Marriott Fairfield vs. Residence Inn

[jpharis]

We are planning our second trip to DL and would prefer to use our Marriott Reward points. We stayed at the Fairfield last time with great results. We are going to have an extra adult with us this time, though, and the free breakfast at Residence Inn is enticing. Do the roomier rooms and breakfast out weigh the convenience of the Fairfield? We are flying so we will not have a car to drive back and forth and will depend on our feet. A 6 and 9 year old will be with us. Has anyone stayed at the Residence Inn. How far is the walk?

 

[BraMax]

We stayed there last year and are booked into the Residence inn this summer. The walk is about 15 minutes. We had a 4 and 6 year old at the time. Going there in the morning was no problem but coming home sometimes was an issue. But the ART does run to it and drops you off just beside the hotel. So you have that option and it's not that expensive. We are staying there do to the Breakfast (which is wonderful) and the room size. You get your space with all the conviences of home (kitchen). Anyhooo that's just my opinion.

 

[VegasMike21]

stayed at marriott's towneplace suites last trip this time staying at the residence inn due to their free breakfast buffet as well. towneplace was decent but no free breakfast. looking foward to seeing what the residence inn has to offer. we too are using the marriott rewards for a free week stay! can't wait!

 

[blackjackdelta]

We stayed there last year and are booked into the Residence inn this summer. The walk is about 15 minutes. We had a 4 and 6 year old at the time. Going there in the morning was no problem but coming home sometimes was an issue. But the ART does run to it and drops you off just beside the hotel. So you have that option and it's not that expensive. We are staying there do to the Breakfast (which is wonderful) and the room size. You get your space with all the conviences of home (kitchen). Anyhooo that's just my opinion.

I agree. We have stayed at the RI Maingate many times and for the 6 of us it works out to be the best. For the most part we walk and find it refreshing at night no to be crammed in the ART bus and away from the crowds for a short time. Last year mid August we paid $139/00 for the penthouse suite. I like to save my points for bigger things.

Have a great trip.

Jack

 

[avalon451]

My brother and his wife just stayed at the RI Maingate last week. While they said it was a very nice hotel, they said next time they will definitely stay closer. They said ART was unreliable, especially on the weekend, and it just took too long to wait for it. It made their midday break a big hassle. They had a 5 year old with them, and used a rental stroller, so she couldn't walk it without getting way too tired. Several times they just grabbed a cab for $7.00, out of frustration.

The breakfast is nice but it seems like it would be worth it to just grab something in the hotel room-- muffins, juice, milk, fruit-- or eat it on the go, or while standing in line waiting for opening. Getting there before opening is such a benefit to easy touring!

Might want to read Hyrdoguy's tips, sticky thread at the top. He's got a rule about staying at a hotel close by.

Hope that helps!

 

[PixiePowered]

We are planning our second trip to DL and would prefer to use our Marriott Reward points. We stayed at the Fairfield last time with great results. We are going to have an extra adult with us this time, though, and the free breakfast at Residence Inn is enticing. Do the roomier rooms and breakfast out weigh the convenience of the Fairfield? We are flying so we will not have a car to drive back and forth and will depend on our feet. A 6 and 9 year old will be with us. Has anyone stayed at the Residence Inn. How far is the walk?

Stayed at RI maingate several times with two children. It's a bit of a walk (about 15 minutes)... but we've never had any issues. The kids have always managed getting to DL and back with minimal to no complaints. ART is there for use, as well. Yes sometimes it can be busy or crowded... but if you're there during a busy time of year, it's to be expected. I think knowing, in advance, what to expect you'll be fine with whatever happens.

We love the rooms at RI, and the staff is exceptional. I guess that's why we continue to go back there. With two children, we prefer the suites as opposed to the standard hotel room. We tend to not get on each others nerves as much

 

[grizbuzz]

Another vote for Residence Inn over Fairfield Inn. Although the walk to the parks is longer, the accommodations are nicer, cleaner, newer, larger and breakfast is a plus (though it wasn't early enough for us two of the days and we missed it).

Here are some pics from my stay there in a studio a few weeks ago.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

I'm glad to hear the good reviews! We are staying there for two weeks later this month. We do have a car, so the distance isn't that big of a deal for us.