VisitMaryland -- Trip Advisor Reviews

Not too happy

May 17, 2013 by: Turbidite from Houston, Texas

Reception distracted by things going on among themselves and socializing with non-staff while guests are trying to check in. Elevators in constant use so that middle floors must wait a long time only to find an elevator crammed with other guests. Breakfast room was clean and and service is good. Housekeeping was very good. Paid full price for room located directly across from fire station and EMS, as a result several nights we were woken up by emergency vehicles. Toilet odors not well circulated and can be smelled in the bedroom and living areas.

Really comfortable stay for a business meeting

May 02, 2013 by: rap_mom from Brooklyn, NY

I stayed here a single night, to attend a small business meeting being held in the group of buildings where the Marriott is located. So, I didn't have a choice. Historically, I've stayed in some pretty ordinary hotels when the federal government is picking up the tab, as was the case for this meeting. This time, though, I was more than pleased. I had a beautiful king suite, with two televisions, a work/desk area and couch, and separate bedroom. The bathroom was accessible from both the sitting room and the bedroom. Yes, the furnishings may have been somewhat old fashioned/dark, but everything was in great shape. In addition, I found that the staff had universally positive energy (think almost Disney World??) ; that was a real surprise in a business class hotel. I didn't eat at the hotel, so I can't comment on the food. There was a large mall about a 10-15 walk each way from the hotel, in which there were plenty of reasonably-priced places to eat. When I checked in a little before dinner, the bar/dinner area seemed noisy and crowded, so I wanted to avoid that scene. Overall, a great stay. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again, even if I had to pay for it myself!

Great hotel- not the best for family...

Apr 30, 2013 by: Glynn C from Virginia Beach, Virginia

My family stayed here, in hopes of a place I could spend time with the kids while my wife attended a day conference. The listing boasted "family activities," and "indoor pool." My children love to swim, so we thought this would be a great place with great space. Our stay was very comfortable, in a nice, spacious room, with great service. However, we arrived at the pool in the morning to be told by the lifeguard, "The pool closes in 15 minutes." I looked up to see the pool is only open from 6-10am, then from 5-10 or 11pm. So, I told my daughter we would only get to swim for a few minutes. Then the lifeguard told me, "we'll, they're actually working on the pool right now." So, in the end they were working on the pool during the time it was supposed to be open? I was pretty upset and didn't get any real satisfaction from the desk other than an "I'm sorry for your inconvenience." After talking to management on the phone, I was told this was mainly a 'business' hotel and rarely are people there during the day so that's why it was closed. I have been offered to swim in the pool anytime we are in the area, even if we're not staying there. Strange offer, if you ask me. Well, I've never been to a hotel where this was the case, and found it very frustrating for my family.

Perhaps I was in the twilight zone!

Apr 28, 2013 by: MarylandNurseExec from Maryland

I booked an overnight stay at the Bethesda Marriott Suites. I chose to try my hand at Priceline for the first time and that is the hotel that was selected. Being a frequent business traveler I generally book with the hotel directly as I prefer the concierge or club level (which this hotel does not have by the way). The hotel is in a remote location and parking is $15.00. Because it is in close proximity to Marriott corporate headquarters there was no other parking within walking distance of the property. Check in went smoothly, but I felt an undercurrent of "you are not paying the full rate, you do not get the full treatment." Our suite was on a low floor and we initially could not get into the room. I almost did not want to touch the door handle because it appeared soiled. Upon entry the suite appeared nice enough. Living area separated by French doors to the most uncomfortable king size bed I have ever slept in in all of my travels. I awoke to a horrible back ache once I actually got to sleep. Unfortunately the walls are paper thin, and someone decided to run their shower literally for 2 hours so there was a loud whirring noise that prevented me from falling asleep. Neither remote control worked, but guest services responded within 20 minutes to bring another. The bedroom had a flat screen tv, but the one in the living room appeared to have been taken from Archie Bunker's living room! The rooms were well appointed other than the tv and the water pressure in the shower was acceptable. (obviously since someone ran it for 2 hours. Had I paid the full price for the suite I would have been more than a little miffed, however, because I got a deal on Priceline I wont complain. I have stayed in numerous Marriott properties, from the Ritz Carlton, to Towne Place Suites, to Residence Inn. This was without a doubt the worse experience I have ever had. I attribute it to booking on Priceline. I would advise everyone against booking in this manner if that was the contributing factor! I did use the fitness room which was top notch. The use of the key card for access into and out of the parking garage was a plus. If you are accustomed to 4 or 5 star properties this will fall short, which is surprising given it is within a stones throw of Marriott headquarters. If I stayed there again I WOULD NOT book it on Priceline. But based solely on the brick hard mattress and paper thin walls I believe I would pass and try the Hyatt. I have read numerous positive reviews so I'm attributing my stay to Priceline and the misfortune of getting the one room in the entire hotel with an old tv, non working remotes, thin walls and a mattress I believe was brought over from a third world country! There is a charge for late check out, but when I explained that I had little sleep because of the running shower, the clerk graciously allowed me to check out late. I then went back to the room to take a nap before my departure, sleeping on the sofa, which I might add was most comfortable!

Great stay!

Apr 24, 2013 by: Poolgirl7705 from Maryland

This all-suite hotel is a great choice if you're staying in the Bethesda/Rockville area. Even though it's an older hotel, I find the rooms to be nicer, and the service to be better, than at the nearby Bethesda North Marriott. Since it's right next to Marriott corporate HQ, chances are this is where the executives stay when they're in town, and it shows-- attention to detail is excellent. Every time I've stayed here, it's been very quiet, and everything about the stay has been good. The lobby bar is an inviting place to relax.