Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Pontiac, Michigan/ Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac

January 2019, Weekend, 1-night, King guestroom 1118


Sunset from guestroom 1118

Platinum perks and check-in

We decided to make this reservation last minute, and were unable to check-in on the app before we arrived shortly after 2PM. Apparently, this does not work when trying to check-in so close to the actual check-in/arrival time. I also tried to chat on the app to see if we could check in early; however, no one replied. The parking lot was pretty empty, so we did not expect any trouble getting our room early.

Inside, the agent found us a room right away, and recognized my status. I did not receive an upgraded room, although we did receive M Club Lounge Access. When she asked what kind of room I wanted, I said a club floor room. She said this hotel does not have a club floor, and that as a platinum guest I would have access to the club lounge. I guess I should have said I wanted the presidential suite! 😆 There are definitely some larger guestrooms in this hotel than the one we received.

Guestroom diagram at Auburn Hills Marriott

King guestroom 1118

This guestroom is on the top floor with a fabulous sunset view. It was chic looking and comfortable. The sleep quality was excellent, and the guestroom was clean. It slightly reminded me of Hotel Indigo, except the floor outside of the bathroom was carpeted.


Bathroom in Marriott guestroom 1118

We loved the walk-in shower with two shower heads, and several settings. Good quality bath amenities and towels were provided. A large closet, located in the entrance outside of the bathroom, contained a large safe, along with typical closet items, like hangers and such.

Marriott guestroom 1118
The bedroom area contained a king size bed, nightstands, chaise lounge, flatscreen TV, luggage bench, work desk and chair, small fridge, ice bucket, glasses, and single serve coffeemaker with supplies. I like the tables that easily move and slide under furniture when I am working, although the one in this guestroom was a bit high for computer work. This was a leisure stay, and it was perfect for beverage glasses.

Marriott guestroom 1118

The work desk area was located to the right of the coffee and fridge, across from the foot of the bed. The Internet connection speed was good, and there were plenty of electrical outlets in the guestroom. This hotel has bathrobes available upon request.

M Club Lounge online info 

M Club Lounge

We visited the club lounge on the weekend, and from what I had read online, we expected evening hors d'oeuvres. Breakfast is provided in the club lounge everyday, and hors d'oeuvres are provided Monday through Thursday. This information is clearly communicated inside the hotel; however, the online information is somewhat misleading. Since we received access as a Platinum perk, this was a great value. I would have been disappointed, if we had paid $30+ for access, however (the club lounge rate was $34 more when I made our reservation). Self-serve beverages (water, sodas, coffee, tea), and snacks (gummy bears, snack mix, milk chocolate covered nuts, snack bars) are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Business center inside M Club Lounge
The lounge was comfortable and spacious. The business center area contained a computer, printer, and a few miscellaneous items, like envelopes, and a stapler. I did not notice if there is a business center in this hotel outside of the lounge. The door to the left of the business center (photo above) goes outside to a private access patio during nice weather.

M Club Lounge breakfast weekend morning

Breakfast included fresh fruits, yogurts, hard boiled eggs, oatmeal, cereals, scrambled eggs, bacon, and breads. There was no food provided in the evening on the weekend (other than the 24 hour snacks), and there was no one tending to the lounge so guests could order beverages or food.

M Club Lounge breakfast weekend morning

I have included a few more lounge photos below showing the 24-hour snacks, beverage station, and information showing the lounge hours that was provided at the hotel. I received a Club Lounge card when I checked in, and this information is also posted in the elevators.

M Club Lounge 24-hour beverage area 
M Club Lounge 24-hour snacks
M Club Lounge hours handout

Food & beverage

We visited the lobby bar during Happy Hour, although we did not eat in the hotel restaurant or bar. The bartender said only basic beer was on special before I pointed out the Happy Hour sign in the lobby. The bar seats were not very comfortable, so we paid for our beverages, and then took seats at one of the high-top tables, which was much more comfortable.
Woodward's Happy Hour times

Pool & fitness center

This hotel has an inside and outside pool. I did not see a whirlpool tub. The fitness center is located next to the pool, and everything is accessible from floor 2. There is then a stairway or different elevator down to the recreation area. Fresh oranges were available in the fitness center, although there were not any in M Club Lounge.

Misc. and overall

This hotel is located in a business area without much nearby. There is a Mexican restaurant next door, and a couple of fast food restaurants across the street. All are easily within walking distance. There is also a Marriott Courtyard and a Residence Inn located in this same area.

Overall, this was a great stay. The price was right, and the guestroom was comfortable. I would choose this hotel again when in the area.


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