We have stayed at the Fairfax Marriott Fair Oaks 25+ times over the last 8 years while visiting our son and his wife who live in Fairfax. Additionally, we have frequently had friends and family stay there while visiting too. Originally, we loved the hotel, but it has increasingly become worn and in disrepair. This past weekend will likely be the last time we stay there, unless measures are taken to correct many of the issues we so disappointedly encountered. A large group of us traveled to Fairfax and all booked rooms at the hotel (10 rooms) . We found the rooms in need of better cleaning and physical and mechanical repairs. It started when I arrived, got to the room which was not very clean, had torn draperies, and an air conditioner which clanged constantly. The maintenance man, who was lovely, came promptly to try to fix the noise issue, but could not. As a result, my room was changed to another floor, with no one helping me. The next room, had a very dark entry from the hall, as the lights there were not working. Upon entry, the room was also in need of a better cleaning, the door handle was falling off, and the faucets needed repair. When family and friends arrived, they too were certainly not thrilled with their rooms for similar reasons. Well before coming, I spoke with the front desk and hospitality agent about the possibility of having a space available to greet family and friends as the arrived and so we could spend a bit of time together. Although they said yes, the next day I received a email from the banquet manager, stating there were no such spaces available. In the past, we’ve used a hospitality room there for this purpose, but I was told there was absolutely no way they could accommodate my request. On The night when guests arrived, the hospitality roo off of the main lobby was in fact vacant all night, but the front desk manager said we needed to ask for it in advance to get tables and chairs. I had that request, in writing, but it did not matter. They did finally make a space arrangement for us when they realized we were simply going to stay in the lobby., because they did not want some of the children ‘running wild,’ in the lobby. Overall, the hotel and staff did not do much to be accommodating or welcoming, with a few notable exceptions (the woman overseeing the restaurant for breakfast was very kind and helpful). We are Marriott Bonvoy members, and ad stated earlier, have been frequent guests at this hotel. Unless significant changes are implemented very shortly, we will choose to stay elsewhere, as there are many fine options in this area.
