It's my last day today here in Austin (Texas) and I'm actually gonna miss this Fairfield Inn & Suites by the Marriott chain. Because my body clock is still off the grid and unpredictable, I was able to make the most of this hotel for the last 3 days. Instead of going around like I normally do, I went to school for 2.5 full training days to learn more about Rainwater Harvesting (will tell you more about that in a bit and how it can be very beneficial for the Philippines!). And I just walked back and forth from Fairfield to the Frank Fickett Scout and Conference Center (less than 5 mins away) every day. This area is a bit far from Downtown Austin (7 miles, around $35 in taxi fare, around $50-$60 to the airport, 15 miles) and is quite isolated from the "happenings". There's a Walmart, SEARS, Walgreens, H.E.B, Target, Office Max, Petco and plazas nearby though but it's beside an Interstate (highway) so it's kinda inconvenient to cross that and have a looong walk (unless you have a big luggage limit and car - free parking) ;) Here are some of the few things I'll miss about Fairfield..
- Full-sized double bed can fit 2 me's. Not too keen about the 4 high pillows so I just sleep without them. I also want a thicker blanket for the cold.
- Airconditioning that can be turned on and off into a heater. It was getting chilly as the day passed..
- The TV channel Lifetime that keeps on playing Christmas movies. Lots of US channels available.
- Complimentary strong WIFI everywhere up to my bed =) Good for 7 days and you don't have to log in or out in those days.
- Complimentary hot breakfast (that pork sausage that tastes like Sausage McMuffin..). You can take it up your room.
- The outlet on my bed table that's super convenient. We have the same 2-pin outlet except that in the US, it's 110V.
- Big enough space for our 3 huge luggages.
- Good-sized bathroom.
- Warm shower and sink. They also put in magnets to their shower curtains ;)
- Every piece of clothing I handwashed was dry in around 2 days so I guess the dry weather helped.
- To make up for not having a restaurant and room service, they had delivery menus at the front desk so we ordered in for the night.
- That short walk to the Boy Scout Center.
- That Yellow Cab that they were able to call for us to go to the airport.
Other stuff I didn't get to try:
- Guest DIY laundry room (for $1 per load).
- Ice vending machine.
- Indoor heated mini pool.
- Fitness center.
- Door assistance for the disabled.
- Hair dryer and iron.
- Toiletries like shampoo, soap, lotion (no buds).
- No safety box and fridge (didn't really need it).
Fairfield has many branches so make sure you put the exact address and zip code. There's also a courtyard full of Marriott hotels here beside each other like Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, etc. This is the one I chose because it looked to have more value for money when I was looking for hotels online and it was really not far from the Training Center. Wasn't disappointed =)
Hotel Details:
Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin North/Parmer Lane
12536 North IH35 (Interstate),
Austin Texas 78753 USA
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hotels Review in Austin, Texas and the Frank Fickett Boy Scout Center
Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin North/Parmer Lane
12536 North IH35 (Interstate),
Austin Texas 78753 USA
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hotels Review in Austin, Texas and the Frank Fickett Boy Scout Center