Gee, Starrsville, I thought we were talking about Residence Inn and Springhill Suites. I've stayed in at least 6 to 8 of each variety and have NEVER had a Springhill Suite with a real door between bedroom and living room. I suppose some larger units may have them, but it is not the typical unit. I have stayed in Residence Inns where there was a door to the bedroom, but again, not all their "suites" are like that. They sometimes do a half open bedroom area, sometimes offset at a sort of angle.

I know, Neo. I think I just said that.

Janie,
Are you already on Marriott's points system? They work for these brands as well.
Agree the newer the better but not always an option. Another hotel chain we have used before is the Drury Inn it's not nationwide. Embassy Suites are good usually but aren't most a queen or king and a sofabed. They are also part of the Hilton Family.

Neo, the Residence Inn accommodation you describe:

"They sometimes do a half open bedroom area, sometimes offset at a sort of angle."

That's what they describe as a studio. We always get a 1 or 2 BR, which is really an apartment. I've never stayed at a bad R.I. Didn't like the manager in one place, but liked the apt.

Fairfield has been the best. Residence Inn?? over loaded with young student tech workers from India and Korea. Very, very smelly, I mean the WHOLE hotel stank of curry and kim chee. Not kidding. Wanted to puke. I will never stay at a Residence Inn again. La Quinta? are you kidding? Might as well stay at at motel 6. Horrible experiences with La Quinta, very dirty and completely beat up. Damp and dank like staying in a bad basement. Never again.
Kids love the waffle makers at Fairfield, can get a suite for a reasonable price and the breakfast include some egg sandwiches, etc. For family, I always use my points to stay at Fairfield Inn.

Gee teune, you don't think you may be generalizing from one experience do you.
We are having a large event and need to house the family whose home we are using in a hotel--4 small children. We took a tour of our Residence Inn for it, and my co-chair and I WANT to move in ourselves!! Beautiful accomodation, full breakfast, fitness center, afternoon bar, and even complimentary BBQ some days.

Gee. I wonder where Janie finally stayed back in 2007, and why Teune decided to resurrect a five year old post.

Teune is a brand new poster who has only commented on this thread...things that make you go, hmmmmm...

OH, geez. another gotcha.

I know...so irritating isn't it?

Residence Inn for me...have gotten some great rates. Just stayed in a RI 2 bedroom suite in Anahein for 128.00 per night.

Teune, do you realize what a fool you sound like for believing your ONE stay at a residence Inn means the same people will always be at other Residence Inns? I once stayed at a Hilton and there was someone yelling in the hall at night, so I'll never stay in a Hilton again -- HUH?

I'll refrain from commenting how bigoted your response sounded as well, just pointing out the total insanity of your logic is enough for now.

For the record, I've stayed at about 7 or 8 of each of the three Marriott chains mentioned. Clearly the Fairfields were always the least "fancy" or "special" of the three, but I've never had a problem at one. I'd say it's been a toss up as to whether the SpringHill Suites or the Residence Inns were better. Meanwhile, Courtyard usually falls somewhere between the Fairfields and the other two.