Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union

If I were to depict my experience with a movie title, it would undoubtedly be "A Series of Unfortunate Events." I strongly advise seeking an alternative hotel. Opting for the 'Arena' package with a 'lake view,' which included breakfast and parking, we had certain expectations. However, our encounter took an unfortunate turn. Our check-in was scheduled for 3 pm, but upon arrival, there were no available clean rooms. Consequently, we were compelled to wait for an hour before finally being granted access. The reason provided for this delay was a shortage of staff. Once the check-in process was eventually completed, to our dismay, the room we were assigned did not offer the promised lake view. Expressing our discontent about the premium we had paid for this feature, we were met with a standard, bureaucratic reply: "This is the only available room based on availability." The phrase 'based on availability' was reiterated multiple times, as if to emphasize its significance. However, the management failed to acknowledge that we had paid extra for the specific lake view. We suggested a refund, but their response was, "We can comp you the parking" – despite the parking having been prepaid. Their stance remained, "This is all we have." Dissatisfied, I insisted on speaking with the manager. After persistent negotiation, we were eventually transferred to a moderately acceptable room (not an upgrade) on the lowest floor, at least affording a view of the lake. The situation at breakfast was no better – lengthy queues and, once more, the familiar explanation: "short staffed." Our unfortunate saga continued when we discovered a bug on the arugula of the avocado toast served during breakfast. Disgusted, we brought this to the attention of the manager, who compensated us for that day's breakfast. This experience stood in stark contrast to our previous stay at the Portland Marriott (which was excellent), making this particular encounter feel like a complete nightmare. Adding to the list of misfortunes, the hotel experienced a power outage during our stay, although it was resolved within an hour. In this day and age, if anyone utters the phrase "short staffed" in the year 2023, it is advisable to flee from such an establishment. It showcases a readiness of the management to compromise on customer quality and safety rather than invest in appropriately skilled staff, likely deemed 'expensive.' In conclusion, I regretfully cannot endorse or recommend this hotel to anyone based on my distressing encounter.

Great hotel, we picked the room with river view and it's great. The bird poop around the window does make it less appealing, and I guess there's nothing they can do about it, since it's a design flaw of the building exterior. We got a package deal for CAD$26 that includes breakfast and parking which is great value. Parking is gated and underground, and we felt parking in it. Staffs and friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay and would come back again for sure.