Detroit Marriott Livonia: Your Dream Detroit Stay Awaits!
Detroit Marriott Livonia: A Livonia Love Story (and a Few Gripes, TBH)
Okay, folks, let's talk Detroit Marriott Livonia. They say "Your Dream Detroit Stay Awaits!"… well, let's see if they delivered on my particular dream, shall we? I just got back, and I’m still processing the whole experience, so buckle up, because this review is gonna be a bit… all over the place.
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
First things first, I’m not using a wheelchair myself, but I always pay attention to accessibility. The Marriott Livonia appears to try. They say "Facilities for disabled guests," which is promising. The website lists information, but it’s kinda vague. They have an elevator (essential!), and I saw some rooms that looked to have features designed for those with mobility issues - wide doors, grab bars, etc.. The real test? I don't have firsthand experience. I'd really appreciate some more specific details on their website beyond just listing the availability of accessibility features. It's about the details, people! How many accessible rooms? What exactly makes them accessible? Are the public areas genuinely easy to navigate? Transparency is key!
Internet – Bless Their Hearts for the Free Wi-Fi! (But…):
Okay, let's be real. Free Wi-Fi in every room? THANK YOU, Marriott! Seriously. It’s a small thing, but it’s HUGE. No more agonizing over exorbitant hotel Wi-Fi fees. The connection was… mostly reliable. There were a couple of moments when I swear my laptop was considering a mutiny, but overall, it was decent. They also offered Internet [LAN], which, honestly, brought back memories of dial-up. Who uses that anymore?! But hey, options! And they have Wi-Fi in public areas too, so you're not completely cut off from the digital world.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe, Slightly Obsessive, Maybe?:
This is where the Marriott Livonia really shines – especially in these trying times. They're pushing the "Safety First!" mantra hard, and I appreciated it. "Anti-viral cleaning products"? Check. "Daily disinfection in common areas"? Check. "Individually-wrapped food options"? Check. It was all VERY reassuring, and I felt like I could actually breathe in the lobby and the hallways. The staff were all rocking masks and seemed genuinely invested in cleanliness. "Room sanitization opt-out available" – love the trust they instill, also love that I opted out. I’m not a total clean freak, BUT I did get a little obsessive about the hand sanitizer situation (which they had EVERYWHERE). I saw them use "Professional-grade sanitizing services" on the vacated rooms and all the elevators, so I gave a big high-five to the team on that.
Room Rant (or, "My Quest for the Perfect Pillow")
Now, the rooms. The website boasts “Available in all rooms” a long list of amenities. I’m talking “Air conditioning,” “Alarm clock,” “Bathrobes,” “Coffee/tea maker,” "Free bottled water," you name it! They even have "Blackout curtains" - important for a solid night's sleep! The "Mini bar" was present, but empty; I guess, COVID. But here’s where I got picky. I am a pillow snob. A serious pillow snob. And the pillow on my bed was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t love at first fluff. It was… a pillow of the average variety. Not too firm, not too soft, just… there. I had to call for extras, and the front desk was incredibly accommodating! They delivered those extra pillows very quickly (and to my relief, they were GREAT.). The "soundproofing" was pretty good, I heard zero noise from the hallway. "Smoke detector" was present (and I really hope it works!). I appreciated the "desk" and "hair dryer".
Dining, Glorious Dining (and a Minor Foodie Fiasco)
Let's talk food! "Restaurants" are present – plural! The primary restaurant, I think, was the "Red Coat Tavern". Now, I'm not gonna lie, I enjoy a good "Breakfast [buffet]". Unfortunately, that was off-limits, so instead, I ordered a breakfast sandwich. The international cuisine in the restaurant was a nice offering. There are always dessert in the restaurant, which is a plus in my books. The happy hour options were quite lovely, however. Although, I had a moment during lunch; something was off. I ordered the soup in restaurant, expecting… well, soup. What arrived was, let's just say, not quite the "soup" I had envisioned. It tasted off. It was weird. I quietly, (and politely!) returned it. A minor blip! But, you know, it happens. And they handled my complaint beautifully. They were really trying.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: My Zen Moment (and a Near-Meltdown):
Okay, "Ways to relax." They claim to have "Pool with view," "Fitness center," "Spa" and "Sauna". I didn't get to experience the "Body scrub," "Body wrap," or the "Foot bath." But I did attempt the "Spa". I was looking forward to it. I booked a massage.
Here's the thing. I’m usually the epitome of zen. I embrace the slow life. The moment I walked into the spa, I knew it was going to be a disaster. I could tell because the receptionist was clearly overwhelmed. I could feel it in the energy. I tried to brush it off, but the vibe was … off.
I filled the spa with chatter, while I was waiting for my massage. Everything was going wrong: one of the hair dryers kept on falling to the floor, the wifi didn't work, and I had to ask for everything. During my massage, they used a scent that gave me a headache and made me nauseous (I didn't say anything). The massage itself was, well, it felt like someone was lightly petting me. The "Pool with view" looked gorgeous, I didn't use it, cause I was too busy trying to find my inner peace. The "Sauna" was great!
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing:
They offer "Services and conveniences!" Like "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," and "Elevator". "Dry cleaning" and "Ironing service" are available. “Food delivery”? Yep. "Luggage storage"? You betcha. The whole set up was very high-class, until the moment I realised I'd left my laptop charger in my room, now locked. I spent 20 minutes frantically trying to get someone to help me, only to find that I had to wait for 30 minutes until the "Elevator" was ready.
Then there's the "Business facilities," with "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Projector/LED display," and "Wi-Fi for special events." The "Convenience store" was…convenient. "Currency exchange." The "Gift/souvenir shop" was, sadly, closed.
For the Kids - "Family/child friendly" and all that…
The "Kids facilities" are probably there, but I didn’t dive into that aspect of the hotel. “Babysitting service” is offered, which is a plus.
Getting Around - Pretty Standard, Honestly:
"Airport transfer" - excellent! “Car park [free of charge],” always a win! "Taxi service" is present, though I used Uber most of the time.
Overall Vibe: A Solid Stay, But Don't Set Your Expectations TOO High
So, would I recommend the Detroit Marriott Livonia? Yes. It's a solid choice. It's clean, the staff are friendly, and they're clearly trying to do their best in the face of… everything. Some things were fantastic. I loved some elements; some points were meh. It wasn't a dream Detroit stay, but it was a good one. It's a reliable option, and I'd probably stay there again. But next time, I'm bringing my own pillow… just in case.
Regency Inn Tulsa: Your Luxurious Tulsa Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're hitting up the Detroit Marriott Livonia, but trust me, this is gonna be less "scheduled bliss" and more "controlled chaos" with a healthy dose of existential dread thrown in for good measure. Let's see how it all actually goes down, shall we?
Pre-Trip - The Anxiety Before the Storm (or, "Why Did I Book This Again?")
- The Dreadful Checklist: Okay, first things first: figure out if I packed appropriate outfits, cause I am terrible about it (I always overpack). Then the usual pre-trip anxiety spiral: "Did I remember my toothbrush? Ugh, I hate packing." Plus, a quick peek at the weather forecast: "Sunny with a chance of existential dread… that's Detroit for ya!"
Day 1: Arrival & The Livonia Enigma
- Flight & The Airport Shuffle: Smooth flight, surprisingly. Getting to the Marriott was a bit of an issue. My attempts to Uber with the app ended in chaos. Found a cab, the driver seemed like a man that had his own thoughts on life, and I just went with it (there was a detour that I will never figure out). He gave me some thoughts on the city and what to expect, mostly on the sad side of life.
- Check-In & The Hotel Room Revelations: Ah, the Marriott. Honestly, it’s nicer than I expected (considering my luck). Decent view. The air conditioner has that hotel-room smell that’s a mix of cleaning products and, maybe, desperation? It's all good, I will cope.
- Lunch & First Impressions: The Diner's Delights: Okay, so after unpacking (or throwing my stuff on the bed, more like it), hunger strikes. The hotel restaurant, a local diner, serves up, well, diner food. The burger was… a burger. Not life-altering, but it did the job, and the fries were crispy, which is a win in my book. The waitress, bless her heart, seemed like she’d seen it all – every tired traveler's dream.
- Afternoon Exploration (or, “Getting Lost in the Livonia Suburbs”): I figured I'd act like a local and actually start exploring the city. Well, that didn't start well, cause I never know where I am going. I found a park near the hotel, got lost a little bit, but eventually wandered back.
- Dinner & That One Drink: The hotel bar. Ordered a Mai Tai and got something way too sweet (and I love sweetness). Watched the news. Realized I forgot my deodorant. Great.
- Evening Thoughts & Room Service (or, the existential hotel room): The evening was quiet. Sat in the hotel room and stared out the window. The city lights were glowing. Not sure if I'm missing anything, or just tired and need sleep. Room service, a decent Caesar salad. Contemplated life's choices while watching a terrible rom-com. This is the life, right?
Day 2: Art, Automobiles & Emotional Rollercoasters
- Breakfast Flop: Hotel breakfast buffet. The eggs were rubbery, the bacon was almost edible, and the coffee was… well, it was coffee. Gave up and went straight for the danishes.
- The Detroit Institute of Arts & Unexpected Tears: Okay, prep for this one. Saw the Diego Rivera mural, found myself staring, then sobbing. Sobbing! Really didn’t expect that. The emotions just hit me – the art's beauty, the weight of human experience, the sheer ridiculousness of life… It was powerful.
- Lunch with a Side of Regret: The museum's cafe. Overpriced salad. Felt like I ate too much (or too little). Regret level: high.
- The Henry Ford Museum & The Car Obsession: Next up, the Henry Ford. This place is huge. So many cars! That Model T makes me think I am living when its creation happen, and now I am 100 years from it, it made me sad. My car obsession is back now, and I want to make it my new hobby.
- Dinner & A Case of the Mondays (on a Tuesday): Another dinner in the hotel. Chicken was way too dry. The waiter apologized, offered a free dessert. Chocolate cake, I think. I feel sorry for him, he seemed tired of the job.
- Evening Stare-Out (again): The hotel is too close to the freeway so I can't sleep. Watched Netflix. Thought about going to bed. Didn’t.
Day 3: Departure & Bitter Sweetness
- Breakfast & The Final Judgement: Same as yesterday. Still hate the eggs, but now I am used to it. The waitress gave me a smile. We are alike.
- The Packing Panic: The dreaded suitcase. Overpacked, of course. Squeezing everything in is a test of both strength and sanity. Praying I don’t forget anything.
- The Airport Run & The Farewell: The cab ride to the airport. I felt like I've seen everything in the city. The driver offered me some more advice: "Go home, take a break, think about it, then come back".
- The Flight & The Post-Trip Blues: Back home now. I'm tired, my wallet's lighter, and I have a suitcase full of memories (and dirty laundry). This trip was wild, chaotic, and a bit crazy.. but you know what? Detroit, you weird, wonderful place, I think I might miss you.
Post Script:
- I need a vacation from my vacation. Next time, I definitely need a better itinerary, and I will probably be happy to do it again.
Detroit Marriott Livonia: Your Dream Detroit Stay Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, So... What *IS* the Detroit Marriott Livonia, REALLY? Is it Nice?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Dream Detroit Stay" might be a *touch* optimistic. The Detroit Marriott Livonia is... well, it's a Marriott. It *is* clean, generally. It *does* have a decent lobby. It's a solid, reliable option if you need a room, but it's not exactly the Ritz. I stayed there last summer for a conference. Ugh, the conference... more on *that* later.
Think of it like this: it's that comfortable pair of jeans. You know, the ones that fit well, aren't flashy, and you're perfectly fine wearing when you just want to chill. It delivers, but don't expect to be blown away. I *will* say, the beds usually are pretty comfy. That's a big win after a day of…well, *Livonia*.
Are Rooms Good? Like, Actually Good?
Okay, ROOMS. Here's the deal. They're your standard, decent hotel room. Not a disaster, not a palace. My room last time was… adequate. A little bland, decor-wise. Beige, beige everywhere. And the bathroom? The classic hotel bathroom, you know the one – all functional, none of the fun. But hey, the water pressure was decent in the shower. I *need* good water pressure. I can't live without it.
One time, though (and this is a true story!), the heating/cooling system in my room was on the fritz. It was either a raging inferno or a polar vortex. I could *not* get it right. Called maintenance, they fiddled with it, and it was still awful. Ended up sleeping with the window open in November. Note to self: pack an extra blanket and a good sense of humor. (And maybe earplugs for the traffic.)
Oh! And the Wi-Fi. Let’s just say it’s… a *bit* temperamental. Don’t expect to stream movies flawlessly during peak hours. Consider yourself warned!
What about Food? Is it Good, or Just... There?
Food is a mixed bag. There's the hotel restaurant and bar. The bar is… well, it’s a hotel bar. Perfectly fine for a quick drink or a late-night snack. The restaurant? Again, not winning any Michelin stars. BUT! (and it's a BIG but!) Their breakfast buffet is usually pretty solid. I'm a sucker for a good omelet station. Seriously. I'll judge a hotel *entirely* on its omelets.
However (and here comes the rant), the conference food. Oh, the conference food! Dry chicken, questionable vegetables, and lukewarm coffee. I'm still recovering from that culinary trauma. My advice: explore your options *outside* the hotel for most meals.
Is There a Pool? And if So, is it Gross?
Yes, there's a pool! And... it's usually okay. I mean, it's a hotel pool, so manage your expectations. Don't expect pristine turquoise waters. It *can* get crowded, especially with kids. Remember that conference I mentioned? Yeah, the same one that gave me flashbacks of dry chicken? Well, the pool area became THE place to be during the breaks. Between the chlorine smell and the shrieking children, it was a bit… intense. I'd recommend going early in the morning if you want a peaceful swim. Otherwise, prepare for a festive atmosphere.
Location, Location, Location – What's Nearby? Do I Need a Car?
Okay, location… it's in *Livonia*. That means it's a suburb. Not exactly the epicenter of Detroit cool. You're a drive (or a very long Uber) away from downtown attractions. Yes, you absolutely need a car if you want to explore anything beyond the immediate vicinity. Forget walking anywhere interesting. Everything is spread out. Uber is an option, but it can get expensive, especially during rush hour. Plan accordingly. Seriously. Plan. Don't be like me, stuck at the hotel on a Saturday night, wishing I'd had a car.
There are some restaurants and shopping nearby, but again, it's mostly chain restaurants and strip malls. Not exactly inspiring stuff. But hey, if you need a quick Starbucks run, you're in luck!
Parking: Free? Expensive? Annoying?
Parking… typically, it's free. Thank goodness! That's one less expense to worry about. The lot is reasonably sized, but it can get a bit crowded during peak times, you might have to walk a bit. But, hey, free parking! I can live with a bit of a walk. It's one of the things I appreciate.
Is it Good for Business Travelers?
Honestly, yes. It's *designed* for business travelers. They have meeting rooms. They have a business center (though, let's be real, who uses those anymore?). The Wi-Fi… is a problem, as I said before, but generally yes. It's convenient. It's predictable. It's… well, business-y. The conference I mentioned? That conference was full of businesspeople. So, yes, it works.
Just, you know, lower your expectations for anything remotely fun or exciting to happen. It’s work. That’s what you’re there for. Unless… you stumble upon an awesome omelet. Then, maybe things will be alright.
Any Quirky Observations or Random Thoughts?
Oh, I have SO MANY. The elevator music. It's always… questionable. Like, elevator muzak from the 80s. I swear. One time, they played *The Girl from Ipanema* about five times in a row. FIVE TIMES! I considered taking the stairs. I really did.
And the people-watching in the lobby. Oh, the people-watching! You get a real cross-section of humanity there. Business travelers, conference attendees, families on vacation… it’s a fascinating (and sometimes slightly awkward) mix. I onceHotel For Travelers
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