Escape to Akron: Luxurious Stow Courtyard Marriott Awaits!
Escape to Akron: My Stow Courtyard Marriott Odyssey (and a LOT of Coffee)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe some lukewarm coffee) on the Stow Courtyard Marriott. "Escape to Akron?" Yeah, more like "Escape in Akron," because let's be real, that's where you're staying, and you're likely not escaping to anything particularly glamorous. But hey, expectations are key, right? And this place? Well, it surprised me, in a good and a "oh, honey…" kind of way. This is gonna be a long one, so grab a coffee, or you know, a free bottle of water – they do have those.
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- Meta Description: Honest review of the Stow Courtyard Marriott in Akron, Ohio! Discover its pros and cons: accessibility, cleanliness, amenities (pool, spa, gym), dining options, and overall experience. Plus, I'm talking about how they handled the whole COVID situation.
- Tags: Courtyard Marriott, Stow Ohio, Akron, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Fitness Center, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Dining, Cleanliness, COVID Safety, Family-Friendly, Business Travel
First Impressions: Checking In & the Great Wi-Fi Gamble
Right off the bat, let’s talk about Accessibility. They boast about having it, and well, they do. I saw ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. Good for them! Wheelchair accessible? Yup, looked good from the outside, but I didn't need it, so fingers crossed it actually functions as advertised. I did notice the Elevator, which is a crucial thing. Facilities for disabled guests are a must, and it seemed like they had things covered. 👍
The Check-in/out [express] was…well, express. I think I saw a human face, but honestly, it was a blur of keycards and instructions. Check-in/out [private]? Nope! It was all out in the open. The Front desk [24-hour] was there, which is always a relief when you're running on fumes after a long drive.
And now, the big one for any modern traveler: Internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! This is a non-negotiable in my world. I need to be connected. And, blessedly, it actually worked. I'm not a fan of Internet access [LAN] - who even uses that anymore? Thank god it was all Internet access – wireless. Fast, reliable, all that jazz. Wi-Fi for special events? Probably, but I wasn't throwing any raves.
Rooms & The Battle of the Blackout Curtains
My room? Non-smoking, thank the heavens. Let's be honest, nothing smells worse than a stale cigarette in a hotel room. The Air conditioning was up to the job, which is crucial in the summer. Air conditioning in public area - check! I needed that in the lobby. The Blackout curtains? Oh, the blackout curtains… They were a serious struggle. I'm pretty sure they were trying to outsmart the sun. I almost got them closed all the way, then gave up. 🤣 Maybe I should have asked for help.
The room itself was standard Courtyard fare. Desk, Chair, Bed. The usual. Extra long bed? Yep, which was a bonus since I'm tall. Linens were clean and didn’t smell like bleach (miracle!). The Bathroom was clean, I checked the Toiletries, and they were the usual hotel-y stuff. Shower was nice and hot. Coffee/tea maker was there. The most important thing - the Coffee/tea in restaurant was needed after the blackout curtain fiasco.
Cleanliness & COVID-Era Shenanigans
Okay, let’s get serious for a sec. Cleanliness and safety felt top-notch. I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms that were Rooms sanitized between stays. That's important, given the current climate. Staff trained in safety protocol seemed like it was in effect. It's a relief. Safe dining setup was also implemented. I was also glad to see Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Individually-wrapped food options? Yup, they’ve got it. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They tried. But hey, you can't control clueless guests.
They advertised Room sanitization opt-out available; that’s thoughtful. I opted IN for full sanitization.
One thing that bothered me? A Doctor/nurse on call. Why is it advertised so prominently? It either implies there's a higher risk that I need help - or it makes me feel like I'm entering a hospital. Either way, I'd have preferred the option hadn't been listed at all.
Relaxation & Recreation – The Pool, The Spa, and the Elusive Foot Bath
The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, but Ohio weather had other plans – it was closed due to thunderstorms. Bummer! I’m a big fan of a good pool with a view, but alas, I didn't get to experience that. The Fitness center looked decent. I wasn't about to work out (that's never part of my plan), but it looked like there was some serious equipment.
The more interesting amenities for me were the Spa and potentially the Sauna and maybe even a Steamroom, but sadly, it apparently did not exist. They did, however, advertise a Body scrub and a Body wrap - I think I was too afraid that it would involve algae. Also, there was a Foot bath. Now, that sounded divine. I would have loved to enjoy that if, you know, it had existed.
Fueling Up: Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for a Decent Salad
Let's talk food. There’s a Restaurant, a Coffee shop, and a Snack bar. This is where it got…interesting. I love Coffee/tea in restaurant, but let me tell you, the coffee situation was hit or miss. Some days, it was weak and watery. Other days, it tasted like it had been brewing since the Reagan administration. The Breakfast [buffet] was…well, a buffet. I skipped the Buffet in restaurant, but the Western breakfast was okay. I had some Desserts in restaurant, and they were decent. The Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant were there too, so the variety was good. I even ate a Salad in restaurant.
The Bar also had a Poolside bar, which would have been ideal had the pool been opened. Happy hour was advertised, but I didn’t make it. Bottle of water for free? Sweet!
Services & Conveniences: From Luggage Storage to…a Shrine?
The Services and conveniences list is extensive! Daily housekeeping hit the spot. I was glad to see the Laundry service and Dry cleaning, but I didn't use them. Luggage storage? Check. The Concierge was helpful. Cash withdrawal? Good to know. Cashless payment service? Smart move!
Here's the oddest thing on the list: A Shrine. Really? A shrine? In a Courtyard Marriott? I'm morbidly curious, but also kinda scared now. What even is the story?
So, is it Worth the Stay?
Honestly? For the price, yeah, it's a decent option. It’s a solid, clean, conveniently located hotel. But the shrine? That's something I won't forget anytime soon. So, would I recommend the Stow Courtyard Marriott? Yeah, probably. Just…bring your own coffee. And maybe a rosary? Just in case. 🤷♀️
(Accessibility) - The Details
- Elevator: Yes
- Wheelchair accessibility: Yes (seemed to be)
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes
(On-site accessible restaurants / lounges):
- Unknown
(Internet) - The Details That Matter:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Yes! (And good!)
- Internet [LAN]: No. Good!
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yes
(Things to do & Ways to Relax):
- Fitness center: Yes
- Gym/fitness: Yes
- Massage: No
- Pool with view: Unknown
- Sauna: No
- Spa: No. (Not really.)
- **Swimming pool
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your cookie-cutter itinerary. This is… well, this is my itinerary for a trip to the Courtyard by Marriott Akron Stow, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride.
Courtyard by Marriott Akron Stow: Operation "Get Me Away From My Desk"
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and Questionable Pizza Decisions.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). Okay, first off, CAK? Sounds like a secret code for… I don't know, something vaguely boring. Luckily, the drive to Stow is painless, mostly. Found myself humming along to some truly awful 80s pop – the kind you secretly love when you're utterly alone. My internal soundtrack gets a bit chaotic after a morning of Zoom calls.
- 3:45 PM: Check into the Courtyard. Let's just say, I'm not a morning person. The lobby decor? Perfectly serviceable. Nothing to write home about, but also not offensively hideous. The front desk clerk (who, bless their heart, looked like they'd seen things) was efficient, if a little too cheerful for my current "just survived the work week" mood. Got my key, found my room, and immediately face-planted onto the king-sized bed. Heaven.
- 4:30 PM: Unpack (mostly). This is where the imperfections hit. I always overpack thinking "I'll need this! And this! And maybe this sparkly thing?!" Realistically, I'm wearing the same jeans and t-shirt every day. And now I've got a suitcase full of things that will never leave the suitcase.
- 5:30 PM: Battle with the TV remote. Seriously, it's like a high-tech weapon designed to frustrate. Three minutes into this, I'm already losing my patience. There are a lot of channels. Too many. I get overwhelmed and settle for… Law & Order: SVU. Don't judge me.
- 6:30 PM: The Pizza Predicament: Okay, so… hunger hits. Hard. I browse the delivery menus in the room. One of them offers a "super supreme" pizza. I love pizza. I'm really hungry. But did I really need a "super supreme?" Why didn't I go to the grocery store before checking in?? The moment of weakness wins. We eat it, covered in sauce with the best intentions and the most unfortunate results.
- 8:00 PM: Attempts to use the gym. The one at the Stow location. I think I'm meant to get fit while I'm here. I go there. I see the equipment. I'm not sure how it works. I don't trust it. I change my mind, and turn around and take a long, hot shower instead.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Another episode of SVU, and then sleep. Sweet, sweet sleep.
Day 2: The Day I Became a Waterfall (and Possibly a Gardener)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up feeling surprisingly decent. A miracle, really. Hit the hotel's free breakfast. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs that may or may not be real eggs, pre-made waffles, and the holy grail of travel: coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Breakfast for the win!
- 8:00 AM: Check the weather. It said rain. It was right. So, that kind of crushed my plans to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- 9:00 AM: Okay, now is the time for work. Aaaand back to the stressful side of normal. This is where my "get me away from my desk" plan backfires spectacularly. I am still stuck at my desk. At least I'm not literally at my desk.
- 12:00 PM: I have a really important meeting. The video chat keeps cutting out. I am not prepared. The whole meeting is chaos. I lose the thread. I am not even sure what the conversation was about.
- 1:00 PM: Since the day is already ruined, I have this insane idea to visit a waterfall I heard about. No idea why. I'm no hiker. I don't do waterfalls. But off I go to Brandywine Falls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park is gorgeous, I have to admit. The falls? Spectacular. I spend a solid hour gawking, taking pictures, and feeling… unexpectedly peaceful. It was magic. I was like a waterfall myself, just flowing.
- 3:00 PM: Visit a garden. Yes, I know, shocking. Not my style AT ALL. But I heard about Cuyahoga Valley National Park's community garden. I wandered down a path, and the colors, the smells… it was like walking into a Monet painting. I could have stayed there all day (but didn't). I'm pretty sure my inner curmudgeon actually smiled.
- 5:00 PM: I get back to the hotel. The waterfall and the garden have changed me. Maybe.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. The food was actually pretty good. The company? I was alone. And that was fine. More than fine. I enjoyed it.
- 9:00 PM: Hotel bed. Netflix. The end.
Day 3: Departure, and a Sudden Craving for… Akron.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast (again). Starting to feel like a regular. I make a friend with the person in front of me, and we are both complaining about the eggs.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Quick and painless. Though I did notice the hotel staff seemed… very used to people's odd requests.
- 9:00 AM: Heading to the airport. I'm strangely sad to leave. Maybe it was the break from reality. Maybe it was the surprisingly beautiful scenery. Maybe it was just the fact that I didn't have to answer emails for 48 hours.
- 10:00 AM: CAK, and a moment of reflection. I didn't expect to enjoy this trip so much. I'm almost certain I'll need to be back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. The pizza was questionable. The weather fought me. But… I connected. I rediscovered something that was lost. I will be back. And I'm already plotting my return.
P.S. I swear, I think the hotel towels are a conspiracy. They're either too scratchy, or too fluffy, like the kind that won't dry you off. Choose your own misery.
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Escape to Akron: Luxurious Stow Courtyard Marriott Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Frankly Honest FAQ
Okay, so...is this place *actually* luxurious? Because "Marriott" and "luxury" don't always go hand-in-hand, you know?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxurious" might be stretching it a *teeeeensy* bit. Think of it more like...comfortably upscale. You're not walking into a Bel-Air mansion, folks. The lobby is nice, yeah, with those weird, oversized beanbag chairs that look comfy but always end up swallowing you whole (speaking from experience). The rooms? Clean, modern, and with that generic hotel-room smell that's like a slightly-too-sweet air freshener and a whisper of cleaning chemicals. They *feel* luxurious after you've been camping, though. And after a *long* drive? Suddenly, that king-sized bed feels like the most luxurious thing on Earth. Especially when you're finally horizontal after wrangling all the luggage and arguing with the GPS. Ugh.
The Stow location… is it… actually *in* Stow? Because Google Maps has a habit of lying to me.
Yup. Actually in Stow! No bait-and-switch here. You'll find it right off the highway, which is convenient...and also means you hear those glorious, glorious highway noises. Personally, I find the white noise kinda comforting. Makes it easier to sleep, you know? But if you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Or maybe a sound machine that plays the soothing sounds of…well, anything *but* semi-trucks. I'm picturing the sound of ocean waves, maybe some trickling water. Bliss. Except I hate the ocean. Hmm. Just…avoid the highway-facing rooms if you can. Trust me.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it actually…swimmable? And does it get overrun by screaming children?
Yes, the pool is swimmable! I mean, it's a hotel pool, so don't expect Olympic-sized. It's your standard rectangular deal. And the screaming children? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The pool *can* get a bit… lively. I wouldn't call it a serene spa experience. I once saw a kid, probably 6, try to build a sandcastle in the *concrete* surrounding the pool. My inner monologue screamed "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" but I couldn't bring myself to say anything. The parents were clearly preoccupied. Bring your own towel, don't expect privacy, and maybe invest in some noise-canceling headphones. Or a stiff drink.
Breakfast? Free? Good? Tell me everything! Food is important, people.
Okay, breakfast. Here's the deal: The Courtyard Marriott offers a "breakfast buffet." Generally, yes, it's *included* if you booked the right package. Don't get your hopes up for gourmet fare. Think…eggs (potentially from a powdered mix), some kind of breakfast meat (likely sausage links -- and be honest, they're *always* more enticing in the pictures), toast, bagels, maybe some sad little pastries. The coffee? Drinkable, but certainly not award-winning. It's fine. Honestly, after a long night and a stressful morning, it's just...food. You can survive. Sometimes, that's all that matters. I once burned my hand on a waffle iron and my husband just looked at me like I grew a second head. He's a morning grump, and I'm all thumbs when tired.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because dealing with terrible Wi-Fi is my personal hell.
Wi-Fi. Ah, the bane of the modern traveler's existence. From my experience, it's generally...okay. Not lightning-fast, mind you. Expect to stream Netflix with a few minor buffering hiccups. Uploading photos? Prepare to wait a while. But, if you're checking emails, and scrolling things, and generally just doing the daily internet dance, you should be fine. Unless, of course, everyone else in the hotel is doing the same thing. Then, all bets are off. I once tried to video call my grandma while on vacation. The wifi went down and the world ended for her.
Tip: Try connecting to the internet early in the morning.
Is there Anything fun to do in the Stow/Akron area? Besides, you know, the hotel.
YES! Absolutely! Okay, Stow itself is… Stow. You'll find your standard suburban fare: chain restaurants, a Target, the like. But the *Akron* area has some cool stuff. The Akron Zoo is surprisingly good. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is nearby, perfect for hiking (if you like that sort of thing, which I sometimes do). And if you're into the arts, the Akron Art Museum is worth checking out. Plus, you're not too far from Cleveland with its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and pro sports teams (even though I'm a Bengals fan, shhh). The downside? You'll need a car. Public transportation isn't exactly a strong suit in the area. Prepare yourself for driving. And traffic. It's all part of the adventure, right? Ugh.
Let's get real about the little things. What's the worst part? (And what's the best?)
Okay, okay, honest time. The absolute *worst* part? Honestly, it's probably the price. Hotel prices can fluctuate wildly. The best part? The bed. Hands down. After a long day of… well, of everything, collapsing on that bed is pure bliss. And that feeling of knowing you don't have to make it, clean it, or anything! Ahh, freedom... Temporarily. Okay, and maybe the convenience factor. Right by the highway, easy access to… things. Sure, you can't escape the sound of the cars, but after a long drive, you don't expect anything other than convenience.
Okay, so, bottom line: Should I stay at the Courtyard Marriott in Stow? Be brutally honest.
Look, here's the deal. If you need a clean, comfortable, conveniently located place to stay in the Akron area, and you're not expecting the Ritz, the Courtyard Marriott in Stow is perfectly fine. It's not going to blow your mind. But you'll sleep, you'll shower, you'll have a decent breakfast (hopefully). And hey, sometimes "fine" is all you need. Just don't forget the earplugs. And maybe pack your own coffee. And a sense of humor. You'll need that. Mostly for dealing with myself!
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