Courtyard by Marriott Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square

The hotel's downtown location is its most notable feature, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and bars in the Armory Square area. This makes it an ideal choice for event-goers attending concerts or games, business travelers, and university visitors due to its proximity to key city attractions and the campus. While many guests appreciate the convenience, the hotel receives mixed feedback on its overall experience, with significant concerns raised about noise levels, room comfort, and service consistency. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor or one not facing the street to mitigate noise, and be prepared for potential challenges and costs associated with parking.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests were disappointed with the pool, frequently noting it was cold, not heated, or even closed for maintenance. Some found it small and unappealing with a strong chlorine smell, while others mentioned it was shared with an adjoining property and appeared dated. The fitness center generally received positive remarks, described as decent or nice, though some suggested the equipment needed fixing or replacement. The on-site Starbucks or coffee counter was a point of contention; many found the service slow due to limited staff, and the offerings expensive or basic, with some noting it was not a full Starbucks experience. The lack of microwaves in rooms was a recurring complaint, and some guests reported issues with dirty or small fridges. There were also mentions of broken ice machines, non-working TVs, and a lack of USB charging ports.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness was mixed; some guests found their rooms very clean and spacious, while many others reported significant issues, including unemptied trash, strong odors, dirty desks, stained carpets, and hair in various areas. Some rooms had open ceiling tiles or appeared not turned over daily, with dirty cups and unwashed bathroom floors. A frequent and overwhelmingly negative comment concerned the beds, which many described as uncomfortable, saggy, hard, or lumpy, with some even feeling like they were sleeping directly on springs. Several guests noted squeaky bed frames or worn-out mattresses and pillows lacking support. Noise levels were a major drawback for many, particularly from loud street traffic, bars, and music late into the night, leading to disturbed sleep. Guests reported hearing yelling, screaming, police sirens, and cars racing, especially in rooms facing the main street.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience received widespread negative feedback, with many guests expressing disappointment that it was not included in their stay and found it expensive. Descriptions ranged from basic and disappointing to a coffee counter with only one staff member, leading to long wait times and a lack of buffet options. Some found the food quality to be subpar or consisting of prepackaged items, and noted that it was not available after 10 AM. The coffee offered, particularly at the on-site Starbucks or coffee counter, was frequently criticized for being expensive and not meeting expectations, with some calling it "fake" or comparable to gas station coffee. Many guests were frustrated by the absence of free coffee in the morning lobby, feeling compelled to purchase overpriced options. The hotel's Bistro was often described as not resembling a full restaurant, offering limited stock and being not cheap.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location was consistently highlighted as a major positive, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and bars in the Armory Square area. It was particularly convenient for those attending events at the Landmark Theatre, OnCenter, or visiting Syracuse University, making it an ideal base for sightseeing and downtown business. Guests appreciated its close proximity to cultural sites like the Museum of Science and Technology and various entertainment venues, making it a good choice for event-goers. Parking was a frequent point of contention; while available on-site, many guests found it confusing to navigate, difficult to find a spot, and consistently expensive, with charges often not disclosed upfront. Some reported issues with unmonitored lots and full capacity on busy weekends, leading to frustration.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff was mixed, though many guests praised the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Specific positive mentions included courteous and kind interactions, particularly from bistro staff and those assisting with wedding arrangements. The check-in process received varied comments; some found it easy and a breeze, while others experienced significant issues, including rooms not ready at the promised time, reservations being cancelled, or staff being unhelpful with early check-in requests. There were also instances of staff being perceived as rude or lacking personality. Housekeeping service was a common area of complaint; many guests reported no daily maid service, rooms not being cleaned during their stay, or requests for extra blankets or towels not being fulfilled. Some noted instances of unmade beds or dirty rooms upon arrival, suggesting understaffing or a lack of attention to detail.

Additional Information
The hotel is undergoing or considering renovation, with the lobby noted as being under construction, and many guests suggesting that the rooms and overall property are dated and in need of significant maintenance. Guests frequently noted that the hotel shares resources and facilities, such as the front desk and elevators, with an adjoining property, which some found confusing. While some appreciated the presence of security in the lobby, others raised concerns about cameras not working in the parking garage. Several reviews highlighted issues with handicapped accessible rooms, including incorrect room assignments or a lack of promised features like a sofa bed, causing significant inconvenience for guests with mobility needs. A recurring theme was the perception of the hotel being understaffed, leading to delays in service and unaddressed issues.