Linda, Pete, Pat and I left Florida and ended up in Columbia, SC for an overnight stay, since we didn't want to fight the traffic in Atlanta en route on our way back home to Indiana. Pete, who is a Marriott Rewards Club member, chose this hotel because of its spartan amenities. After our having left Americano in Daytona Beach and Calypso Cay in Kissimmee on our rear-view mirror, this was a welcome sight. All we needed was a good night of sleep in the Smokies, and we got it at TownPlace Suites. The continental breakfast did not disappoint, either.

We were in town with several families and the first part of the stay was fine, in fact I would like to point out Perry who worked at the front desk as being an outstanding person to work with. The trouble started when we checked out but then had to come back and stay another night. Now the fun began with dealing with Louise who couldn't have been more opposite to Perry. After several phone calls and explaining we had just left there only a few hours ago and we're bringing more business back with us, we requested the same rate..you would have thought we asked for the moon. Problem #2 was when we asked for late checkout due to playing in a softball tournament..was stated we can give you one room until 2pm but you must be out...the way with which is was handled no doubt left a sour taste in 4 yes 4 different families who were staying there. I'll never stay at marriott again, knew there was a reason I am Hilton member.

My company has a branch office that I visit quite often. Over the past 9 years I've stayed at several hotels in the area. But about 5 years ago I stopped staying anywhere but here. The pros: GREAT location.
Near some of the best variety of restaurants. Carabbas 2 doors up, next to a Japanese steak house, Texas Road House, McCalisters Deli, 2 Mexican Restaurants, A great sportsbar called "Carolina Ale House" (one of my faves). Those are all places to walk to.
The location is also nice in that you can walk to the mall (the parking lot nearly touches the mall lot) Also, the landscaping is quite nice many times, I'll have coffee or read outside. The rooms are very nice, functional, and comfortable. A nice two tier desk is huge and the free wireless internet is very good in everyroom I've been in. Nice kitchen, microwave and a real range with burners. Nice sized fridge and freezer (not the toy ones, you can really use this one). Full sized couch, overstuffed chair all good. Recently they put new wood laminate flooring down in the bathroom, nice tube/shower sink.
Staff has been very helpful and friendly. I can honestly say all the staff is always great.
Cons: Short list: The finishes in the hallway and public areas are a little dated. The breakfast room is kind of spartan and not cozy. Told you, short list.
Overall, a great experience for me and a good value (Paid 85, aaa rate this past trip). Marriott usually does well, but the consistancy over the past years makes this a best pick.

Pros: Right down the street from a variety of restaurants, the mall and Walmart. The rooms have kitchens so you can bring back any leftovers to the room or cook with decent space. The price was reasonable. The continental breakfast was filling and there was a good selection. The staff was really nice.

Cons: The living area and bedroom were combined and the space was extremely small. In the space the sleeper sofa and single chair were squeezed together. Once the sofa bed was pulled out it was hard to move around the room. The bathrooms could use some updating. The hotel had an odor, not overpowering but it smelled old. Our sink had a large hole at the bottom of the sink. The pool should close earlier or they should enforce the close time properly. You couldn't watch the t.v. from the bed and from the sofa which is tough when you have children with you. They had free internet but I wasn't able to connect to it using different wireless devices.

I'm used to staying in suites that have a separate living room and bedroom or two distinct areas. We had two adults and two children for one night and it was not a comfortable stay for us.