Fairfield Inn & Suites New Buffalo

The hotel's most notable feature is its prime location, offering convenient access to the Four Winds Casino with a dedicated shuttle service, and a short drive to the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and downtown New Buffalo. This makes it an excellent choice for casino-goers seeking entertainment, sightseers exploring the local attractions, and families looking for a comfortable base. Couples can also enjoy a pleasant getaway with easy access to the area's charm, while business travelers appreciate its accessibility. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the comfort of its accommodations. However, many reviews point to ongoing renovations that can impact the stay, including noise and temporary facility closures. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to confirm the availability of specific amenities like the pool or hot tub, and to inquire about the current status of any construction activities before arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests appreciate the presence of a mini fridge and microwave in their rooms, adding convenience to their stay. The fitness center is generally well-equipped with dumbbells, a bench, and cardio equipment, though some guests reported it being closed during their visit. However, a significant number of reviews express disappointment regarding the pool and hot tub. Many guests booked specifically for these amenities, only to find the hot tub had been removed and the pool was often closed, small, or had cloudy/green water, with a frequent lack of towels. The hotel's Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent, and some guests experienced complete internet outages. Issues with the elevators are also noted, with reports of them being out of service, dirty, or having unpleasant odors. Additionally, the air conditioning in common areas like hallways and the lobby is frequently reported as non-functional, leading to uncomfortable temperatures.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
While many guests found their rooms to be clean and the beds comfortable, a notable number reported significant issues with overall cleanliness. Some rooms were found to have dirty floors, stained sheets, or even bugs, suggesting inconsistent cleaning practices. The bathrooms frequently drew criticism, with reports of mold on the caulk, stained tubs, clogged drains, and showers that caused water to spill onto the floor due to poor design. Guests also mentioned a lack of basic amenities like shower gel or hand soap. Noise is a recurring concern, with thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms and footsteps from above to be heard, in addition to highway noise in some locations. Many rooms also suffered from a musty smell and issues with temperature control, as the air conditioning was often ineffective. A major point of contention is the housekeeping policy, where rooms are only serviced every three days, leading to overflowing garbage and a constant need for guests to request fresh towels and supplies from the front desk.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives mixed reviews, with many guests praising its quality and variety, highlighting options like scrambled eggs, sausage, and waffles. Some particularly appreciated the availability of oat milk and gluten-free muffins. The breakfast area is often described as spacious and generally clean, with staff working to keep it well-stocked. However, a significant number of guests found the breakfast to be mediocre or disappointing, citing limited choices, items not being hot enough, or food running out before the end of service. Specific complaints include stale bagels, a lack of diverse fruit options beyond apples, and issues with the coffee, which some found weak or containing grounds. The breakfast area itself sometimes faced criticism for being untidy, too cold, or too hot due to non-functional air conditioning. Despite these inconsistencies, the convenience of having breakfast available is widely acknowledged.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised as a major advantage, offering easy access directly off the highway. It is conveniently situated just a short drive from popular attractions such as the Four Winds Casino, with a complimentary shuttle service available, and the scenic Lake Michigan beaches in New Buffalo. Guests also appreciate its proximity to the charming downtown area, local restaurants, and shops. For those exploring further, destinations like Three Oaks and Warren Dunes State Park are easily reachable. While many found the parking to be sufficient, some noted that the lot could be small, especially during busy periods. A common point of feedback is the hotel's visibility, with some guests finding it hard to locate due to a lack of clear directional signage from the main road. Additionally, rooms facing the highway can experience noise from passing traffic, which may affect light sleepers.

Staff & Service
Most guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing positively to their stay. The check-in process is frequently described as quick and efficient. Many reviewers highlight instances of staff going above and beyond, such as providing a thoughtful gift bag for a special occasion or assisting with issues like internet connectivity. However, there are numerous reports of inconsistent service, with some guests encountering dismissive or rude staff, particularly when addressing concerns about ongoing construction or misleading information about amenities. Issues with understaffing are also noted, leading to long waits at the front desk or a lack of immediate assistance. Housekeeping service is a specific area of concern, with guests reporting rooms not being serviced and staff being unresponsive. Furthermore, some guests experienced highly negative interactions, including reservations being unexpectedly canceled or being asked to leave the property following disputes, which significantly impacted their overall experience.

Additional Information
A significant point of feedback revolves around the hotel's ongoing renovation efforts. While some guests appreciate the updated rooms, many were not informed about the construction prior to arrival, leading to unexpected noise, dust, and a strong paint smell in common areas. This also resulted in the closure of certain facilities like the gym and pool without prior notice. A recurring complaint is the removal of the hot tub, which is still advertised on some booking platforms, causing disappointment for guests who specifically chose the hotel for this amenity. Another notable policy is the housekeeping schedule, where rooms are only serviced every three days, requiring guests to manage their own trash and request fresh towels. Additionally, some guests were surprised by an uncommunicated security deposit hold placed on their credit cards upon check-in. The hotel does offer a convenient shuttle service to the nearby casino.