FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Austin, TX

Aug 15, 2019 | 10:52 am

#154

MDtR-Chicago

Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards

Join Date: Apr 2005

Location: SFO

Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC

Posts: 5,663

Stayed mid-week at the Element downtown.

Positives:

Room was modern, very functional, quiet enough
Breakfast one morning was really nice - eggs scrambled with black beans, spiced chicken sausage
Another morning the breakfast was too greasy for me (eggs w/ cheese and bacon) so I ate in the restaurant and it was solid but a little pricey... I didn't have time to deal with it but apparently they offer Titanium elites a voucher for a discount in the restaurant if they don't like the free breakfast, regardless of amenity choice
Also had appetizers in the restaurant and liked both (wings, deviled eggs)

Negatives:

The location is geographically central but I was unprepared for how aggressive the panhandlers in the neighborhood were. I wanted to walk around the music scene/nightlife nearby but since it was mid-week, the crowds were thin and the panhandlers were swarming on anyone walking by. It was like the worst parts of San Francisco. I made it two blocks and turned around. A lot of very desperate people blocking sidewalks, waiting at intersections, power walking up to anyone who slowed down... personally, I would not walk thru the neighborhood alone.
Didn't like the hotel coffee at all so bought it myself at the Hideout Coffee House next door

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