I don't think any EWR airport hotel is fabulous and perfect - last time we stayed at the Sheraton (now a Doubletree) and it was rather dumpy and we thought it was a PITA to take that tram and THEN wait for a shuttle.

The issues you describe can happen at any hotel (been to Vegas lately?) so that doesn't bother me (a simple "no thanks" should suffice), I'm more interested in logistics. So what kind of stairs are we talking about here? I've walked out to the curb and gotten a car service at EWR and there were no stairs - does the Marriott shuttle leave from someplace else? I know there are instructions on their website "if you're in Terminal X, go to this curb, if you're in Terminal Y, go to this curb, etc.) so up and down a few curbs is fine, I just don't walk to lug all our bags up a huge flight, which would seem unlikely in ANY airport, but if you have other knowledge I'd appreciate it before I make a final decision.