STAFF HOTEL REVIEWS

Chicago Marriott Southwest At Burr Ridge
1200 Burr Ridge Parkway 
Burr Ridge, IL 60527 US 

By: Dave Grossman, Hotel Magician
June 2007

The Burr Ridge Marriott in the Southwest suburb of Burr Ridge, Illinois is really only suitable for those with business in the Burr Ridge or Willowbrook areas of Southwest Chicago. We would not recommend this as a good solution for anyone wanting to be downtown (it’s about a 30 min drive) or that needs quick access to the airports (it’s closer to Midway Airport than O ‘Hare and while it provided a free shuttle to Midway (on request) it’s still not *that* close.

The hotel is fairly new and does provide nice accommodations. The bed was comfortable and the breakfast buffet was decidedly standard. The staffing and business center needs some improvement, though. While the staff was very friendly, the toner was apparently missing from the printer in the business center the entire time we were there (Fri-Sun). We let different people know at different times and the answer was always something like “Oh, really?” with no attempt to fix it or offer an explanation or time it might be working again. They did let us use the concierge’s machine to print but that brings me to another issue – no concierge! When we had questions about the area, the hotel, etc., we needed to get in line at the check-in desk as this was the only staffed area. This sometimes meant waiting 10 or 15 minutes to ask a simple question.

Overall, the hotel was perfectly fine – nothing special but given that it’s a new property with that “new hotel” feel, it is still easy to recommend the Burr Ridge Marriott Southwest if you need to be in the area.

Hotel Magician also offers the following other hotels in the area:

Springhill Suites by Marriott Chicago Southwest At Burr Ridge/Hinsdale

Super 8 Willowbrook

La Quinta Inn Chicago Willowbrook

ESA Chicago-Burr Ridge

-DG

Canada > Ontario > Niagara Falls

Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview and Spa
6740 Fallsview Boulevard
Niagara Falls, ON L2G3W6 CA

By Rob Dyett, Hotel Magician
April, 2007

We booked a 2-night package at the Marriott Fallsview in a deluxe fallsview room with king-sized bed, fireplace and a 2-person Jacuzzi.  Our room was #15xx and the view of the falls was spectacular, right in front of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls with a view of the American Falls as well.  The Marriott is perfectly situated in front of the falls where land is at a premium in Niagara Falls.  Also, it’s a short walk from the new Fallsview Casino that you can access through a side entrance via a Sky Walk connected to the Marriott.

Hot Tip from the Hotel Magician: you could save some money if you park at the Casino for free- just go to the Players Advantage booth and get a card after you park.

In general, the room was very nice and the Jacuzzi was great as you would expect.  The bathroom was large with frosted glass doors over the hot tub looking into the bedroom, but not really the falls as well from that angle.  The toilet and shower were in a separate smaller room off the bathroom for privacy.  The furnishings and décor in the bedroom were in good condition, and clearly at the 4 star standard.  The fireplace near the window added some charm, but, since it was electric, not much of a selling point.  There were really only a couple (minor) negative things we could say about the room.  First, the TV was old and had a minimum volume set on it, so if you want to watch while your partner is sleeping you would easily disturb them.  Second, it seemed like the bottom sheet and mattress cover were meant for a queen-sized bed and kept coming off the king bed.  I guess we could have complained if we wanted, but hey aren’t we here for the view?

The shuttle service offered by the Marriott was very useful for seeing most of the attractions around the city.  It left every half hour from each stop on the route and was included in our package (and most deals).  It does not go to the Butterfly Conservancy – that’s a bit out of the downtown, but it is something that is really interesting to see.  Don’t bother with the organized tours offered at the Marriott, they are way over-priced.  You can buy an attractions package at Table Rock (by the Falls) for 1/4 of the price for basically the same package. We were unimpressed with the Terrapin Grill in the Marriott. Food is OK, but not special, and very expensive (dare we say “overpriced”) for what it is. If you want great food travel to the wineries at Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Or if you want to stay in town you might want to just go to The Keg next store, but reserve early as it is extremely busy!

The breakfast vouchers on the other hand (which are not part of every package – so check!) were excellent.  There are plenty of cheap breakfast places in Niagara Falls, but the Marriott is very good quality and everything you would expect with a buffet breakfast.

The service at the Marriott Fallsview hotel was good, everyone seemed helpful and friendly.  The hotel definitely fits into the 4 star category and the view from the room, lobby, pool, and restaurants were great.  The Marriott Fallsview hotel is an excellent hotel in the context of the tourist city of Niagara Falls.

-RD