Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Marathon Florida Keys — Hotel in Key Colony Beach

Could have been 100% great stay if not for Larry.

As a current Titanium Elite Marriott member and after this stay will be an Ambassador Elite I have visited a lot of Fairfield Inns and this tops all of them. They did a beautiful renovation to the old Holiday Inn property and the new building/pool for suites is gorgeous, which is where we are staying. But the best part is how clean all is kept and impecable grounds. We are currently half way of our week stay and enjoying so much. The main pool is wonderful with all the hammocks and beautiful views!

I am happy that everything has been awesome because checking in was a horrible experience. I arrived early a little before 2pm and front desk Larry could ck me in but to either 1st or 2nd floor. I always prefer high floor, as stated in my Marriott preferences, so asked him if 3rd would be possible. He checked and acknowledged there was but not ready yet, would have to wait approx 3pm. I told him that was ok because we would go to Sparky, restaurant on premises which by the way is fantastic. He said go enjoy lunch once we finished it would be ready. I had given him my id and credit card but he returned saying we’ll do everything afterwards. We had a wonderful lunch, bottle of wine, took our time since no need to rush because my 3rd floor suite was waiting for me. When I went back Mr. Larry was gone and being told that there were no 3rd floor suite left because Friday is busy and a lot of people have checked in and Larry did not block room. I was very upset, asked to speak to Manager Mr Michael Weber he searched system and said all he could offer on 3rd floor is a hdcap, suite with water view, same only difference was wider door and possibly roll in shower. I said I have no problem it being hdcap. I thanked him for resolve, but went up to suite and not view I was expecting as in website. I went back to front desk, manager was not around but front desk Omar was fabulous and advised he could place me on 2nd floor with much more beautiful view. Omar saved the day.

Omar is fantastic and an excellent example of Marriott guest service. As upset that I was he was always nice, polite and sympathetic for the situation. He has been so friendly and professional.

Following day Larry was at the front desk so I went up and told him what he did and how upset it made me. He claimed he had told me to ck back to see if later any would be available. I told him I had been over being upset but now he has made it worse lying to my face. No question to anyone that’s a lie bc they can see what’s available and who is cking out snd will be available. Finally he admitted he made a mistake and that everyone makes mistakes. I agreed we are all human, but he needs to own up to his mistakes and not try to lie his way out of it. All I can say is I feel for his co-workers with his attitude.

Manager has not followed up. Friday was completely booked so he could have offered to move to 3rd floor within the 7 day stay, not that I would have because I don’t like moving once I’m settled in. But...

My friend and I just had a girls' week vacation in the Florida Keys. We stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites in Marathon because of its central location - about half way between Key Largo and Key West. It was the perfect location. The room was clean and quiet. We had a room in the second building, with a lanai that looked out over the bay. It was quite large, with a king bed and a pull out couch. It suited our needs exactly. The hot breakfast was great. We ended up only going twice during the week that we were there, but the food was good and again, it suited our needs. There was a restaurant on site, as well as a small convenience store and a guest laundry. The rest of the amenities seemed great, but we didn't really use them, so I can't review them from personal experience. But the best part, by far, was the staff. All of them were friendly, accommodating, and so helpful. I took the pull out couch, and not being a spring chicken, I had a bit of trouble sleeping. The next day, I asked if there was any way I could get an extra mattress for the pull out couch, and within 15 minutes, Andre and Yillian (spell?) were at our door with a brand new, still in the package, mattress, which they promptly installed, and quickly made up the bed. All with friendly attitudes and smiles. I use a mobility scooter, and at one point the last screw that was holding the handle on the battery fell out. I went up to the desk to see if I could borrow a screwdriver to fix it. Desmond helped me out and loaned me two screwdrivers for the night, but one of them ended up to be stripped and I couldn't really use it. So the next morning, I went back, and Clive not only provided a new screwdriver, he went above and beyond, and took the battery case apart and put it all back together for me !!! Susie was a joy to work with at the front desk, and the lady who helped us check out (and unfortunately, I can't remember her name.......so sorry) was also amazingly helpful. And Danielle, who is the manager, was awesome as well. One of the mornings that we had breakfast there, she was in the breakfast area, pitching in and helping with what needed to be done. She helped me get my food (again, mobility scooter :)) and find a table where there was room to park said scooter. I'm sure I've missed someone, but everyone I dealt with just a joy to work with. The housekeeping staff were all so friendly and always had smiles, even with all of our pestering calls requesting towels, toilet paper, pillows, water, etc. I really wanted to emphasize this aspect of the hotel because it is so rare these days. As I'm sure you can tell, if you've made it all the way to this part of my review, I happily give this hotel five stars.

Thank you all for a lovely stay and hopefully we will be back in...

Last month, we decided that we would take our kids to the Keys for the first time. We chose to stay at the Fairfield in Marathon for our first stop for 2 nights, then head to Key West for a few nights. The day we arrived at the Fairfield, it was only about 72 and very windy -- not great for all of the outdoor activities in the area. Surprisingly, the pool was heated and very pleasant. The kids loved it. ||Our room unfortunately had a plumbing issue that arose the morning after we checked in. The manager on duty, Susie, tried to help and maintenance come to fix the issue (while the family was at the free breakfast, which they enjoyed). He was unable to do so on the first try. We had to wait a bit for him to come back, so I asked to switch rooms instead, which Susie was able to help with. ||After our 2nd night we checked out and headed to Key West to stay at another Bonvoy property. 2 hours into seeing Key West, the kids hated it and the new room (which was not nearly as nice as the Fairfield). We called Bonvoy to get out of the room with plans to head back to Marathon, which they allowed us to do. ||As soon as we received that confirmation we checked the Bonvoy app and it looked like most of the hotels in the Keys were sold out. We called the hotel and asked to speak to Susie and explained what happened and asked about potential rooms. While the hotel was booked solid at that time, she said that they were likely expecting last-minute cancelations due to the wildfires that were causing road closures. She said that she was leaving shortly and would have the person coming in call us if a room came up and we would have the first available. ||A room did open, it wasn't what we needed but (it was a king and we needed two queens) we were determined to make it work. I asked the front desk that if we went to restaurant (which had a great happy hour with cheap wings and cheap shrimp) before using the room if we could see if a 2-queen room opened up and she said sure. And less than an hour later called with a 2-queen room where we stayed for the next 2 nights. ||I was very happy with this hotel. From the heated pool, other amenities, but it was really the service. Everyone was helpful, but on 2 instances Susie went above and beyond, and kept us from not having a room on a night where the road out of they Keys may have been close. Looking forward to staying there...