Our flight arrived at 10:30pm and since the Courtyard Cancun was conveniently located near the airport and offered a free shuttle, this was a great opportunity to cash in a free night stay.
2 weeks prior, I had e-mailed the Courtyard Marriott. Rocio Flores, the Guest Care Manager provided a prompt response. Since we were arriving so late, I had wanted to make arrangements prior - I requested an upgrade (due to Platinum status), a Platinum welcome amenity (guacamole and chips) and a late check out. NONE of these requests were honored, even though I received an e-mail stating that everything would be taken care of.
The room we received had two tiny beds in a room that had a distinct musty smell and had the look of a Motel. I had reserved a room with KING bed. Not only did I not get any sort of upgrade, I wasn't even given the bed type that I had originally booked. The guacamole and chips I had requested, weren't in the room waiting for us. After lugging our stuff to the room, we had to go back downstairs to request the room I had booked. I was given a new room, with a King bed, but it was on another floor. The hotel is carpeted in a way that we couldn't slide our roller bags, we had to drag the bags to the next floor. Ice machines were broken on almost every floor.
Day 2 - As if it could get worse after the first night:
1) We were not informed there would be construction at the hotel. After finally going to bed at 2am, we were awoken by the sounds of construction and hammering. This construction noise lasted all morning and up until we left at 3pm. There was no warning or mention of this on the website or when we checked in. The walls were super thin, even if it wasn't the sounds of the construction, it was general noise from our neighbors. This was not a relaxing start to our vacation.
2) By 1pm, the Guacamole was still not delivered for our welcome amenity. We filled out the form the night before. It didn't come then, and it didn't come until we asked for it again. The nice trainee at the front desk ordered it for us and it arrived in 30 mins. I wish we had it the night before, it was delicious. The trainee was extremely helpful and attentive - kudos to the new guy.
3) Ice Machine was still broken on the 4th floor after letting the front desk know. No sign or acknowledgement that it was being looked into.
4) One of our bags was lost the night before. We used the Courtyard shuttle to go back and pick it up (the BEST part of this hotel). The driver said he would be back by 12:30. We also asked the front desk how often the shuttle came, they said every 20-30 mins. We arrived at the stop at 12:20. We waited until 12:50, we didn't see him. We saw a Courtyard shuttle drop off people at departures, I assumed he would swing around to get us, nope. He left. I had to call the Courtyard and request a pick up. I understand the hotel requests that you should call to request a pick up, but what if I didn't have cell phone reception, what then? Not everyone wants to spend $3 a minute on an international phone call. I made 3 attempts to call and finally was able to get through and have a shuttle set. Regardless, it's publicized that a shuttle comes every 30 mins.
5) We attempted to go to the pool, but there were no pool towels or anyone to ask for assistance at the pool.
6) We requested a 4pm check out. Upon check in, we were not told that our keys would expire at 12pm. After not being able to enjoy the pool, we went to our room and couldn't get in. I had to go back down and request a new set of keys. I was told that all the keys expire at 12pm - this would have been nice to know prior to the keys deactivating.
7) There was a really strange, high pitched screeching sound that could be heard every 30 to 40 mins.
8) One of the elevators was broken and the 1 remaining elevator took a very long time to pick up.
9) Lastly, I sent several e-mails during my stay to management at the Courtyard, I NEVER received a response. Not once.
The saving grace is that the front desk staff were very kind and helpful. All spoke very good English and tried help, where possible. The free shuttle and guacamole were GREAT!! read more