Sheraton Parsippany Hotel

The hotel's most striking feature is its impressive castle-like exterior, which often creates a memorable first impression for guests. This unique architectural style makes it a popular choice for event attendees hosting weddings and conferences, as well as for families and business travelers seeking a distinctive setting. A standout positive is the consistent presence of professional security, with many guests feeling exceptionally safe due to the attentive and friendly staff in this department. However, the guest experience is notably mixed, with numerous comments highlighting the hotel's outdated rooms and maintenance issues, contrasting sharply with the often-praised event facilities and some helpful staff members. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to meticulously confirm their booking details, especially room types, and consider requesting a recently renovated room if available, as room conditions can vary significantly.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though their condition and availability receive mixed feedback. The parking lot is consistently praised for being large and ample, providing convenience for guests. Many appreciate the well-equipped gym, described as outstanding with a good selection of machines and weights, although some note that certain equipment may be out of order. The indoor pool and hot tub are popular, often described as clean and relaxing, especially for families, but a significant number of reviews mention these amenities being out of order, under renovation, or closed for private events. The hotel also features conference and event halls that are frequently utilized and generally well-regarded. However, guests often note the absence of bellhops or baggage assistance, and a recurring complaint is the lack of microwaves in guest rooms. Vending machines are available, but some have been reported as out of order, and the club lounge remains closed.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is predominantly negative, with many guests describing rooms as old, outdated, and in dire need of renovation. Recurring complaints include unpleasant smells such as mold, mustiness, or stale smoke, and widespread issues with cleanliness, including stained carpets, dirty towels, visible dirt, dust, and even reports of bugs or questionable stains on bedding. The beds themselves often receive criticism for being uncomfortable, having saggy mattresses, lumpy pillows, or being equipped with only thin sheets rather than proper blankets or comforters. Numerous maintenance issues are frequently cited, such as excessively noisy air conditioning units, leaking or dirty bathroom fixtures, clogged drains, and non-functional televisions or phones. While some guests find their rooms spacious and occasionally quiet, the overall sentiment points to a significant lack of upkeep and comfort, impacting the quality of sleep and overall guest satisfaction.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options present a mixed experience for guests. The breakfast buffet is a point of contention; while some find it good with a decent variety of choices, including eggs, bacon, and waffles, many others describe it as overpriced, offering poor quality items like runny eggs or warm yogurt, and comparing it to "military mess hall food." The restaurant and bar areas are often praised for their atmosphere and the attentiveness of certain staff members. However, the food quality at the bar can be inconsistent, with some items described as overpriced or poorly prepared. A common complaint is the limited nature of food options within the hotel, and the absence of room service is frequently noted. Coffee available in rooms or from vending machines is often criticized for being weak or unappealing, further highlighting areas where dining experiences could be improved.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, offering easy access to major highways like Route 80 and 287, making it suitable for travelers exploring the area. Guests appreciate the ample parking available, often described as huge and easy to navigate. While some reviews mention it being "near nothing" in terms of immediate attractions, others highlight its proximity to several restaurants and a pleasant green space with a lake and walking trails, providing opportunities for outdoor relaxation. For those needing to access New York City, there is a train station approximately ten minutes away that connects to Penn Station. The hotel also offers shuttle service for event attendees, which is a valued amenity, though some coordination issues have been reported. However, a notable concern is the lack of easily accessible handicap parking near the entrance and potentially unsafe walkways.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff receives highly polarized feedback, with exceptional praise for some individuals contrasting with significant issues in other areas. The professional security officer is overwhelmingly lauded across numerous reviews for their professionalism, friendliness, helpfulness, and ability to make guests feel safe. Many front desk staff are commended for their efficiency, welcoming demeanor, and problem-solving skills, often providing quick check-in and being very accommodating. Similarly, bar staff are frequently highlighted for their attentive and professional service. However, a major recurring negative theme involves booking and reservation issues, with numerous reports of overbooked rooms, last-minute cancellations without notification, and rooms not matching confirmed bookings, leading to considerable frustration and lack of compensation. Guests also report instances of unhelpful or unresponsive management when attempting to resolve complaints or obtain refunds, indicating a significant inconsistency in overall service delivery.

Additional Information
Several important details emerge from guest feedback that do not fit neatly into other categories. A significant recurring issue for those booking wedding blocks is the hotel's handling of reservations, with reports of cancelled rooms, overbooking, and a lack of communication or follow-up from event managers, causing considerable stress for guests and wedding parties. Many guests note the absence of basic in-room amenities such as microwaves and safes, and a common complaint is the provision of only thin sheets instead of proper blankets or comforters. The hotel's club lounge has reportedly remained closed since the pandemic, impacting benefits for loyalty members. Furthermore, issues like pool rules not being enforced, leading to overcrowding or inappropriate use, and unexpected water shut-offs for maintenance during late hours, highlight operational inconsistencies. The hotel is frequently used for large conferences and events, which can sometimes lead to noise or staff being overwhelmed.