onetess

I've recently begun having regular meetings in Princeton every other month (Carnegie Center area) and have so far tried two hotels: the Hyatt Regency (which is very close and fairly nice but I have no status) and the Marriott Forrestal (which is pretty far and was a little more run down than I was expecting). For my next visit in a couple of weeks, I was thinking of trying Residence Inn since it's also very near Carnegie Center, but I'm a bit wary as reviews seem to indicate that the walls are thin and that there are no desks in the rooms. (I already know there is no lounge which is also a bit of a bummer.)

Wondering if I should try the Westin Forrestal instead, go back to the Marriott, go off-brand to the Hyatt again, or what you all would recommend if you're familiar with the choices?

Thank you!

CPRich

If the Marriott was too far away, the Westin isn't going to be any better. It's been several years since I was on a project in the area for a 5 month stretch, but I stayed at the Marriott rather than the Westin.

SkiAdcock

You might want to try the Residence Inn once to see how it compares to the Marriott. Reviews seem to indicate it's pretty run down. While there isn't a formal desk in RIs, there is a kitchen table with chairs which is the same height as a desk & is what I've used on the times I've stayed at RIs. No problem working on it (or surfing FT ). RIs offer full breakfast & also offer free evening food/beer/wine M-W, which helps make up for the lack of a lounge. The other thing about the RI is it only earns 5pts/$. So you may want to try it once & decide then, or just stick w/ the Marriott.

Cheers.

Chewie

GoSh4rks

The Westin was renovated a bit over a year ago and is pretty nice now. Lounge too.

onetess

Thanks all. I think I may try the Westin this time. (The Marriott wasn't that far - it was more that it is a bit rundown, although the lounge was good.) Not sure the RI will be such a good idea!

stc

Of course the Residence Inn is going to give about 1/2 the points but probably more food in the evening. Frankly, I detest Residence Inns and most non-full-service hotels but that is me. So, it depends on what is important to you. But, I would try the Westin and then stick with either the Westin or Marriott - whichever was better.

P.S. Remember at Hyatt you don't get night credit (toward any status) if you arrive after midnight!

SkiAdcock

I prefer full-service properties whenever possible & SHS is my go-to for limited service, but wanted to point out that while it's not a formal desk the kitchen table in the suites is totally fine to work on (just as my kitchen table at home is), there is daily breakfast & food/drink 3 nights/week. Usually the 5pts/$ spend is a deal-breaker for most, but if a decent RI is in an area one is traveling to it's certainly an option if full-service isn't available or FS gets lousy reviews.

Given the Westin & Marriott aren't that much further & this particular RI doesn't get great reviews, I'd stick w/ the Westin (especially if renovated) or Marriott. I stayed at the Marriott before but it's been years so not qualified to speak on what it's like now.

Cheers.

Cheers.

cfischer

the M-club lounge at the Marriott is great (was there last week) and the hotel, while a bit further away, is super quiet (good for a restful sleep!) and honestly < 10 mins to Princeton by car.

fordan

How is the Marriott Forrestal run down? I mean I suppose it's possible they are upgrading me to special renovated rooms the past 3 or 4 times I've stayed there based on my status, but the rooms I've had have the smart TVs that have YouTube/Netflix/etc, mini-fridges, walk-in showers, and high-quality bedding.

I could wish the M Club was better attended and restocked, but generally it's one of my preferred Marriott stays.

goodeats21

Been staying in the Princeton area a lot for a work project, both before and during Covid. Stayed multiple weeks at the Marriott Forrestal. After a series of ho-hum stays, had a very crappy experience and won't be returning.

When you have 15 guests staying at a ~200 room hotel, why the hell would you put an Ambassador Member in a room directly across from an ice machine? Especially one that apparently dumps loads of ice randomly in the middle of the night.
And when said member tries to address it, answering "we can't upgrade everyone all the time" does not really answer the question.
It isn't that great of a property anyway, and training is obviously lacking. No big loss as there are many other Marriott options in the area. Choose one of them instead.

Honestly getting a much better experience at a Courtyard now the past couple weeks. Go figure.

MSPeconomist

IIRC there's an independent historic inn right in the center of Princeton. It would be an interesting and fun place to stay.

1mileman

nassau inn if that is what you are referring to..

RedSun

I'm local in Princeton. The decent hotels I'd recommend are Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Homewood Suite and Residence Inn. You can go with the full service hotels like Marriott, Westin and Hyatt Regency. They are generally older properties.

DELee

The "They" in your comment, I infer, means the three full service properties (Marriott, Westin and Hyatt Regency) are the generally older properties. Correct?

David