Here is a stay report from 10/24-10/25:

Location: The hotel is in downtown Durham attached the convention center and the Carolina Theater. Everything in downtown from our excellent numerous restaurants and bars and the American Tobacco Campus and Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) are an easy walk away. The hotel also has a private parking lot across the street with free parking. The Durham Freeway (NC-147) which runs to the RTP, Duke and RDU is a fairly easy drive away though traffic in the afternoon getting to it can be easy.



Hotel: I was concerned this hotel would feel older but I never got that impression. Also, all the staff I dealt with were very helpful and friendly. The lobby is large and inviting with a restaurant that's open until 11. Also, I had no problem checking in early (2:20 PM) and was told "only 10 more nights until you're Marriott Silver!" which amused me.

Room: The room felt very modern and had all the little things I look for like outlets next to the bed, good Wifi connection (free at this hotel, very nice) etc. My only issues were the bathroom is really small and the door will hit the toilet seat when you open it. Also, the soundproofing is pretty bad, I could hear the people in the next room who were not being loud at all.



Other: I ordered room service at 2:30 PM for the next morning. They called back at 4:30 PM to say that the order I'd placed (a Continental Breakfast with just croissants) was impossible as the chef had just realized they didn't sell croissants anymore. Then it was 20 minutes late the next morning. Oh well, I probably should have gone out to eat but hey, it was my birthday. Other than that, perfect stay. I wanted a hotel near all the bars I was going to be celebrating at so I didn't have to drive home and I got it!

My rate was $154 which seemed a bit high but if my needs were what they were again I'd be back.