Residence Inn by Marriott Bellevue Downtown

We had a nice surprise when we arrived and were upgraded to a 2-bedroom suite. Constantine was very nice and treated us like human beings and valued guests. The whole unit (floors, kitchen, bathrooms, sheets, sofa, etc.) was very clean. The kitchen was my favorite part of the unit, but I wish we had simple oven items to use it (sheet pan, foil, baking tins). Breakfast was always very busy and very well stocked. Waffles, eggs, meat products, vegetables and rice. It was a very diverse spread of food. I liked that they had iced coffee and chocolate milk. This location was close to downtown Bellevue and very close to the light rail for us to have a short ride to Seattle. The parking garage has tight turns and although costs $19 per day, is actually more affordable than most other places. At first, the heater wasn't working in our unit and it was freezing cold. Maintenance came and fixed the heater. Then, the heater wouldn't stop. Constantine offered for us to change rooms, but I couldn't with the long day we had, tired kids, and just trying to figure out why the heater would not stop. At some point, I had to go down to the lobby to ask someone to help (after calling and then nobody picking up). At around 10PM, the maintenance person finally confirmed that the AC/Heating unit was busted and was kind enough to bring fans, but at some point we needed to open the windows. It made for a loud and uncomfortable sleep, as our windows were right next to the freeway. It felt as though we were supposed to feel lucky that we were upgraded, but they really upgraded us to a room that gave us an awful experience. Upon checkout, VKA reminded me of one of those people who are just around to collect a paycheck and robotically asks you how your stay was because he's required to do so. When I told him, he smiled and nodded his head. No apology or offer of talking to management or anything. You are just a number and in about 4 more hours, he gets to go home. I like Marriott very much and usually appreciate their excellent customer service etiquette. I will most likely consider others before returning to this particular one.

Ok. Wish there was on outdoor pool or patio to relax outside.

2 AM fire alarm that rang for a good 30 to 45 minutes in the hotel due to a glitch in the system. The building evacuated. Hotel was willing to give an inadequate $50 and parking credit as compensation for my $280 hotel room and very poor experience. Upon checkout the next day when requesting compensation for the challenge, the desk clerk pleaded lack of authority but assured me the manager would call. That call from Manager never came. I did call back and speak to the manager who was not particularly accommodating. Marriott Bonvoy customer service offered me a $30 credit. I would not have slept there if they had paid me too. I’ve been a Marriott Bonvoy customer for 15 years. This was the first time I’ve asked for an accommodation. It was rejected. Perhaps Hilton delivers a different experience.