Courtyard by Marriott Durham Near Duke University/Downtown

This hotel is need of a major renovation. Peeling paint, stained carpets, cracking ceilings, and moisture around the window casings were a few of the very visible needs, both in the shared spaces and in my room.

I stayed at the hotel for 5 nights (Sunday-Friday), and despite asking several times, my room was NEVER cleaned.

I understood that room cleaning would happen every other day, which is understandable. However, upon returning to my room on Tuesday night after a very long day at the VA hospital supporting a family member through a difficult recovery, it was not cleaned, I was out of towels and the extra small trash cans were overflowing. I had to return to the front desk ask for fresh towels. Every morning after that I asked before leaving for the hospital, and every night I returned to an unclean room and need for replenished towels.

There was absolutely no compensation or acknowledgment of the lack of follow through on providing the service requested, including follow up from the manager as I had requested.

While the location is very accessible to the Duke VA Hospital, the quality and service did meet that standard I expected from a Marriott hotel. There are absolutely better options available in the area, so steer clear. This establish is looking for the money with no follow through on service.

My 2 star is for location and gratefulness that I at least had a place to lay my head at night.

First impressions are everything, that being said, we were greeted with a smile and very kind personnel, Sherricca. Her smile and personality made us feel at ease and "at home". She was also very knowledgeable and the check in process and quick and smooth. I hope to come across more "Sherricca's in this world, because it would be a better place! Oyher staff was also kind, not one rude person works there. The room was nice, clean and neat, however the beds were not the most comfortable. We were there for an early morning check in at the Durham VA, just right down the road.

I had a very disappointing stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Durham Near Duke University/Downtown.

The hotel is outdated and in need of renovation. On the first morning, the on-site Starbucks was closed. When I asked where I could get coffee, I was simply told to walk to a nearby gas station. As someone visiting an unfamiliar city, I did not feel that was a reasonable or welcoming solution. The staff was not helpful and showed little interest in assisting guests.

On the second evening, I found a cockroach in my room. That was enough for me—I packed my belongings and left because I was no longer comfortable staying there.

To make matters worse, although I left early, I was charged for two nights.

Between the outdated condition of the hotel, the cockroach, the unhelpful customer service, the lack of coffee service, and the incorrect billing, this stay was completely unacceptable. Do not stay here.

My wife and I are frequent guests of the Courtyard. However our experience here feel so short of our normal expectations. Here are my views:
The entrance to the lobby had not been cleaned or blown off. Trashy.
Our room was not that clean especially the bathroom plus furniture was not very comfortable.
In addition the room had an offensive odor. The server at the Bistro was very nice and accommodating since she was a new employee.
Considering our observations I would have gone to another location but my wife and I had appointments at the Duke Center which was 2 minutes away. For sure we will not stay here in the future.

Walking in i noticed the floors are sticky and dirty. Elevator floor was dirty and had not been vacuumed. So, I knew walking to the room, it was going to be dirty. Zero care taken here for cleanliness. Room was grimy, smelled bad and there was a sheen on all countertops that smudged if you touched it. The bathroom floor had sneaker prints on the floor. Front desk was underwhelming. No complimentary coffee until after 10am. As i was there before 10am, I went to purchase coffee and waited 10 mins for the one server to come out of the kitchen. I asked the 3 people at the front desk if they could assist and one did help. Coffee was cold. So, it was like that.