Escape to Downtown Akron: Luxurious Courtyard Marriott Stay Awaits!
Escape to Downtown Akron: My (Hopefully) Luxurious Courtyard Marriott Adventure! (A Review That's Probably Too Long)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm reviewing the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Akron, and frankly, I'm exhausted just thinking about it. You know, the whole "researching, staying, then actually writing" thing? It's a process. But hopefully, this ramble will help you decide if this place is right for you. And if not, well, at least you’ll be entertained. (Probably, maybe.)
First things first: Accessibility. Important. Crucial. I'm mostly okay on this front, but I always pay attention to this stuff. The Courtyard seemed pretty darn good, actually. The elevators? Working. The hallways? Wide(ish). I poked around a bit, and I saw ramps and stuff. So, thumbs up from this semi-able-bodied reviewer. They even have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy that they actually care!
Getting Around & Parking – The Akron Shuffle:
Right, so… Akron. Downtown Akron. Parking. Let's get this out of the way. They have Car park [free of charge]! Yes, free! In a downtown! My wallet is already singing! They also have Car park [on-site] in case the free one is full and they have Valet parking, if you into that kinda thing. I’m…not. I roll solo. And thankfully, they have Airport transfer and Taxi service, so no need to struggle with airport parking.
Rooms: The Sanctum (or, My Temporary Prison of Comfort?)
Alright, the rooms. This is where it gets interesting. They have a ton of stuff. Let me just vomit it out here, in no particular order:
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (Yes! I love a good bathrobe!), Bathroom phone (who even uses these anymore?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (essential for my sleep schedule!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (score!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (perfect for a family, or, you know, hiding bodies), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (tempting), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (the ultimate vacation buzzkill, but okay), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Whew. Deep breaths. THAT'S A LOT. Honestly, I felt a little overwhelmed. But in a good way? Like, "Wow, I can actually live here for a little bit and not feel like a total barbarian."
The Internet Situation & Wi-Fi Woes (or, the Curse of the Free Wi-Fi):
Okay, the Internet situation. Let's be honest, we all need it. Especially bloggers like myself. They tout Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet [LAN], but… (and there's always a but, isn't there?). The Wi-Fi. It was… variable. Some moments fast, some moments… like watching paint dry. I'd say it's acceptable, but not ideal if you're trying to do a live stream to a million followers. Other than that? Works. I was just happy to upload my vacation photos. Internet services also mean you can actually do work as well, so there's that.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Akron Grub Experience):
Okay, food. This is where things got much better. This is where I go from "meh" to "YAS, QUEEN!"
They have a Breakfast [buffet]. Oh, the buffet! The potential! The glorious, carb-laden potential! They have Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, so, you know, options. And the Coffee shop? Crucial. I need my caffeine. I did actually enjoy the Breakfast takeaway service one day. And let me tell you, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was also appreciated. Though, on day two I ordered Breakfast in room. Sadly, it was not as great as the Buffet, but it worked.
I also poked around their restaurant situation. They have a Bar, a Poolside bar (if you're into that whole vibe), and Restaurants. I heard there was Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. But I need to be honest. I was too lazy to leave the premises with all this food. The Room service [24-hour] was my jam. So, I could get my, let's say, somewhat unhealthy food. I have to say the food was pretty good. I had Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant and Desserts in restaurant. There's also a Snack bar. So, you. Will not starve. And you will also find Bottle of water.
Things to Do (Besides Avoid Working):
Honestly, I was there to relax. Screw doing anything but trying to read my book! I, of course, checked out the Fitness center (judge me if you want), and that was decent. Standard treadmill/weights stuff. I like they have a Pool with view, which is pretty cool. They also have a Swimming pool, but, let's be honest, I was far more interested in my room service. They also have spa facilities: Spa, Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, and Steamroom. If you are there just to relax, you are in the right location.
Cleanliness & Safety: Gotta Keep Those Germs Away!
In these crazy times (thanks, Covid!), cleanliness is paramount. They seem to take this seriously. They’ve got Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. Deep breaths. Okay, they're trying. It's a safe haven, in other words.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don't):
They have a ton of other stuff: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping (bless!), Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. It’s all a bit overwhelming but in case you need anything they probably have it.
For the Kids (Because, Well, Parents):
They have Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly. So, parents rejoice! There are Kids facilities and Kids meal.
My Verdict (Finally!):
Look, the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Akron isn't perfect. But it's a solid choice. It's clean, convenient, and the room is more than comfortable. The food is decent. The staff is friendly. And, maybe most importantly, it feels safe.
My (Somewhat) Recommendation:
If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively affordable stay in Downtown Akron, specifically, Courtyard Marriott is a safe bet. It's definitely a solid option for both a relaxing getaway and a productive business trip. It could be better, but it is a great start!
Now, for the Persuasive Offer (Because You Need to Book, Right?)
ARE YOU READY TO ESCAPE?
**Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for a little R&R? Then ditch the ordinary and answer the call of Downtown Akron! The
Charlottesville Escape: Luxurious DoubleTree Stay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is… well, this is what my potential Akron adventure looks like, assuming I can actually pry myself out of bed in the first place. We're talking Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown, baby! (Let's just hope the complimentary coffee is strong, because we're gonna need it.)
Akron Adventure: A Chronicle of Chaos (and Maybe Some Rubber Ducks)
Day 1: Arrival, Initial Panic, and the Quest for Caffeine
1:00 PM - Arrival at the Courtyard (Hopefully): Okay, real talk. I'm notoriously bad at punctuality. So, "1:00 PM" is a suggestion. More realistically, it's "sometime after I desperately search for somewhere to park, trip over my own feet in the lobby, and pray to the hotel gods my room key actually works." And if the parking situation is a nightmare… well, let's just say I might start muttering about the inherent unfairness of public transportation.
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Existential Dread: First things first: room assessment. Is there a decent view? (Not critical, but appreciated). Does the Wi-Fi actually work? (Absolutely critical). Can I successfully navigate the thermostat without summoning a polar vortex? These are the vital questions. Bonus points if the hotel has an actual, comfortable chair to just be in. We're not machines, people!
2:00 PM - Caffeine Crisis Intervention: Let's be real. The journey to Akron alone has probably depleted my will to live. This is where the hunt for coffee begins. Forget the in-room stuff. I need real coffee. Hopefully, there's a decent coffee shop within stumbling distance. Because, if not… well, let's just say I might start considering the lobby's instant powder. And no one wants that. Side note: if the coffee shop has funky art on the walls, extra points. I appreciate a vibe.
3:00 PM - Initial Akron Ramblings: Okay, caffeinated (hopefully). Time to hit the streets! I'm thinking a quick stroll around whatever looks interesting. No specific agenda. Just wander. Maybe find a quirky antique shop or a bakery where I can consume a sugar-filled moment. This is where the "I'm a tourist" phase begins, with all the delightful awkwardness that entails.
4:00 PM: The Rubber Duck Trauma: Okay, I'm seeing Rubber Ducks everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Maybe it's a seasonal thing? Maybe I'm hallucinating Caffeine. Whatever. It's starting to freak me out. I might start to collect some as a form of self-protection and defiance. Will I fail? Probably. Will I get judged? Almost certainly. Do I care? Right now, maybe not… (this will change).
6:00 PM - Dinner Adventure: Time to eat! I'm open to suggestions, but ideally, something not chain-y. Local flavor is a must. If there's a place with, like, live music playing in the background, I'm sold. I'm easily persuaded by a decent ambiance. If it's one of those sports bars blaring a game I don't care about, I might leave. Seriously, people, let me enjoy my food!
8:00 PM - Evening Relaxation or Existential Crisis: This depends on the caffeine crash and the day's overall success. Option A: Netflix and chill in the hotel room. Option B: Stare out the window and ponder the futility of life. Either way, I'm aiming for maximum comfort.
Day 2: (Hopefully) More Adventure, More Caffeine, and the Dreaded Checkout
8:00 AM - Awful Wake-Up Call of Doom: Let's face it. Waking up at 8:00 AM is a cruel joke. But, I have to. My internal clock is screaming.
8:30 AM - Second Coffee Quest (Because One Is Never Enough): See Day 1. Repeat until functional.
9:30 AM - Attempt at Cultured Pursuit: Maybe I'll actually go to some of the places I've researched. The idea of a museum or a historical landmark is nice, in theory. Whether or not I can stay awake long enough to absorb any of it is a different story. Wish me luck.
12:00 PM - Lunch, Maybe a Breakdown: I always fall apart at lunchtime. I need something comforting. Something… not too adventurous.
1:00 PM - Rubber Duck Reconnaissance (Again): I need to understand the extent of the Rubber Duck-ification of Akron. This requires serious investigation. Are they everywhere? Are they watching me?
3:00 PM: A Moment of Inner Turmoil: Okay, this is where reality kicks in. I'm probably going to be fighting off a wave of existential dread. But I'm a highly emotional person. I might call someone to talk. Or I'll try to do some art because I am creative.
5:00 PM: Final rubber duck judgment. Do I grab one? Or not?
6:00 PM - Farewell Feast: Time to go for a meal. I'll try a local place I missed.
7:00 PM: Checkout, The Grand Finale of Awkwardness: I'm terrible at checking out of hotels. I forget things. I fumble with the key. I end up embarrassing myself somehow. It's inevitable. Send help. Or, at least, a large coffee.
8:00 PM or whenever: Departure and Debriefing: The drive home. The post-Akron analysis. The quiet contemplation of whether I'll ever be a functional human being.
Food and Drink (Subject to Change):
- Coffee, coffee, and more coffee.
- Local eateries (researching, but open to suggestions!)
- Any and all snacks. Serious, I need snacks.
- Alcohol. Lots and Lots of Alcohol.
Essentials (Besides Caffeine):
- Comfy shoes.
- A book (or three).
- My phone (for taking pictures and panicking).
- Maybe some duct tape. You never know.
- Sense of humor. (Crucial.)
This is Akron, people! Wish me luck! I'm going to need it. And, hey, if you see a wild-eyed person clutching a rubber duck, feel free to say hello. Just don't judge. Okay? Okay.
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Magic of BaanBooLoo Village, Chiang Mai
Okay, so... "Luxurious Courtyard Marriott?" Really? Is it, like, REALLY luxurious? Or just... Courtyard-level luxurious? Because I have standards.
Alright, let's be real. "Luxurious" is a subjective term, right? I'm not gonna lie, when I initially saw the ad, I pictured, you know, *actual* luxury. Like, a marble bathroom where you don't have to fight for space – *and* fluffy robes that practically hug you. Did the Akron Courtyard deliver *that* level? Nah. But... it was surprisingly good. Think upscale Courtyard. Modern, clean, well-appointed. The beds? Oh, the beds. Cloud nine, people, absolute cloud nine. And the lobby was actually kinda chic, not that usual bland beige you get in these places. So, maybe not *palace* luxurious, but definitely a step up from your average highway stop. Consider it 'comfortably swanky'. I give it a solid B+. My back, which is a drama queen, loved the bed though. Seriously, slept like a baby. Which, as a parent, is a luxury in itself, amirite?
Tell me about the location. Downtown Akron? Sounds...bustling. Or desolate. Or both? Spill the tea!
Downtown Akron... hmmm. Okay, here's the deal. It's... alive. Not exactly the vibrant, hopping metropolis of, say, New York City, but definitely not a ghost town. There were people around! Which, frankly, was a relief. I get weirded out by empty streets. The hotel itself is smack-dab in the middle of things, which is either a blessing or a curse, depending on your personality. I'm a "blessing" kinda gal. You're right there, steps from restaurants, the Akron Civic Theatre (gorgeous, by the way – see it!), and a few quirky shops. The downside? Parking. Ugh, the parking. They have a garage, but it's not *free*. And I, as a person, deeply resent paying for parking. But hey, you gotta pay the piper, right? It got me thinking, though... maybe they should offer a special: "Stay here, pay for parking, and get a free... I don't know... rubber ducky related to Goodyear?" Just spitballing here, Marriott! Just spitballing!
What's the food situation? Like, are we talking vending machine sadness? Or are there actual restaurants nearby that won't poison me?
Okay, the food situation. A critical question, truly. And the answer? Surprisingly good! The hotel has their usual on-site bistro, which I avoided. (I'm suspicious of hotel food, can't help it). But! There are *loads* of options within easy walking distance. I mean, within stumbling distance after a couple of cocktails. I highly recommend Lu's Place. Seriously, amazing Italian. I had the... (checks notes, 'cause I can't remember these things after a glass of wine)... the *cacio e pepe*! To die for. Creamy, peppery perfection. And I met this older couple while waiting for a table. They were hilarious, telling me about their travels. Made the wait fly by. Plus, the hotel offers room service from a nearby restaurant. Score! So, no vending machine sadness. You'll eat well. Trust me on this. (And if you see a woman furiously devouring pasta, it was probably me.)
Okay, so you've sold me on the food. But about the "Courtyard" part. What about the standard amenities? Is there a pool? A fitness center? Because I require both, depending on my mood.
Alright, the "Courtyard" part. Let's get down to brass tacks. Yes. There's a pool. Actually, it was surprisingly decent. Indoor, heated. Not Olympic-sized, mind you, but perfectly fine for a quick dip or some casual splashing. I saw some kids having a blast, which was both adorable and slightly annoying (because, children). The fitness center? Yeah, they had one. I… um… *looked* at it. From afar. On my way to the elevators. It looked like it had the usual suspects: treadmills, elliptical machines, some free weights. Frankly, after the cacio e pepe, the only "fitness" I was interested in was the fitness of my comfy bed. Did I regret skipping the gym? Not even a little bit. But hey, it’s there if you're one of those people who actually *enjoys* working out while on vacation. You weirdo.
Tell me about the staff. Are they the "robots who can't be bothered to greet you" type, or are they actually friendly and helpful? Gotta know if I need to bring my own sunshine.
Okay, staff. This is where the Courtyard really shined – or rather, the staff did. They were genuinely friendly. Not the forced, saccharine "have a great day!" type, but actually helpful. They gave me directions, they offered recommendations (thanks for Lu’s Place again!), and they even seemed to be, you know, *happy* to be there. The check-in process was smooth. And the woman at the desk, Mary (I think her name was Mary, sorry if I'm wrong Mary!), actually looked me in the eye and smiled. A real, genuine smile. And she wasn't just going through the motions. It made a difference. It’s those small things, y'know? They really made it a much more pleasant experience. So, no need to bring your own sunshine. They’ve got you covered.
Let's Doubling down on a single experience: The bed. Seriously, you mentioned the bed was amazing. Paint me a picture. Was it some sort of magic carpet to sleep town? Tell me *everything*!
Okay. The bed. This deserves its own section. Because, frankly, the bed almost justified the entire trip. *Almost*. Picture this: you're exhausted. You've walked around downtown Akron, you've eaten pasta, you've probably imbibed a drink or two (or three...). You stumble back to your room, ready to collapse. Then, you see… the bed. The *promise* of the bed. It looms large, an island of fluffy, inviting perfection in the middle of the room. The duvet… oh, the duvet! Light as a feather, yet somehow still *warm*! I swear, it molded to my body. The sheets? Crisp, clean, and probably spun by angels on cloud nine. The pillows... forget about it. Like sinking your head into a pile of marshmallow clouds. I think I actually sighed when I hit the pillow. And then I drifted off. Into a sleep so deep, so restorative, that I woke up feeling *human* again. Which, let's be honest, is a rare and precious thing. I am still dreaming about it. Seriously, I'm considering writing a love letter to the Courtyard Marriott's bed. It's that good. I'm not even kidding. Someone get me their manufacturer, stat! It was more than a bed; it was an experience. A transcendental, sleep-filled experience. I would genuinely go back just for thatStay By City
