I have been traveling to the Fremont/Bay Area of California on and off for over three years. For the past two years I have been staying at the Marriott in Fremont. I read a lot of comments from people who thought that certain amenities should be free (such as internet). Although I too find it odd that the less expensive Marriott properties can give their guests free internet, the higher priced properties do not. Although as a platinum Marriott member I get free internet here.
What I enjoy about the Marriott Fremont the most isn't the room or the property itself ... it's the people. From the bellman Jim, to Courtney at the front desk, to Louisito in the restaurant, even to Lisa Marie and Timo in their sales division ... it's the people who make the experience better.
The hotel is in the process of renovation. Most of the lower level renovations appear to be done ... and it looks nice. The rooms are being renovated now. If I had a small complaint it was that as a platinum member I was given room 1020 (the room next to where the old conceirge lounge was). Even at 7:45 pm after a long day working I heard saws or grinders going off right next door. It didn't last too long fortunately so I ddn't bring it up. It appears the room I was in had new carpet. Don't think any of the furnishings changed, but honestly, the appointments in the room are nice.
When I am in the Fremont area I only stay at the Fremont Marriott. Our company (Global) receives a company rate which fits within our company's policies on what we can spend per night when we travel. Otherwise, I'd have to go back to the Holiday Inn off AutoMall.
The only advice I can give people about this property is this.
Book early ... they are generally sold out Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
If you don't get to the hotel by 5:30 pm, be prepared to have to park in the garage (they hold conferences there all the time and the parking lot fills up quickly) ... but the garage is fairly convenient too.
If you are not Platinum rewards member, be prepared to pay for internet.
Bring your workout clothes or swim suit ... they have a small but nice gym and pool indoors.
They have a good menu for food, but right on AutoMall Rd (minutes away), there are tons of other options for a good meal.
** Lastly - and this isn't the fault of the hotel. There is a dump/landfill at the end of AutoMall Rd. (about 2 to 3 miles from the property) ... on a given day when the wind is blowing a certain way, the exterior of the hotel can have an unpleasant odor. It's the landfill miles away folks .. it's not the hotel.
Great place to stay! Very much recommended.
Safe Travels, Russ
- Marriott Fremont
- Fremont Marriott
