"Fantastic stay - looking forward to it again this year!"
I went to Dragon*Con for the first time in 2006 and stayed at the Marriott. I got a great deal with the Dragon*Con rate and sharing the room with some friends. First of all, it is an amazing sight. The building and interior are simply beautiful. Also, even with thousands of people roaming about, the flow of the layout really worked well and allowed us all to crowd in and still be able to get places. The elevator was by far my favorite part - very high capacity and the best view in the place! To go up to the top floor and back down to the lobby was childish, but exhilarating!
The hotel parking was expensive, but that's to be expected, especially at such a large convention. I paid at one of the many cheaper lots located less than a block away, but next year I will take advantage of the hotel parking, though it is twice as expensive, because it was a hassle to go pay the lot every day.
I stayed with several friends in one of the 2-Bay hospitality suites (not with the connectors), and it was fantastic. The room was huge, there was plenty of sleeping area, a nice desk, very large TV, several comfy chairs, a comfy couch, and a huge bathroom. The nook in the front of the room contained coffee and a pot, and a small refrigerator next to the sink. Plus some extra glasses, etc. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the pillows were amazingly downy. I felt very luxurious. I even considered switching the pillow I brought from home with one of their superior ones, but refrained. The only mild complaint I would have about the room is, since one of my friends was sick, it really bothered her that the light in the front of the room shone directly into the face of whoever was in bed. She was in bed nearly the whole time so when we would come in the room at all hours, it was annoying to her.
The staff was very helpful and courteous. That was incredibly impressive to me considering the amount of stress they must be under during the convention. I made a point to thank the head bell-man and cashiers who were doing all they could to make our stay and the convention enjoyable. Every time we asked for something, we got it. They helped me get a pizza delivered to the room, and were just overall very pleasant and accommodating.
I had a fantastic time at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and I will be staying there each and every time I attend Dragon*Con in the future. In fact, I have already made my reservations for 2007!
Rating:
"Loved It!"
Gorgeous property. Yes, construction is ongoing but it did not bother us at all. I believe the room renovations are complete and public areas will be done soon enough. The atrium is amazing. Talk about vertigo. I have never seen anything like it. Front desk was super friendly. Room was gorgeous. The bed has 300 thread count sheets with down comforter and pillows. Mmmmm....heaven. Slept like babies. Valet parking is $22 but is quick and efficient. To pick up your car, there is a separate elevator towards back of hotel that'll get you to valet area.
Overall hotel is quite pricey. In room internet access is $12.95, totally irks me. I am at a Best Western as I type this and wireless is FREE. I think all hotels that cater towards business people should provide this free of charge. Loved the Atrium Express. We bought beer and wine for our room there. $15-$20 for a half bottle of wine and $5 per beer. Ouch! There is a notice in guest service book that states hotel will charge you if you bring in your own alcohol. Not sure if this is actually enforced but I think it was a $25 charge to bring in a case of beer and $20 for a bottle of wine. So be careful!
Had some appetizers at Champs Sports bar. Service was awful, food was cold, both food and drinks were pricey. Maybe hit it on an off night. Wasn't great.
Hotel is surprisingly quiet for the amount of people that were there. We got a beautiful room with a fantastic view on the 13th floor for $119! Rec'd this rate through an email I rec'd from Marriot. Such a deal!
Rating:
"Great stay"
We just returned from a weekend stay. BEAUTIFUL hotel. We were lucky enough to get an upgrade to a studio suite on the 9th floor. It was very big with a bedroom with king size bed seperate living room area with couch and another tv. Also had a large bath.We had our 7 year old son with us so we missed not having a pool. It is being renevated. All the employees were very nice and helpful. We loved valet parking. The food at Allies and Chamions sports bar was very good. We will stay at this hotel again when in Atlanta.Also we were able to walk to Hard Rock cafe, Coca Cola company and the Georgia Aquarium. Wonderful weekend.
Rating:
"Loved it!"
My co-worker and I spent a week here to attend a conference (16-21 July) and I was EXTREMELY thrilled. When we arrived, our rooms weren't ready but they more than made up for that. We were upgraded to a suite with THE BEST view (on the 40th floor)! I was in heaven! Our bellperson, Sharon, took good care of us, making sure we knew where everything was located and helped us all week with directions and tidbits of information. The service personnel were extremely helpful. The beds were like sleeping on a cloud...I just didn't want to get up for those courses I signed up for! I kept the drapes open all day/all night for the entire stay. The view at night was mesmerizing. As for the parking...yes, it is nice to just pull up and not have to worry about finding a parking space but the $22 a day is a little steep. The Grand Stand Lounge was very nice and laid back. Loved the atmosphere and the bartender, Johnny, treated us like queens! He really knows how to mix a drink! :-0
I would definitely recommend staying here.