- Introduction: International Balloon Fiesta Weekend
- Review: Courtyard Marriott – Amarillo Downtown
- Review: Ember’s Steakhouse – Amarillo
- Review: Holiday Inn & Suites – Albuquerque North
- Review: Day 1, Evening Session – International Balloon Fiesta
- Review: Day 2, Morning Session – International Balloon Fiesta
- Review: Monroe’s New Mexican Food
The Courtyard Marriott – Amarillo Downtown is located minutes from restaurants and nightlife. The hotel is easily accessible from the Interstate 40.
Booking
I booked this particular hotel due to its location in downtown. With it being a Category 4 property, I was able to use one of my free nights certificates. If I had paid cash, the military rate was $93/night. The redemption was not the best value but is more than my Marriott Rewards credit card annual fee.
Arrival
The hotel has covered parking for check-in. You are allowed 10 minutes to park your car, check-in, and move your car to permanent parking. Parking, although in a shared public lot, was complimentary for all hotel guests.
Check-in
There were no other customers but check-in took more than 10 minutes. This occurred because the front desk staff were busy talking to each other. Once I was finally acknowledged, the exchange was robotic.
Staff: ID and credit card please.
Me: (handed them over)
Staff: Have you visited us before?
Me: No.
Staff: Welcome. Here are your keys, elevators are around the corner and the PIN to access the parking is written here (points to keys).
Well, ok then. There was no mention of the property amenities or typical things to do in the area. The aforementioned information is not required, but I think it is a nice touch.
Room
I made my way to the 8th floor. I made a left from the elevator and the room was on the right.
Dining
The hotel has a Market to the right of the check-in counter, if you need a snack.
It also has a Bistro that was really nice.
Fitness
The hotel has a Fitness Center on the 2nd floor. It was a more than adequate hotel gym.
Final Word
Aside from the lack of attention to detail by the front desk staff at check-in, I enjoyed my brief overnight stay at the hotel. If I am ever in Amarillo again, this hotel would be at the top of my list.
Featured image courtesy of Marriott.com
