Marriott Mystic Hotel and Spa, CT [Master Thread]
Jul 6, 2005, 10:45 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 122
Marriott Mystic Hotel and Spa, CT [Master Thread]
I booked one night reservation (8/15) at Marriott Mystic Hotel and Spa. It is the last night on our family's summer New England Trip.
This hotel was receommended from some members and I heard a few good comments. But, I have some qustions for this hotel.
Is there a concierge lounge offering afternoon snack and breakfast in the morning? What floor/type of room would be the best (in case if I can request a specific type of room)? Is there some suites available (how hard to get upgraded?)?
What kind of things we can do at the hotel and the city?
I hope their pool would be nice for my two kids. I originally hope to stay at Newport (right next to waterfront). But, many people seems to prefer this Mystic hotel. Any comments/advices would be beneficial for my stay. Thank you for your help in advance.
This hotel was receommended from some members and I heard a few good comments. But, I have some qustions for this hotel.
Is there a concierge lounge offering afternoon snack and breakfast in the morning? What floor/type of room would be the best (in case if I can request a specific type of room)? Is there some suites available (how hard to get upgraded?)?
What kind of things we can do at the hotel and the city?
I hope their pool would be nice for my two kids. I originally hope to stay at Newport (right next to waterfront). But, many people seems to prefer this Mystic hotel. Any comments/advices would be beneficial for my stay. Thank you for your help in advance.
Jul 6, 2005, 11:21 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Here! (Or there - I'm not sure)
Programs: Peon in all
Posts: 4,358
Originally Posted by kthan
I booked one night reservation (8/15) at Marriott Mystic Hotel and Spa. It is the last night on our family's summer New England Trip.
This hotel was receommended from some members and I heard a few good comments.
What kind of things we can do at the hotel and the city?
I hope their pool would be nice for my two kids. I originally hope to stay at Newport (right next to waterfront). But, many people seems to prefer this Mystic hotel. Any comments/advices would be beneficial for my stay. Thank you for your help in advance.
This hotel was receommended from some members and I heard a few good comments.
What kind of things we can do at the hotel and the city?
I hope their pool would be nice for my two kids. I originally hope to stay at Newport (right next to waterfront). But, many people seems to prefer this Mystic hotel. Any comments/advices would be beneficial for my stay. Thank you for your help in advance.
Within 10 miles (or so) of the Mystic Marriott, you will find 1) Foxwoods Casino, 2) Mohegan Sun Casino, 3) Mystic Aquarium, 4 ) Mystic Seaport, 5) Groton (with submarine base and museum), 6) Mystic, 7) New London, and other attractions.
Newport, RI is over 50 miles east of Mystic, CT. Mystic is about 50 miles southwest of Providence, RI, and 75 miles southeast of Hartford, CT.
Jul 6, 2005, 1:34 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
Posts: 2,933
During the week, you can get breakfast and an evening snack at the Mystic Marriott Concierge Lounge. I don't believe they are open midday for a snack.
On the weekends, the lounge opens Sunday evening at 5p, serving hors d'oeurves from 530p to 730p and then desserts around 8p.
I've stayed here many times as a Platinum and have never gotten upgraded to a suite. However, my room has always been on the 6th floor (Concierge level).
The hotel has a Starbucks in the lobby. It also has a great restaurant, Octagon, with a fantastic wine selection and great steaks.
The indoor pool is very nice. Health club and jacuzzi as well. Additionally, an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa on-site.
The hotel itself is isolated somewhat but you are very close to Mystic and the casinos, as mentioned.
The Newport Marriott is centrally located in Newport and would allow you to walk to most anything that you wish to see there. Not the same with the Mystic Marriott.
I often use my EEO 2 for 1 coupons at the Mystic Marriott.
On the weekends, the lounge opens Sunday evening at 5p, serving hors d'oeurves from 530p to 730p and then desserts around 8p.
I've stayed here many times as a Platinum and have never gotten upgraded to a suite. However, my room has always been on the 6th floor (Concierge level).
The hotel has a Starbucks in the lobby. It also has a great restaurant, Octagon, with a fantastic wine selection and great steaks.
The indoor pool is very nice. Health club and jacuzzi as well. Additionally, an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa on-site.
The hotel itself is isolated somewhat but you are very close to Mystic and the casinos, as mentioned.
The Newport Marriott is centrally located in Newport and would allow you to walk to most anything that you wish to see there. Not the same with the Mystic Marriott.
I often use my EEO 2 for 1 coupons at the Mystic Marriott.
Jul 6, 2005, 3:21 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NY
Programs: Marriott Gold, UA Nobody, Hertz Gold, Avis Select
Posts: 786
Stayed there on New Year's day for a quick run over to the casinos.
I was not impressed with Foxwoods and would head towards Mohegan Sun but then again, to each his own. We also went to the aquarium and I didn't find it all that impressive, the one I saw in Melbourne was much nicer. The submarine base is probably more interesting but then again, this is personal preference.
As others mentioned, the hotel is not too far from many places but it's not within a walking distance. There are no good views as far as I could tell. The rear faces into a parking lot and the front looks out onto a street with a small lake/reservoir after it. We did not go to the restaurant or the concierge lounge but I enjoyed the comfort of the rooms and the platinum arrival gift. I believe we either got 5th or 6th floor but you did need a key to get to the floor so it may be the 6th floor. It's a comfy hotel with very friendly staff. I'll probably stay there again when we go to the casinos.
I was not impressed with Foxwoods and would head towards Mohegan Sun but then again, to each his own. We also went to the aquarium and I didn't find it all that impressive, the one I saw in Melbourne was much nicer. The submarine base is probably more interesting but then again, this is personal preference.
As others mentioned, the hotel is not too far from many places but it's not within a walking distance. There are no good views as far as I could tell. The rear faces into a parking lot and the front looks out onto a street with a small lake/reservoir after it. We did not go to the restaurant or the concierge lounge but I enjoyed the comfort of the rooms and the platinum arrival gift. I believe we either got 5th or 6th floor but you did need a key to get to the floor so it may be the 6th floor. It's a comfy hotel with very friendly staff. I'll probably stay there again when we go to the casinos.
Jul 6, 2005, 3:52 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,677
I grew up in Mystic. The hotel was not there in my youth, so I don't have too much to say about it. Not so sure about what there is to do in rotten Groton. The Sub Base is not particularly interesting unless you can get to lower base, which is unlikely given the guards require you to have ID that allows you access. Not even your Platinum card will get you there. 
As for the reservoir across the street... all I can say is don't get caught fishing in it... I've heard the fine is pretty still, especially if you make them chase you for a while through the trees.
August is pretty much high season in Mystic, but I would recommend checking out the Seaport and definitely the area around the drawbridge. A popular outdoor eateries are "Abbot’s in the Rough" and its neighbor "Costello’s" (both in Noank).
The casinos are fun and huge, and Foxwoods esp. has activities for the whole fam. They are much larger than anything in Vegas.
If you have additional specific questions regarding the area PM me. I still have family in the area and am very familiar with the goings on.
BTW its only about 35-40 minutes to PVD from the Marriott, which is located right off I-95.
As for the reservoir across the street... all I can say is don't get caught fishing in it... I've heard the fine is pretty still, especially if you make them chase you for a while through the trees.
August is pretty much high season in Mystic, but I would recommend checking out the Seaport and definitely the area around the drawbridge. A popular outdoor eateries are "Abbot’s in the Rough" and its neighbor "Costello’s" (both in Noank).
The casinos are fun and huge, and Foxwoods esp. has activities for the whole fam. They are much larger than anything in Vegas.
If you have additional specific questions regarding the area PM me. I still have family in the area and am very familiar with the goings on.
BTW its only about 35-40 minutes to PVD from the Marriott, which is located right off I-95.
Jul 6, 2005, 7:19 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: BDL
Programs: Delta - PM; Marriott - Gold; Hilton - Silver
Posts: 126
I stayed there right after it opened a few years ago and it was excellent then. The restaurant is very good. As the others have said, it is off the beaten path, but that can be good too. The kids should like the pool. If you are in the area for only a day then, as has been mentioned, the Aquarium, Seaport, and drawbridge area might be your best bets (no pun intended for the casinos 
). Have a great vacation!
). Have a great vacation!
Jul 7, 2005, 2:05 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: BOS
Posts: 2,315
The Indian Museum adjacent to Foxwoods is worth a trip itself. Essentially they built the thing with an ulimited budget. I would allow at least 2 hours for a quick visit, and you can easily spend much longer there.
http://www.pequotmuseum.org/
The hotels at both Foxwoods and Mohegan are top notch, and far superior to the Marriott if you can get in and afford their rates (summer is high season). At Foxwoods they have a wonderful indoor pool with large outdoor sundeck in the Towers hotel, a great spa, and a large variety of restaurants.
If you were to stay at Foxwoods it is also about 15-20 minutes to the beach.
http://www.misquamicut.org/about.html
I haven't been to the Aquarium since they expanded it several years ago, but I thought it was pretty good even before the expansion.
http://www.pequotmuseum.org/
The hotels at both Foxwoods and Mohegan are top notch, and far superior to the Marriott if you can get in and afford their rates (summer is high season). At Foxwoods they have a wonderful indoor pool with large outdoor sundeck in the Towers hotel, a great spa, and a large variety of restaurants.
If you were to stay at Foxwoods it is also about 15-20 minutes to the beach.
http://www.misquamicut.org/about.html
I haven't been to the Aquarium since they expanded it several years ago, but I thought it was pretty good even before the expansion.
Jul 7, 2005, 2:27 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 122
BeantownFlyer, thank you for your info. Can you tell me which hotel(s) you are referring (at Foxwoods and Mohegan)? I tried to find the ones, but couldn't. Are you talking about foxwoods Casino hotels?
Jul 7, 2005, 2:53 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Here! (Or there - I'm not sure)
Programs: Peon in all
Posts: 4,358
Originally Posted by kthan
Can you tell me which hotel(s) you are referring (at Foxwoods and Mohegan)? I tried to find the ones, but couldn't. Are you talking about foxwoods Casino hotels?
www.foxwoods.com
www.mohegansun.com
Jul 7, 2005, 3:06 pm
#10
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: BOS
Posts: 2,315
Yes, Foxwoods has three hotels. The Great Cedar Hotel is their original on-site hotel. It is an 8 story hotel directly above the casino floor. When they opened the more luxurious Grand Pequot Tower (a 20+ story hotel) the spa at the original hotel closed and was relocated to the new tower. The indoor pool still remains, and you can use the pool at the Tower as well (which has the outdoor sundeck). The Tower is also situated above the casino floor, and you can walk on the casino level between the two hotels. The Two Trees Inn is situated across the street from the casino grounds. There is a shuttle bus, you could drive, or it is a 10 minute walk. It is a quieter "rustic" inn. If you don't plan to spend all night in the casino its a good choice, and the museum is just down the street (but you need to drive or take the shuttle bus). You can check availability and book online at the foxwoods website; be sure to request the AAA discount if you belong to AAA.
Mohegan has a single towering hotel. Also very luxurious. You can book online, but note that if you are going mid-week there are packages that cannot be booked online that are usually a better deal.
Mohegan has a single towering hotel. Also very luxurious. You can book online, but note that if you are going mid-week there are packages that cannot be booked online that are usually a better deal.
Jul 9, 2005, 2:49 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Sacramento, Ca USA
Programs: United 1K MM - 1.7M actually, Marriott Platinum Premier, Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,231
My wife and I stayed there about 2 months ago - I did a trade show at Foxwoods while she hung around the hotel and checked out the spa.
If you are looking for the #1 service that Marriott and Renaissance can give at their deluxe places, I don't think you will find it here.
And as I type this, I also want to say that the hotel recently was sold, and perhaps things will change with the new ownership...at least I hope so.
For one thing, it seemed like every time we came to the hotel or left, there wasn't a valet on duty -- or even a bellman. We would have to just leave the car in the driveway and bring the keys to the front desk.
Calls to the bellstand and valet were usually not answered, and were redirected to the front desk.....no valet or bellman on duty
On checking out at 9 AM, we called for help with our bags -- nobody came up...so we just took the bags ourselves.
Concierge lounge -- it IS possible to put out a nice spread in a small place -- like the Wentworth in NH, or the Marriott in Haonover, NJ (which has the best lounge food by far!!!)...but this place was very cheap with the food and the "matron" (to borrow a term used on the United board" was usually preoccupied with the computer and didn't really keep the place up.
My wife was very disappointed with the spa - the location, the service....
I had wanted to send the GM there a comment card, with an explanation that those of us who spend a lot of time traveling (I have 60 nights already this year) can tell when a hotel is being managed to save as manuy pennies as possible...but as I noted above, the hotel recently sold and some of these situations may be different in the future.
Good luck with your stay and let me know if you experience any of the same things.
If you are looking for the #1 service that Marriott and Renaissance can give at their deluxe places, I don't think you will find it here.
And as I type this, I also want to say that the hotel recently was sold, and perhaps things will change with the new ownership...at least I hope so.
For one thing, it seemed like every time we came to the hotel or left, there wasn't a valet on duty -- or even a bellman. We would have to just leave the car in the driveway and bring the keys to the front desk.
Calls to the bellstand and valet were usually not answered, and were redirected to the front desk.....no valet or bellman on duty
On checking out at 9 AM, we called for help with our bags -- nobody came up...so we just took the bags ourselves.
Concierge lounge -- it IS possible to put out a nice spread in a small place -- like the Wentworth in NH, or the Marriott in Haonover, NJ (which has the best lounge food by far!!!)...but this place was very cheap with the food and the "matron" (to borrow a term used on the United board" was usually preoccupied with the computer and didn't really keep the place up.
My wife was very disappointed with the spa - the location, the service....
I had wanted to send the GM there a comment card, with an explanation that those of us who spend a lot of time traveling (I have 60 nights already this year) can tell when a hotel is being managed to save as manuy pennies as possible...but as I noted above, the hotel recently sold and some of these situations may be different in the future.
Good luck with your stay and let me know if you experience any of the same things.
Oct 13, 2012, 3:36 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Jersey
Programs: UA MM 1K, AA MM Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 3,236
Checked in yesterday. Mixed experience.
The good - the overall look of the hotel & Octogon restaurant, lobby appearance, room quality, willingness to guaranty 2 connecting rooms (when it's not their policy).
The bad - understaffed for large groups checking in, no Elite acknowledgement (I don't really care about this but often find it's an indication of overall service at the hotel), and only one bellman (with 4 wedding parties in the hotel). I asked if I could just take a luggage cart myself and they said no - has to stay with the bellman.
The ugly - dinner at Octogon Restaurant. Terrible. Slow service, surley waiter who never smiled & seemed intent on using as few words as possible. Mrs. TarheelNJ's food was cold so sent it back, only to have it return a few minutes later fresh from the microwave and chewy. Other meals were fair. We could overhear three separate conversations with the restaurant manager at other tables which included the words, "we'll take it off your bill."
CL was closed on the weekend, so can't comment. It would be nice if for Gold/Platinum members they gave you something off the restaurant breakfast meal on weekends when the lounge is closed.
Overall view? Stay here, but don't eat here.
Edit: Room service breakfast next morning ordered for 6:15-6:30am. Arrived 6:45am. They took the charge off the bill.
The good - the overall look of the hotel & Octogon restaurant, lobby appearance, room quality, willingness to guaranty 2 connecting rooms (when it's not their policy).
The bad - understaffed for large groups checking in, no Elite acknowledgement (I don't really care about this but often find it's an indication of overall service at the hotel), and only one bellman (with 4 wedding parties in the hotel). I asked if I could just take a luggage cart myself and they said no - has to stay with the bellman.
The ugly - dinner at Octogon Restaurant. Terrible. Slow service, surley waiter who never smiled & seemed intent on using as few words as possible. Mrs. TarheelNJ's food was cold so sent it back, only to have it return a few minutes later fresh from the microwave and chewy. Other meals were fair. We could overhear three separate conversations with the restaurant manager at other tables which included the words, "we'll take it off your bill."
CL was closed on the weekend, so can't comment. It would be nice if for Gold/Platinum members they gave you something off the restaurant breakfast meal on weekends when the lounge is closed.
Overall view? Stay here, but don't eat here.
Edit: Room service breakfast next morning ordered for 6:15-6:30am. Arrived 6:45am. They took the charge off the bill.
Last edited by tarheelnj; Oct 14, 2012 at 1:43 am Reason: Additional line