbus

Not my favorite place to have stayed recently. Room itself was fine—four walls, a ceiling, a bed—and clean with a good bathroom, despite not having an adjustable shower head to compensate for lackluster water pressure. Problems were little things but they kept adding up and many seemed silly & avoidable. The room also had a faint but definite smell when you first walk in that was pretty much like sweaty B.O. but it kept fading in and out so I figured either it was something else possibly some cleaning solvent or just I was getting used to it. Not horrible, just bothersome when first adjusting to the room.

1.) They put me on the northern wing second floor, right next to the conveniently located elevator that immediately was declared out of service, necessitating walks all the way down two halls to the second slower elevator to reach the lobby. This alone wasn’t too bad, except the extra traffic on the one elevator meant I also had to deal with other rude guests so apparently irritated at how slowly it came and went that half the time I was trying to get off the elevator I was almost barreled over by thoughtless patrons getting on. Having all working elevators would’ve spared me at least a few of these rude encounters.

2.) Guest laundry on third floor has neither detergent dispenser nor change making machine. The first was remedied by going down to reception to the little ‘convenience store’ area…but they then told me they were out of quarters. I called the front desk before I left my room with a bag of laundry to clean, only to have to drag it around the building, buy a box of detergent and THEN be told it was all for nothing. If you’re going to not have a stocked change machine or sufficient change at reception, the least you could do is when a guest calls and asks if there is a laundry, make a point of letting them know there’s no change to be had anywhere in the building; it’s not like I walk around with over five bucks’ worth of quarters jingling in my pocket, as expensive as their laundry machine charges were..

3.) the complimentary breakfast had rather tasteless spinach quiches & fatty, cheese-laden croissant breakfast sandwiches…and bacon. I really would prefer just eggs, sausage, bacon, if you’re going to serve anything. Serving pre-made multi-ingredient foods like the quiche just means I don’t get to pick what I want to eat from simpler breakfast fare, so I end up not really getting to have anything I want. Some scrambled eggs are basic but satisfying and not hard to prepare in large lots.

4.) same breakfast I discovered only after toasting a muffin that they had no butter. They also had cream cheese but no bagels. When I asked about this the woman attending the breakfast just robotically apologized and said “we have honey.” When I chuckled and said I wished I’d known, I hated the wasted muffin now left uneaten dry, she gave me cold attitude. I also got the brush off when I suggested she might want to put a little quick sign up saying these things were out…only to then sit and have to hear her robotically and with growing irritation answer the exact same questions over and over…exactly what I had been trying to help spare her. You’re telling me nobody could’ve thought to make a quick run to get a few sticks of butter from the Kroger right up the road? Or at least NOT put out the cream cheese when there’s no bagels to eat it on? Not to mention they had a couple of waffle irons hot & running…though personally I don’t know many people who like dry waffles with just syrup.

All in all an okay stay, nothing especially great, just a lot of annoyances that irritated me and could easily have been avoided had some folks not been so bored with their job they stopped caring about doing it particularly well. If the cleaning or maintenance staff ever starts acting like the rest of the employees I expect this place won’t be a decent place to stay...

This was probably the best experience I have had at a Fairfield, and it owes itself in no small part to the wonderful staff working here. Additionally, the rooms were clean, comfortable, and without issue. The hotel's pool area and gym are on the smaller side, but well equipped. Finally, there exists several options for quick dining within walking distance to the hotel. And on the topic of dining, the breakfast had some unique options I don't tend to see as part of a breakfast that were appreciated. Definitely keeping this spot in mind for future trips.

The night we arrived, we were greeted warmly by two members of the staff, and one of them (Herbert) in particular was enthusiastically helpful in getting us oriented to the area and provided menus for a restaurant we asked about as well. When we returned from dinner (which was in walking distance from the hotel, maybe a residential block away), the woman at the front desk recognized us as guests and said "Welcome back." It sounded genuine... Like she was actually glad we were staying here instead of someone just going through the motions. The excellent experiences with the staff continued with every staff member we met, including the head of housekeeping. As we were checking out, we were thanked enthusiastically for staying.

Before retiring for the night, we went to the pool and gym area. The gym was equipped with weights, what I believe is an elliptical, and a heavy-duty treadmill that someone like me (heavier-set) can use comfortably. The pool was heated, and was comfortable for performing some light exercises and relaxing. The hot tub/whirlpool was pleasantly hot with jets we didn't need to reset. There were towels in both sections aplenty, and a restroom available. This section is located directly across from an elevator as well, which was highly convenient.

The room we had was equipped with a small office space which worked well for my laptop. The Wi-Fi connection wasn't particularly fast, but it was more than serviceable for a short stay's needs at 2-3 Mbps. Based on the latency of the connection, I am sure a wired connection would have been quicker, but I used wireless for convenience. For those who care for such details, the standard ping response was 35-75 ms. The bathroom was stocked with actual human levels of body-wash, shampoo, and conditioner instead of those tiny little bottles. The beds were comfortable with fluffy pillows and soft sheets. Also, the window was equipped with thick room-darkening shades, so sleeping in without getting too much sun is actually doable.

Breakfast was good, with such staples as warm cereal (oatmeal, but they had over 8 toppings), cold cereals, waffles, bagels and fruit. But it also had actual bacon, mini-quiches, and breakfast sandwiches. I particularly enjoyed the latter two.

Checking in and out was a breeze, too. It's great to see a place that can combine genuine friendliness and hospitality with professionalism. Definitely...

I booked and paid for a room. Their policy states that room rental is up to 12pm check out. I arrived early am due to unforeseen circumstances. I attempted to check in because I was aware I would have to wait until the afternoon to get another room. I had already paid for the room with a statement the rental ended at 12 noon that day. Kenoya (most likely wrong spelling) was absolutely rude and unprofessional condescendingly wrongly explaining that my check in time was for yesterday and she would not check me in. The rental agreement offered by Marriott states until 12pm the next day. That was a legal contract that I had paid for the service. Apparently, Kenoya felt she could unilaterally rewrite the terms of a contract changing room hours to when she felt like it. The problem is I had already paid for the room and they had accepted my money. They need to either refund my money, or they need to check me in giving me grace for the time I had to call corporate so that they could explain to her she is not authorized to rewrite contracts that are executed.

Whatever the outcome, this woman should not pursue a career in the service industry. She is condescending, but lacks a basic understanding of contract law—something her entire career depends upon. Ignorant people should never be arrogant. It only makes them look small when they are exposed. Hopefully, she will understand that a contract is binding for the time limit specified for the amount paid. Her role does not permit her to rewrite those terms. She also should know that judging someone is a fools errand. While I was put together, my guest was disheveled from trying to repair the car, the reason we were late. She had no idea what had transpired, but what is worse is that she didn’t care. She is guest relations, and instead of being helpful, she threw back my license and said you can come back at 3pm.

Actually, I paid until 12 today. Your company accepted, and you aren’t authorized to change that. I get she didn’t want to do her job, but I think she assumed I was a niavee person she could hustle. Unfortunately for her, I have a graduate degree in management. I would be happy to teach her the elements of a contract and that a violation of those terms makes it null and void. I guess she can learn something and someone can check her hubris. The woman was the absolute definition of fake elitism and contempt. I had stayed at the hotel four times prior. I would have stayed another night tonight, but I will never stay there again. Kenoya, I recommend that you think about the clients you serve. The next time you assess yourself as superior, be 100% certain you...