Overall, we enjoyed staying in the hotel, but don't book it necessarily for the sparse cooking facilities and have low expectations for breakfast.
We stayed at Residence Inn in Philadelphia West (Chester/Exton) from Friday, February 26th - Sunday, February 28th. It was a weekend getaway to have a change of rhythm and scenery from the work-from-home lives many of us have adapted to since the start of COVID.
Since we have a little toddler, we booked the suite with a Queen-sized bed so that our daughter could sleep earlier, leaving us the sitting room space to enjoy the evening. Also, we chose the suite to be able to access the amenities (stove, microwave, fridge) as we wanted to limit our exposure with meals out.
Our check-in was straightforward, though it was confusing why we were offered the option to check-in via the app to limit contact... only to be told we needed to complete our check-in at the counter anyway. It didn't seem to me anything was different from the counter check-in, compared to doing it through the app. The building itself is well taken care of - clean carpets, new light fixtures, and nice outdoor common spaces (which we didn't use as it was too cold). Our impression of the room is positive - it was tidied, clean, and the newly renovated decor added to the comfort of the space. The kitchen space looks very modern, however the stovetop does not get hot very quickly and even then, it takes a long time to cook even a simple meal like pasta. The pan/utensils in the room are very cheap - it really did seem like they got the lowest grade possible just to "get by" and looked ready to be replaced - i.e. the pan had a large burn on it. There was only the one pan. For a suite that caters itself to "long term" stay, it really does not provide adequate supplies. We also did not have any eating utensils and called the front desk. To their credit, they were very prompt and found another set for us straight away.
The bed and shower were great. The sink and closet space provided a useful corner for someone to get ready while the other person showered. The sitting room was also very comfortable - with a couch, TV, dining area, a desk area in front of the window, and a side table to place keys, etc.
We had booked the suite with breakfast and was told that a "grab and go" breakfast would be served from 7am. They had a sign making it clear that it would be different from the hot breakfasts they normally served, so we were preparing ourselves for something less substantial. However, when we arrived downstairs the next morning at 7am, we were surprised at HOW much less substantial it was. I know COVID does pose challenges, but it was such a stark difference from what they normally offer. They only had pre-packaged muffins, granola bars, cereal boxes, and pears. There was a small coffee station on the side. I asked reception for a couple boxes of milk for the cereal... but they were only to give me one. They said it was the last box of milk, and this was only at the START of the breakfast service. The other guests would have had no milk, and yet they were still providing cereal - what did they expect them to do? Use coffee?
The next morning, we went downstairs again to ask for milk for our daughter's breakfast. Since they knew that milk had run out yesterday, I expected that someone would have restocked the milk as it had been a whole working day. When I asked, the lady at the counter said that they still had no milk and I noticed that they had also removed the cereal boxes (so now, only granola bars and muffins.) I expressed surprise, since they knew yesterday EARLY morning of the problem. She just shrugged and said something about waiting for the shipment and how she couldn't do anything about it. For me, this shows a real oversight and lack of initiative on the part of the management, opting instead for easy excuses (especially as there was a GIANT grocery store right...
Read moreThis is going to be long.
This was our 1st time staying at the Residence Inn.
My family & I recently stayed for 4 nights. Tuesday-Saturday. There were 4 of us. My husband & I, as well as, my elderly parents. We got the 2 bedroom suite. Our suite had one accessible rm/ with the bathroom for handicapped individuals. We declined the daily maid service.
Overall, our stay was fine. Staff were pleasant. The suite was clean, beds were comfortable and the overall living space was fine. This was like living in a small 2bdrm apt.
This is why I gave rooms & service a 4 star review instead of 5. These are not major issues, but they are major issues.
Check-in..... A. Hotel Check-In states 3pm. After a very long drive, We were not able to check in @ 3pm. The rooms were not ready. The housekeeper entered the cleaned rooms into the system,"after" 3pm. I know this because i was sitting there watching. I was able to check in around 3:10pm. Even though it's only 10 minutes, it's still 10 min past check-in time.
B. If check-in time is running behind, guests should receive an email or phone call. You never know how far people have driven/ or what they are dealing with in life. A later than expected hotel check-in can ruin the 1st day.
Coffee.... More coffee filters in the rooms. This is especially for people who will be there longer than one night. Also, why is coffee, in the breakfast area, only available until noon? If coffee were available all day, then extra coffee in rooms may not be necessary.
Kitchen.... This was my MAJOR issue......!
A. The 2 bedroom suite is suited for 4 people. Therefore, it should be equipped for 4 people. There was only 1 dinner plate, 2 small forks, 1 frying pan, 2 butter knives, and etc. There was one glass mixing bowl. Basically, if there are 2 burners, there should have been 1 pot & 1 pan at the bare minimum. We had to buy a frying pan, a pot, a few mixing bowls, paper plates, cups & forks. Riduclous! Some families, like us, actually choose to use the kitchen to cook meals instead of eating out. This is the main reason we chose to stay at this hotel.
B. Brighter and more lighting in the kitchen area. The lighting is too dim.
More Check-in matters... A. Guests should be informed of the icemaker, inside the freezer. We purchased a bag of ice, because I couldn't find the icemaker machine, inside the hotel. Later, I went to the front desk to ask about the location. It wasn't until then, I was informed of the icemaker in the freezer & how to operate it. Too late at that point.
B. Guests should be informed what time breakfast is available.
Better quality trash bags for the kitchen trash bin, as well as, bags that actually "fit" the trash bin. As soon as we put 1 item in the bin, the whole bag fell down. The bags were so thin, 2 of them ripped. Thankfully, we had a few brown bags from Giant. We ended up using them as trash bags.
The dishwasher looked disgusting inside. It was nasty. I did not use it. Also, even if it were clean, why weren't there instructions on how to operate it.
The accessible bedroom.... A. Have a light in the closet. My parents could hardly see. B. Brighter lighting overall. C. The bathroom floor needed to be mopped. I could tell it wasn't even adequately wiped down.
Why doesn't this hotel have folding suitcase/ luggage holders? Some people have difficulty bending down. Therefore, one has to put the same suitcase that rolled along the ground, onto the bed, to access their clothing. Maybe have a few on hand for available upon request.
As much money as Marriott charges the consumer, this set of issues, should not occur. These are small, but major issues. We paid a good penny. These should not have been issues at...
Read moreMy family of four stayed at the Residence Inn for 2 weeks, in Exton PA. Prior to this we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, in Malvern. The Extended Stay in Malvern/Frazier (Swedesford Road), then we went to the Extended stay in Exton. I DONT recommend either #DONTSTAY ATEXTENDEDSTAYAMERICA. They are both dirty with questionable staff and clientele.
Now onto the Residence Inn. This hotel is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stayed. They are perfect in every way. There was not one bad thing that I could say. The staff is amazing, the front desk, the breakfast staff, the room service, the managers, the maintenance service. They are all so friendly and clearly have been educated on what hospitality consists of, for their clients. Always greeted with a smile no matter what time of day or night. They never seem to be too busy to assist their clients, and welcome questions or concerns with a smile. Not to mention they want your stay to be as great as you do.
All of the residents here as well were friendly, and seemed to be genuinely happy people. There was no question about our service dog. They knew my husband is a veteran, and they I stood our rights to have her assist him with his disability.
This hotel is clean, quiet, and it decorated nicely. The breakfast room, is set up perfectly. With lots of space to sit. Breakfast is great. They have a waffle maker, eggs, breakfast meat (Bacon or sausage) daily, coffee milk chocolate milk, oat milk, oatmeal, tons of topping me for oatmeal or waffle, cereal, toast bagels, muffins, English muffins, cream cheese, jelly , butter, and whip cream for whatever you want to use it for. It’s always clean and stocked up until 9 pm the weekdays and 9:30 pm the weekends. They let us come in at 9 the first day because we were unaware it ended at 9.
They have a computer and printer free to use by residents. While I worked on the computer, a staff member from the front desk offered crayons and coloring books to my kids. Plus even brought ice cream sandwiches out to us at the basketball courts. My kids adored her. There is a big gym with a ton of equipment. A water jug, towels, yoga mats , and a large work out ball. It’s always clean and every thing is always stocked.
I know for certain there are 1 bedrooms Rooms. As we had one, with a large walk in area with a sink and large closet. Then a bathroom with a shower. Which has a fan. There’s a large mirror over the sink some shelves and drawers on the vanity. There is also a large mirror which acts as a door on the closet. The bed is a queen, comfortable clean, with two end tables on either side. The living room has a large screen tv with Netflix, you tube Hulu, and more. Plus cable channels. There’s a large desk or long table tops against the window with a desk swirly chair. The couch is quite large, with an ottoman and a pull out bed. Which is surprising comfortable. Most I’ve slept on are not , this one is big and comfy!
Then my favorite part…the kitchen! A full fridge, with a stove top, counter space, a large sink, and a dishwasher. The kitchen comes fully equipped with dishes, a toaster, cookware silverware, dish towels, dish & dishwasher soap. Then there is a high table with 2 chairs to eat or do what ever it is one needs to do. The kitchen is hard floor, while the living room and bedroom are carpet the bathroom is tile. They...
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