Family Stay at Bakersfield’s SpringHill Suites by Marriott

October 27, 2016 Margalit Sturm Francus

Last month our travels took us to Bakersfield, California which is over hundred miles out of Los Angeles. Even though we had passed it many times on the freight highway on the way to Sacramento and San Francisco, we have never actually stopped there. So, this time, we were determined to spend at least one night, and we finally got to explore the ninth biggest city in the State.

Since we are Marriott members and big fans of the hotel brand we decided to try their SpringHill Suites in Bakersfield. They offer a low-end, no-frills place to stay that still provides comfort and some decent amenities. We enjoyed their complimentary breakfast and pool but especially their family-friendly budget price. And it certainly did not disappoint!

Located at 3801 Marriott Drive, in Bakersfield, theCalifornia, the hotel is in one of the nonresidential areas of Bakersfield. It is set on a street which we fondly nicknamed ‘Hotel Row’ as it houses multiple hotels from several brands.

What Works for Families

For us, the main selling points for this property were the size of the; the fact that they had an opening sofa for our son with autism and the complimentary breakfast included in the room price. Also, parking was free, and the property offered access to free Wi-Fi.

What Doesn’t Work for Families

There was no way to fit a fifth family member in a standard room, so traveling with more than four would require booking two rooms, and there were very few options for adjoining rooms.

Unfortunately, the hotel was a bit far from most stores, entertainment, and restaurants, so guests need a car to reach any of these destinations.

Special Accommodations

We always call ahead and this time was no different. We requested a feather-free room due to allergies as well as a quiet room not facing a busy street or any other noisy area. The hotel met both of these accommodations without needing a reminder.

Our Arrival and Welcome

Check-in was a breeze and the lady at the front desk who also served as a makeshift concierge, advised us on places to visit and where to dine. It turns out that Bakersfield is famous for many Basque eateries. Who knew?

Decor

The hotel’s front lobby decoration is modern and accessorized with bright colors that set the welcoming and inviting tone for a cheery atmosphere. There was a moderately-sized space right at the entrance that served as their breakfast area.

Fellow Travelers

The area is famous for its farming, so the hotel welcomes business folk who come for the various farming industry activities. The hotel also houses adventure-seekers looking for a place to spend nights before or after visiting the two nearby National Parks.

Our Room

The room was decked out in luxury creams and browns with tasteful artwork on the walls. It was immaculate, modern, and comfortable, providing adequate space for a family of four.

There was a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, a cabinet, counter space and a small refrigerator we used as a cooler. They provided a few dishes and silverware.There were two refuse bins, one for recycling and one for regular trash.

The king size bed had nightstands on either side; both had lamps, and one had a phone. Pillows and cotton linens were all provided. There was a half-wall separation between the sleeping area and the sitting room which we thought was a nice way to offer a little privacy.

We were very impressed with the fold-out couch, perfect for those who have two younger children or one older child. With the sofa, there was plenty of seating and the desk provided a useful surface to work at.The TV cabinet doubled up as a chest of drawers providing ample space for storage. Like other budget Marriott premises we have stayed in, there was no wall safe provided.

The room was well-lit, and there was no shortage of places to plug-in electronic gadgets.There were sockets on the desk, walls, and even in the lamp bases on the nightstands.

The window had the option of heavy curtains to shut out the light. There were safety locks on both the window and the front door which we appreciated.Though the A/C wall unit was quite noisy, we had no choice but to keep the machine running as Bakersfield was quite hot .

The Bathroom

The decor of the remodeled bathroom was a continuation of the room’s theme of creams and browns. There was an adequate granite countertop boasting an extra shelf around the basin. We were grateful for the towels and the Paul Mitchell amenity kit provided.

The room featured a tub (with a grab bar), a shower, and a commode with tiled was tiled flooring. The toilet-paper dispenser was, weirdly, located quite a distance from the toilet on the opposite wall. Apart from that, this bathroom complimented the room quite well.

Our Breakfast

The hotel offered a complimentary American breakfast buffet. It was typically hearty and generous with egg, bacon, sausages, yogurt, cut up fruit, pastries and cold and warm beverages, always helpful for travelers that need to start their morning on a full stomach. The dining area was rather small, so it was a little challenging to find a table.

This property did not feature room service. However, there was a little mini store that sells groceries and sundries should visitors need something in a hurry after hours located next to the check-in area. Numerous malls and stores were within a short driving distance from the hotel, so getting provisions was not a problem. In fact, on the way there we saw a giant Walmart open 24 hours a day with a hair and nail salon inside.

Pool and Gym

The hotel has a small gym and a pool which several guest kids staying there enjoyed when we visited. Parents should be advised that there is no lifeguard, so they need to supervise their children while using the pool.

Cost

As mentioned before, the price was family-friendly, under $100 a night. The price included free wifi, complimentary breakfast, and access to the fitness center.

Overall the property not only managed to meet our needs but exceeded our expectations. Service was efficient prompt and professional, and we would be happy to stay here again should we be in this area.

Autism Travel Tips:

Parents of smell sensitive children should be aware that the pool chlorine was quite intense when the enclosed area is first entered.
As we did, parents of sound sensitive children should try to get a quiet room facing away from busy streets.
Parents should pack a shower mat and night light as this hotel does not supply them.