Residence Inn by Marriott Saddle River

This hotel is notable for its spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites featuring kitchenettes, which many guests find ideal for extended stays and larger groups. Its overall ambiance is often described as a peaceful and quiet retreat, resembling a colonial village with lovely grounds. While the staff frequently receives praise for their helpfulness, a significant number of guests report issues with the property being dated and experiencing persistent problems like a lack of hot water. The hotel caters well to families needing extra space, long-term stay guests benefiting from in-room amenities, and pet owners due to its accommodating policy. To ensure a smoother experience, guests are advised to confirm hot water availability upon check-in and be aware of potential parking fees.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's primary appeal lies in its two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites, which include fully equipped kitchenettes with refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. This setup is particularly valued by those on longer visits. Guests also have access to a 24/7 fitness center that is generally well-supplied. While there is an outdoor pool, its operating hours are a frequent point of contention, with many guests finding it closes too early. Each building conveniently offers washer and dryer facilities. However, some guests report issues with Wi-Fi being spotty or unusable, and there are significant concerns regarding the security of building entry doors, with some card readers being damaged and doors left unsecured.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. While some guests find their rooms clean, a considerable number report issues such as dirty rooms, wet rugs, and the presence of ants and spiders. There are also mentions of mold in bathrooms and other areas, and a persistent musty or urine smell in some rooms. The overall impression is that the property is dated and in need of significant renovation, with worn furnishings, chipping paint, and old fixtures. A major and recurring complaint is the frequent lack of hot water in showers, often accompanied by weak water pressure. Bed comfort varies, with some finding the beds comfortable while others describe mattresses as hard and sofa beds as uncomfortable due to exposed springs. Noise from noisy AC units and slamming doors is also occasionally reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives varied feedback from guests. While some describe it as good, delicious, and offering plenty of choices like oatmeal, eggs, sausage, and waffles, many others find it to be basic, average, or even terrible. A common issue is the replenishment of food items, with guests reporting that popular choices like sausage, bacon, bagels, and fruit often run out well before the end of breakfast service, especially on weekends. Utensils and plates are also sometimes unavailable. The breakfast staff receives mixed reviews, with some guests praising their efficiency and helpfulness, while others describe them as rude or inattentive, particularly when items need to be restocked.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location with easy access to major highways, making it suitable for travelers needing to reach nearby cities within a reasonable drive. Guests appreciate the peaceful and quiet surroundings, describing the grounds as lovely and walkable, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere. The area is considered safe, with shops, grocery stores, and restaurants located within a short driving distance. However, parking is a significant point of frustration for many. Guests frequently report unexpected parking fees that are not disclosed at the time of booking, and the parking lots can become full at night. The hotel's layout, consisting of separate buildings, can also lead to long walks to rooms, which can be inconvenient, especially with luggage.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel elicits a wide range of responses from guests. Many commend the friendly staff for their helpfulness, attentiveness, and accommodating nature, highlighting positive interactions during check-in and with general inquiries. Some guests specifically praise staff members for going above and beyond to assist. Conversely, a notable number of reviews describe staff as rude, unhelpful, dismissive, or unprofessional, particularly concerning issues like maintenance requests or billing discrepancies. The check-in process is generally efficient, but some guests experience issues with rooms not being ready on time or incorrect room assignments. Response to maintenance requests, such as those for hot water or non-functioning appliances, is often reported as slow or ineffective, leading to prolonged inconvenience for guests.

Additional Information
The hotel operates with a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by many guests traveling with animals, though some report unexpected pet fees and issues with pet hair in rooms. A common point of frustration is the housekeeping frequency, with rooms typically cleaned only once every five days for longer stays, which some guests find insufficient. There are significant security concerns raised by guests, including damaged card readers and unsecured entry doors to buildings, which compromise guest safety. The pool hours are frequently criticized for being unreasonably early, often closing by 5 PM or 7 PM, limiting guests' ability to use the facility after a day of activities. Similarly, the outdoor barbecue area also has early closing times. Guests should also be aware of the hotel's cancellation policy, which some find to be strict and poorly communicated, leading to unexpected charges.