Residence Inn by Marriott Helena

The hotel offers a distinctive experience with its spacious rooms featuring full kitchenettes, making it particularly appealing for extended stays and families seeking the comforts of home. Its signature feature is the inviting indoor pool area, complete with a splash pad and hot tub, providing a significant draw for guests, especially those traveling with children. The hotel is also highly regarded for its overall cleanliness and the consistently friendly and helpful demeanor of its staff. For business travelers and those attending local events, the convenient location near the airport and major attractions is a distinct advantage. To ensure the best experience, guests are advised to confirm the operational status of the pool and splash pad before arrival, as temporary closures have been noted.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. The indoor pool is a major highlight, described as spacious and clean, offering a great recreational option for all ages. A dedicated splash pad is a particular favorite for younger guests, though some visitors have reported it being closed or having non-functional features at times. The hot tub provides a relaxing retreat, although some feedback indicates it may not always be adequately heated or have fully functional jets. Guests appreciate the well-equipped fitness center, despite some finding it to be on the smaller side. Each room includes a full kitchenette, complete with a full-size refrigerator and oven, which is highly valued for longer stays. Other conveniences include free Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, and a cozy lobby area with a fireplace. A complimentary airport shuttle service is also available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious, clean, and comfortable, often highlighting the generous layout that includes separate living areas. The beds receive mixed reviews; while many describe them as very comfortable and super comfy, some guests found them to be hard or firm, which impacted sleep quality, especially for those with back issues. Pillows were also occasionally noted as flat. While overall cleanliness is frequently praised, some guests reported specific issues such as unvacuumed floors, dust, stained couches, or even uncleaned sheets and, in rare instances, insect larvae. Noise levels from adjacent rooms, alarms, or even the furnace panel can be a concern for light sleepers. The bathrooms are generally well-appointed, though some guests experienced low shower pressure or issues with towel holders and empty body wash dispensers. The AC system was noted by some as being overly cold.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise, with many guests describing it as "fabulous" and "first-class." It offers a wide variety of options, including hot food choices, and is often noted for its quality, with specific mentions of delicious muffins and good coffee, including cold brew. Guests appreciate that the food is served on ceramic plates with real silverware, enhancing the dining experience. While most feedback is positive, some guests found the breakfast to be "subpar" or noted the inclusion of frozen fruit instead of fresh. The breakfast area is generally spacious enough to accommodate guests, providing a pleasant start to the day. The presence of full kitchenettes in rooms also allows guests the option for in-room dining and meal preparation.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and convenient location, particularly for travelers arriving by air, as it is situated right by the airport and offers a complimentary shuttle service. Its proximity to various shopping centers, including a Costco directly across the street, and numerous restaurants makes it easy for guests to access amenities and dining options. For those involved in sports, the hotel is ideally located near soccer fields, making it a popular choice for teams and families attending events. While generally considered a safe and accessible area, some guests note that it is a bit far from downtown. The hotel provides ample parking, which is a significant convenience for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests describing them as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond, such as assisting with car issues or accommodating specific requests. The check-in process is often described as fast and efficient. Housekeeping staff and the breakfast crew are also commended for their pleasant demeanor and professionalism. However, there are isolated but severe complaints regarding specific staff interactions, particularly concerning the handling of hotel policies related to pool area usage and room occupancy, which some guests found to be unprofessional and unwelcoming. Despite these rare instances, the overall sentiment is that the staff provides excellent customer service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and unique features. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though a significant pet fee is charged, which some guests found to be quite high, even for a single night. There are mentions of upcoming remodeling plans for the property. Some guests reported experiencing recurring alarm issues originating from the furnace panel in their rooms, which required intervention from the front desk. While rooms include freezers, the hotel does not always have traditional ice machines available, but guests can request free bags of ice from the front desk. The hotel has strict pool area food rules and room occupancy limits, which have led to negative experiences for some guests. An occasional sewer odor has been reported outside the building. The hotel also offers unique touches like fresh homemade apple cider in the lobby.