Hotel Reviews for Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton
4.0out of 5Based on 138 guest reviews, Very Good
Based on 141 traveler reviews
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Excellent
54
Very Good
50
Average
20
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Most Recent Traveler Reviews:
“Fawlty Towers without the Charm”
May 15, 2013
gnomemoss, Baltimore, Maryland
(or filigree, pedigree, siberian hamster)
Depending on your frame of reference, Mystic Residence Inn (RI) may fall short for you. If you're accustomed to quality RIs (or other long-stay hotels)...
more »
(or filigree, pedigree, siberian hamster)
Depending on your frame of reference, Mystic Residence Inn (RI) may fall short for you. If you're accustomed to quality RIs (or other long-stay hotels) & rely on their services, meals, & hospitality, Mystic RI can take some getting used to.
Comparing apples-to-apples (from just my experiences), Mystic RI isn't typical. And, from repeated stays at Mystic RI, the positives (location & kitchenette) are outweighed by 4 status quo negatives:
1 • Suites ======== • Inability to readily get a room in good condition. • Inability to rely on housekeeping.
[For "Suites" details, see below: Examine Room Carefully *Before* Unpacking, Rooms for Thought, Hit or Miss Cleaning.]
2 • Meals ======= • Inability to acquire (& to bring) Gatehouse meals (breakfast & dinner) to dining spots of your choice: your room, outdoors, in car (enroute to destination), at your destination, etc.). You're required to dine in an (at times) noisy, overcrowded, cramped gatehouse.
• Inability to readily access Gatehouse breakfasts/ evening meals in portions satisfying to full-grown, active adults. Best summarized: "the food is terrible ... and such small portions."
• Inability to stay within your out-of-pocket meal budget. Included in room price, is "free" breakfast every morning & "free" supper several weekdays; because of dining restrictions, you may be put-off partaking in free meals. Once driven away, you end up purchasing *all* meals off-site. (Costs add up -- especially if travelling with several family members or staying for several weeks.)
[For "Meals" details, see below: Follow Dining Policies "To The Letter," Famine, Attrition -- Not Nutrition, Exceed Food Budget, Edible Lifeline: McQuade's & Local Eateries.]
3 • Hospitality =========== • Inability of (some) front-facing hospitality workers to conduct themselves hospitably, make an effort to handle issues appropriately/ timely, & to treat all guests (no matter place of origin) respectfully.
• Inability of Guest Laundry (2 washers/ 2 dryers) to be available to guests (24/7) at their convenience/ schedule. As staff uses guest machines (for uniforms, towels, etc.), you have to check to see if a washer/dryer is available for you, the Guest.
• Inability to comfortably/ conveniently access the 1 guest computer/ printer in lobby hallway (by front desk/ gatehouse) -- not a "Business Center." Have to wait for other guests to finish using the 1 computer. Once it's your turn, *stand* at the computer (no chair for sitting). Guest-unfriendly layout discourages you from performing computer/ printer tasks taking more than a minute, such as printing a boarding pass.
• Inability of staff (who smoke) to keep outside building doors properly closed. Staff crumples rug up against bottom of door (to prop it open), then smoke by cracked open door. Cigarette smoke wafts into building on 1st floor & stairwell. (If you've smoke allergy, seek rooms on higher floors.) In cold weather, cold air blasts in & cools down corridor. At end of cigarette break, door may not be fully latched close (security breach) & rug is not fully uncrumpled. So, when you exit (or enter) doorway, you stumble on rumpled rug -- each & every time.
[For "Hospitality" details, see below: Observation & Perspective, Passive Aggression, Thick Skin or Asbestos Suit, Connecting the Dots, Fend for Yourself, Giant Garbanzo Bean of Misfortune, 'Penny Wise, Pound Foolish', Volcano Erupted, Renovating Policies/ Attitudes, Turn Under Garments Inside Out, Printer Paper Chase.]
4 • Additional Persistent Problems ========================== • Inability to easily open outside building doors -- no matter how many times your keycard is re-swiped. Instead of hotel addressing keycard/ door issue(s), you receive stock response (keycard next to cellphone) -- even when you don't carry keycard near mobile (or any electronic devices, magnets, etc.). Request "new" keycard; if none available; request *additional* (recycled/ reused) keycard, so if one is defective the other might work. You end up opening door for other guests struggling with their keycards as they will do for you.
• Inability to exercise safely on rickety elliptical or treadmill in narrow, smallish Exercise Room with older, ailing equipment. (No note/ sign indicating out of commission equipment even after making staff aware.)
• Inability to readily access pool/ exercise room towels. When able to find towel, it's typically worn (overdue for replacement) but functional. (Thinking of it now, guests may have been using exercise/ pool room towels when hotel ran out of clean (white) room towels; might explain why exercise/ pool towel rack was routinely empty or had few towels.) Staff was alerted to empty towel rack, but none arrived that day, next day, or following day....)
• Inability to go a day/ week without an unrelenting series of shortages: pool towels, bath towels, toilet paper, food, printer paper, etc.
The hotel's chronic problems become your problems.
[ 1•Suites, 2•Meals, 3•Hospitality are detailed below.]
Alternative Hotels & Hope/ Wish for Future ================================= See "4 Nearby Alternative Hotels" and "Build It & They Will Come" below.
Where To Begin ============= Bring a sense of humour, then "Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night."
1 • Suites ========
Survival Tip 1: Examine Room Carefully *Before* Unpacking ------------------------------------------------------------- The run-down state of rooms, furniture, cabinetry, appliances in this older, 3-story, 2-building, 120+ room RI, indicates lots of comings & goings (wear & tear, nicks, dings, scrapes) -- long overdue for refurbishment.
(On 1st stay, years ago, this RI was already dated & in need of attention/ maintenance; since then, upon each return visit, rooms/ public spaces steadily decline.)
If functionality is your priority, rooms are passable. If you're particular about aesthetics/ comfort, rooms (& common areas) may not pass muster.
Best check assigned room carefully (bed non-squishy, sofa comfortable, fridge cold, toilet fully flushes, hot water running, heat/ ac working, ambient sounds/ noise level acceptable, degree of cleanliness, etc.) BEFORE accepting room & unpacking gear. (If you've kit in tow, children, etc., it's time-consuming & tiring (especially after a day of travel) to undo equipment/ paraphernalia set-ups, & re-pack everything to trundle off to another room -- which you should also examine *before* unpacking.
Smaller consideration, as typical in ageing hotel that appears to not have updated linens and such: de-fluffed, pancake pillows. (Quantity of bed pillows doesn't make up for poor quality.) If request for new (non-flat) pillow doesn't come through by bed-time, placing 2 flat ones into one pillow case may get you through a night. Additional consideration: all rooms have queen beds -- no kings.
Rooms for Thought -------------------------- • Building 1. (Main bldg. with Lobby/ Gatehouse.) On 2nd or 3rd floor, 1-bedroom suite. On bathroom wall (by toilet), is a large yellow stain that is (likely) urine. Check bathroom wall before accepting room. (Tried cleaning stain off wallpaper with wet paper towels; no matter how much rubbing, scrubbing, dabbing, couldn't get it out. (An unpleasant surprise once you discover (& deduce) what it is. Putting a little thought into *how* the fellow did it, can equally disgust & have you in stitches about "Suite P.")
• Building 1. On 2nd floor, 1-bedroom suite. "DIY" is a Do It Yourself suite: tweaked non-flushing toilet, troubleshot electric/ lighting glitch, & so on. Maintenance apparently unavailable at the time; so to use toilet that evening, needed to roll up sleeves & tend to it. (Waiting for maintenance until next day wasn't reasonable alternative.) Fixes made to DIY should be in working order for next guest.
• Building 2. On 3rd (?) floor, jacuzzi studio. Spacious, functional suite. Be aware when you fill jacuzzi with water, then turn on dial (dial on bedroom wall, a distance from tub), quite a bit of soap bubbles form -- residual soap from previous guest. If you're squeamish about soaking in other people's residue, run jacuzzi a while, drain tub/ clean scum, repeat cycle as needed. (The tub itself *appears* clean when you 1st see it; only when you fill & run it that you see excessive soap bubbles/ scum in "Mr. Bubble.")
• Building 1. On 1st floor, 1-bedroom suite. 1st-floor (doggy floor) can be a mistake if you're unlucky enough to be within earshot of a poor whining pooch crying for its human. Heartbreaking to listen to. (What can you do when the only thing that soothes the distressed pet is its owner's presence.) "The Howling" was functional, but if you're deaf to whining, barking, heavy footed neighbors overhead, & foot traffic in the hallway -- best bypass 1st floor (unless you're traveling with a 4-legged companion or prefer floor 1).
• Bldgs 1 & 2. Floors 2 & 3. One-bedroom suites & studios. Other passable, unmemorable, nickname-free suites/ studios are available; just examine your assigned room carefully *before* unpacking.
• If in Bldg 2, be aware in inclement weather & colder seasons that if you're using facilities in Bldg 1 (gatehouse breakfast/ dinner, lobby, computer/ printer, exercise room, pool, front desk), you'll be walking outside (in the elements) a short distance -- not problematic in warmer months, but can be jarring in colder months.
• Apart from replacing non-working coffeemaker, worn/ stained ironing board cover, dirt-edged shower curtain liner, ... & tweaking typical malfunctioning items in older RIs, there *are* functional rooms. Just persist in ferreting them out if initially you're saddled with a dud.
As much annoyance as Suite P, DIY, Mr. Bubble, The Howling, & other rooms have inflicted on unsuspecting guests, there's an equal amount of amusement associated with revisiting (in your mind) these memorable "tests of endurance & feats of strength" -- after enough time has passed (& pain faded).
Hit or Miss Cleaning --------------------------- Housekeepers appear to do the best they can with what they have. (They seem to genuinely try.) It's unfortunate that they're continually apologizing for lack of towels, shortage of toilet paper, or some other mishap the hotel is having that day/ week; you realize it's not the individual's fault. (Don't understand how with planning, a hotel has continual, avoidable shortages.)
At times, an over-reaching housekeeping effort results in your carefully sorted piles of paperwork (docs, notes, receipts...) on desk/ table get lumped into a pile, wreaking havoc with your "system." Distressing as it is, you understand they were just trying. Leaving a prominent note over paperwork ("Please do not move papers") sometimes works. If your concerned about reoccurrence, best leave "No Service" sign on door.
Cleaning is hit or miss depending on housekeeper/ time allotted. (Sometimes "what you see (upon 1st entering assigned room) is what you get" throughout stay. If room has toaster with butter & crumbs in (& on) it, that's the degree of cleanliness to expect.) If you're cleaning up *after* room is serviced (& depleted items aren't replenished), best forego housekeeping.
Called down for a pillow, got a rollaway bed. (Odd lost-in-phone-translation request, but rectified couple days later.)
Minor nuisances you may not notice until after settled into room: missing TV remote, missing cookware, missing whatever-you-need at that moment. (May not notice what's missing until you need to use it that instant.) Phone calls or in-person visits to front desk to rectify issues take time. If on a tight schedule, you may have limited time to chase down items or follow up with staff to acquire basics *when* you need them (immediately or within a day or 2) -- not at end of stay.
2 • Meals =======
Survival Tip 2: Follow Dining Policies "To The Letter" --------------------------------------------------- When staff tells you consume your food (breakfast/ evening meal) in the gatehouse, eat *in* the gatehouse. Don't try to bring a plate back to your room.
You will be called out.
So, if you've got the family (mum, dad, little ones, tweens, teens, infants, granny, grampy...), pile on down to the gatehouse, & queue up for food, then try finding an empty table for the lot. (Forget about trying to bring a plate back for a sleeping spouse or under-the-weather family member.)
Meagre though offerings are (of sub-standard to standard RI breakfast fare) -- a few pieces of honeydew in a near-empty bowl, 2 or 3 sugary yoghurts, fat soaked sausage patties, odd triangle-folded breakfast "burritos," etc. -- appreciate whatever you can get (a bagel, cereal). Try to find an empty table, sit down, & enjoy your meal amidst cacophony of gatehouse occupants -- crying babies, weaving & bouncing toddlers hopped up on sugary muffins.... We're all in the same boat -- obeying policy.
Staff busily scurries about appearing to replenish depleted food. Great show is made of arrival of a pan of scrambled eggs. (Short of dramatic flourish, never has such theatrics been bestowed upon delivery of the humble egg.) Guests swarm round trying to get a scoop.
Prepare to bolt from your seat to grab 1 of 2 apples just placed out for a room full of hungry, waiting guests.
If you decide to return to gatehouse on 2nd morning, you may reassess your breakfast routine & opt for eating out. (Savings you'd thought you'd get by breakfasting-in evaporates as soon as you realize the inconvenience & unpleasantness of dining-in.)
Likewise for evening meals. Families, business travellers, couples, solos, march down to gatehouse, queue up, & serve yourself an anorexic-size portion of standard (to sub-standard) RI dinner. Numerous signs placed around gatehouse & an occasional lilting verbal admonition (given with a smile of course) will underscore the L I G H Tness of dinner you are to partake & necessity to consume it IN the gatehouse.
Eat like a bird; peck at a few pieces of browned lettuce. Think teaspoon-sized entree servings (& sides). That, too, must be consumed within confines of gatehouse, as signs will boldly remind you. Lest you've missed signage, the ever-vigilant eye of food server/ guard will grinningly remind you that food *must* be consumed in the gatehouse -- it's policy after all.
(Evening meals are standard RI fare for most part, but this RI stands out as one to repeatedly serve "browning" lettuce. Brown-edged lettuce (beginning to spoil) gives impression it wasn't properly refrigerated or maybe acquired at discount (before expiration/ spoilage date) or maybe viewed as edible -- as it wasn't fully rotted; seems a shame to toss if there's a few good pieces left for guests to pick out.)
If you make it to a 2nd evening meal, a glimpse of the queue, the signage, & the browned lettuce may flash you back to the previous evening's dinner. You may rethink your choice & decide it's preferable to gather up loved ones & opt for supper out.
(The savings/ convenience you think you're getting from staying at an RI where some evening meals (& all breakfasts) are provided, dissipate once you realize what this RI's unique dining experiences actually are.)
Famine ---------- Number of gatehouse diners pendulum swing from overflowing to sparse, but the CONSTANT -- no matter quantity of guests, timing of your arrival (beginning, middle, or end) to meal service, season (high season, low season; winter, spring, summer, fall; rain, sleet, snow, hail...) -- is the SCARCITY of food.
If meals are planned, how is there continual food shortage.
How are bowls constantly near-empty *throughout* mealtime -- even with a handful of guests.
Even after guests are driven away from proper dining, there's *still* an unrelenting famine.
Attrition -- Not Nutrition ------------------------------- How (if room's at full, moderate, or low capacity) can it take absurdly long to replenish simplest foods: bananas, apples.
If you're on a schedule & just don't have time to wait 20, 30, *45* minutes to replace a container of yoghurt, surely something's amiss.
How, if 3, 4, ... kitchen staff busily bustling, hustling, & dashing about, can there *still* be little to no food. (Is 1 yoghurt placed out at a time. Are minuscule portions of hot foods placed out only to be scooped up the moment they're delivered.)
When you ask for something, it's "on its way." (That is, if you've unending time to wait for its arrival.)
Attrition seems to be the norm. If you don't have endless time to wait, you eventually leave hungry/ irritated, seeking sustenance elsewhere. (Eventually you catch on that this is modus operandi.) You find another mealtime solution.
Exceed Food Budget ----------------------------- Dining out (or preparing meals) *every* evening & breakfasting out (or prepping breakfast) *every* morning may not be how you anticipated spending your time (or exceeding your out-of-pocket budget) -- particularly if you're a long-stay guest.
Some guests may have no problem adapting to set conditions, require tiny meal portions, & have ample time/ patience to sit around waiting, w a i t i n g, & w a i t i n g. Others may find $ saved by not dining out worth the inconvenience/ time/ hassle. (Everyone's situation is unique. Only you can assess your needs & degree of "service" you'll tolerate.)
If you think you're getting breakfasts & a few evening meals included in the price of your suite, think again. Your (finite/ limited) TIME is the price and your ability to put up with limited/ sparse portions & unwavering strictures.
Survival Tip 3: Edible Lifeline: McQuade's & Local Eateries ---------------------------------------------------------- Nearby grocery, McQuade's Marketplace, on Clara Drive (approx. 5-minute drive past Olde Mistick Village) provides convenient prepared meals -- pricey, but flavourful hot meals in adult portions.
A single, typical, hot to-go meal can satiate a full-grown, hungry, adult male & leave you with leftovers (a 2nd small or full meal.) (McQuade's was routine stop for prepared meals & groceries; significantly increasing cost of stay, but was a lifesaver when unable to adapt to RI's stringent dining policies combined with famine/ attrition tactics.)
Refrigerating & reheating leftovers (from market & nearby to-go eateries) as needed, eliminated all ventures to gatehouse. Allows you to eat on your schedule in comfort, peace, & quiet of your room. Watch (& be able to hear) TV, work on your laptop, make your phone calls, be with your loved ones, .... (No waiting in queues, no waiting for Godot, no leaving gatehouse hungry, agitated, or late.)
Another option: if you've time/ inclination to cook, purchase ingredients at market & prepare meals from scratch in your room's kitchenette.
3 • Hospitality ===========
Observation & Perspective ------------------------------------ No experience (I've had) -- at any hotel, any brand, anywhere, anytime, over a life of travel -- have I witnessed & experienced 1st-hand the smilingly blind obedience to inflexible policies & guest-UNfriendly, food-scarcity tactics.
If you've a unique situation, a non-standard schedule, or are incapable of falling within dining rules, attempts at sound reasoning will loop you full circle back to it's "the policy." Such rigidity, inflexibility, & unthinking, unwavering adherence to policy is remarkable. Astonishing. Bewildering.
An equally absurd parallel is the extremely unhelpful, Carol Beer: "The computer says no."
Passive Aggression --------------------------- Kitchen staffer sidling obliquely behind guest (who was placing food on their plate) & staffer clicking their tongue in disapproval each time they passed behind guest -- repeatedly.
Jaw dropping.
Perhaps staffer didn't realize their behaviour was observed. This is how guests are treated. (Not a 1-time incident. Who behaves like this. How is staff trained. How is this hospitality. How does RI allow this behaviour to front-face with guests.)
Explaining this conduct to a little one is challenging when attempts to distract them fail & they persist in asking why. (Even a child recognizes bad behaviour -- particularly for a "grown up." How does mature, adult staff -- in the hospitality business -- not know this.)
Thick Skin or Asbestos Suit -------------------------------------- Reconsider requests or voicing concerns to front desk/ management. (Best deal with minor/ routine issues on your own.) Again, from 1st-hand dealings (& uncomfortably observing) how issues are handled by staff, accept from outset that it's "your issue," the hotel appears to be annoyed by your request/ concern; lip service & stock responses seem to be the unthinking quick fixes. (The unhelpful, "the-computer-says-no" spirit lives.)
Larger/ troublesome issues (non-working heating/ ac, defective appliances, plumbing, etc.) that you haven't the skills/ tools (with you) to resolve yourself, best try to SWITCH rooms once you discover problem. (As best as maintenance tries, sometimes the back & forth over several days eats up your time (at inconvenience to you) as the problem continues to be worked.)
For the thick-skinned, a charmless, Basil-Fawlty-like attitude can be startling (& at times amusing), but refrain from chuckling at its absurdity; it'll do no good. You'll join the ranks of guests-to-be-eye-rolled at.
(Apparently, staff behind the desk are within a "bubble of invisibility"; you're not supposed to be able to see the eye roll.)
For the genteel, you may be taken aback by attitude, ineffective response, and, at times, outright rudeness. If unsatisfied with the interaction & you request to speak with a manager, you may be struck dumb by the same communication style from management.
Perhaps trained in the tough-love, take-no-prisoners school of hospitality, the hotel's manner may not be to your liking. (May the force be with you. Concerns raised up the chain appear to fall on deaf ears. Same ole, same ole -- year in, year out.)
You can end up walking away (problem unresolved) shaking your head in utter disbelief. If your nature is to believe the best in people, giving folks the benefit of doubt, you'll be incredulous. Gobsmacked.
How can this be.
"Oh, it be"
Connecting the Dots ---------------------------- • 1st visit, you give hotel benefit of the doubt. Misfortunes happen, so you roll with it.
• 2nd visit, you believe folks are really trying, so you make excuses for poor service.
• 3rd visit, you see repetition of same misfortunes, poor service, & odd behaviours that you begin realizing these aren't 1-off flukes.
• 4th visit, you really want that kitchenette, so you grit your teeth & bear it. You've learned to workaround chronic obstacles & oddities; you tough it out.
• By 5th visit, you've connected the dots & realize these aren't naïve, inexperienced staffers; they're seasoned/ experienced pros who know the ropes, understand the system, and appear to work in & around it. They understand precisely what they're doing.
An approach of a well-run hotel (with well-trained, guest-centric staff) is "how can I help you," or "let's figure out a solution to this issue." That doesn't appear to be standard operating procedure here. The mastery of applied unhelpfulness has been honed & polished to a fine art. All you can do is sit back in awe & marvel.
No, you're not on Candid Camera, you're not being punk'd. As Rosemary Woodhouse said, "This is no dream, this is really happening!"
"Run away. Run away!"
Survival Tip 4: Fend for Yourself ------------------------ Intentionally (or unintentionally) discouraging complaints/ requests, access to food, use of guest laundry, use of towels, toilet paper, printer paper, etc., the result is the same: you adapt to fending for yourself. Bring your own towel(s); fix room glitches yourself; wash clothes at local laundromat; purchase your own tp, food, paper, etc..
If you absolutely must have a kitchenette, must be located in Mystic, and think this RI is your only hotel option, you may be up for tolerating a stay. (It appears enough guests are satisfied to keep the place running.)
Giant Garbanzo Bean of Misfortune ----------------------------------------------- Don't understand if/ how I'm one of the guests having/ witnessing numerous, repeated, unfortunate experiences. Bad timing. Coincidence. But, repeatedly. On each and every visit.
How am I (and my colleagues) not having these delightful experiences other patrons are having.
How is it we've swallowed the giant garbanzo bean of misfortune.
Penny Wise, Pound Foolish ------------------------------------- (Or, Law of Unintended Consequences)
Don't believe the overarching goal/ rule/ guide/ policy of Marriott -- at any of its brands -- is to allow guests to leave a gatehouse meal hungry, frustrated, irritated or to leave any of their hotels vowing never to return.
Somehow at this RI the spirit & intent of Marriott's dining hospitality has gotten lost in favour of what seems to be an illusion of cost savings.
Loud, bombastic admonitions (bordering on screaming) coming from an open door of staff offices (by front desk).
To avoid your little one asking, "why is the lady yelling, Daddy?" bypass office/ front desk/ front door area. (By entering/ exiting building through a side door, you'll bypass the verbal eruption zone.)
Perhaps raging staffer thought no guests were within earshot at that moment -- in the "cone of silence" -- alongside the "bubble of invisibility."
Unfortunately, this too, wasn't a 1-time occurrence. (You learn over time which areas to avoid.)
How are staff outbursts allowed within earshot of guests -- or *anyone* for that matter.
Whether raging on phone or in-person at a recipient, it's jarring for anyone overhearing outbursts & witnessing petty, passive-aggressive slights; can't imagine what it's like working daily in such an environment.
Renovating Policies/ Attitudes ---------------------------------------- Long overdue renovations (lobby, gatehouse) are appreciated & something to look forward to. Unfortunately, lobby/ gatehouse renovations do not address need for equally overdue renovations to policies/ attitudes.
Concerns voiced to management seem ineffective, & social media (TripAdvisor, et al) appears to be only alternative to forewarn travellers of pitfalls when traditional modes of complaint (following chain of command) are met with a stare, an eye roll, & deafening silence.
For clarification/ context/ perspective, majority of Residence Inns brand (just my experiences) are Very Good to Excellent, some are Average (not problematic), but the occasional Poor to Terrible is problematic -- when the hotel's problems become your problems.
To not put-off potential visitors to RI brand, Mystic RI is not representative of all RIs. It's an anomaly.
Short of re-thinking policies, re-educating/ re-mentoring staff/ management, how does one refurbish staff's long-standing, ingrained attitudes, practices, & habits. Without overhauling attitudes/ practices, building renovations are merely polishing a turd. (Or, for the refined, putting lipstick on a pig.)
Turn Under Garments Inside Out -------------------------------------------- Guest Laundry (2 washers/ 2 dryers) appear to be available (24/7) to everyone (staff/ housekeeping), as well as guests.
You may need to repeatedly check to see if one of the few well-worn (but working) machines are available because hotel's uniforms, towels, etc. can take up both washers & both dryers.
Appears to be a lack of comprehension that guests staying at hotel have fixed/ limited amount of time, & Guest Laundry is designated for *guests*.
(Doesn't staff/ housekeeping have their own in-house laundry equipment or their own outsourced/ outside laundry service.)
How/ why are services designated for Guests (for guests convenience) circumvented. (Not a 1-time occurrence.)
If you're not up to driving around town looking for a coin-operated laundromat, the turn-your-undergarments-inside-out is an unsatisfactory choice.
Printer Paper Chase ---------------------------- If attempting to print a multi-page document, you'll inevitably run out of paper & have to go to front desk, wait in queue for your turn (or wait for someone in back office to appear), to ask for more paper.
You'll be handed a sliver of a stack, & once you've finished printing, the paper tray will be low once again. Thus, chronically short on paper. Cycle repeats for next guest needing to print.
Each & every time you attempt to print a document of any length, check paper tray 1st. Replenishment appears purely need-driven by guest. Bring your own paper when you tire of the ritual.
No privacy if printing (business docs), passers by can readily (inadvertently) see monitor -- especially as you have to walk away from computer station to wait at front desk to get more paper. _________________________
Survival Tip 5: Minimize Inadvertent Bookings ------------------------------------------ To avoid inadvertently booking this RI (by your group's uninitiated staff, admins, travel group, etc.), communicate your preferences/ suggestions amongst each other, and, ideally, handle our own bookings if/ when you can.
Occasionally a slip happens, when a last minute change of hotels is impossible; you tough it out until you can make other arrangements.
Hassle/ inconvenience of reworking bookings can be a pain, but necessary. (Ideal solution is to remove Mystic RI from vendors list to avoid unintended bookings.)
Road warriors now encouraged to seek hotel reviews to avoid/ minimize changing horses midstream. (Inconvenience, additional work, & overall disruption created by hotel switching has a problematic ripple effect on already busy staff. Aiming to get right hotel 1st time minimizes additional work & agita.)
[Be aware if hosting international guests/ clients -- thinking you're providing convenience of apartment-like living can backfire. End up apologising for hotel's chronic problems (lack of decorum/ graciousness) & trying to explain this is *not* representative of hospitality in the states. To avoid offending your guests & having to hastily re-work accommodations elsewhere, *know* your client/ culture & best bypass Mystic altogether.]
In meantime, merely summarizing one's latest experience as Status Quo, insufficiently conveys "the horror". (Oh, "the horror".) And, not detailing specifics about RI Mystic, (and merely pointing to a previous review) is inadequate to alert potential guests to drawbacks. « less
“Solid Hotel”
May 1, 2013
Domvi, mass | Trip type: Friends getaway
My wife and another couple visited Mystic for a weekend, and stayed here one night. The staff was very nice and accommodating, the hotel is clean and being renovated. We...
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My wife and another couple visited Mystic for a weekend, and stayed here one night. The staff was very nice and accommodating, the hotel is clean and being renovated. We had a brand new room and it was a lot better than we were expecting. The bed was very comfortable and plenty of room. The location was great, right by the Mystic Aquarium and close to the water front. For the price and location we would definitely stay here again. The property was not as nice as the Marriot Mystic Spa but I would prefer here. « less
“Excellent location and service”
Mar 25, 2013
VAHHHH, MA | Trip type: Family
The staff was incredibly helpful and accomodating. The hotel is in a great location for access to Foxwoods. New renovations in lobby were wonderful. No complaints but plenty of complements....
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The staff was incredibly helpful and accomodating. The hotel is in a great location for access to Foxwoods. New renovations in lobby were wonderful. No complaints but plenty of complements. You can't go wrong staying here. « less
“One of the better Residence Inns”
Mar 22, 2013
DRhodesNewEngland, New England | Trip type: Business
Despite ongoing renovations, this is a very nice locations. One BR suite was terrific. Complimentary dinner and breakfast above par as well. Outstanding locations, 5 minute drive to downtown Mystic...
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Despite ongoing renovations, this is a very nice locations. One BR suite was terrific. Complimentary dinner and breakfast above par as well. Outstanding locations, 5 minute drive to downtown Mystic with numerous restaurants and shops. No more than 15 minutes to Foxwoods « less
“Nice size, full breakfast included”
Mar 6, 2013
Andrea3517, Cranston, Rhode Island | Trip type: Family
We stumbled upon this particular property, for it was a last minute booking. In addition, we needed a hotel that was dog friendly (of which it is)
Our room was...
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We stumbled upon this particular property, for it was a last minute booking. In addition, we needed a hotel that was dog friendly (of which it is) Our room was a very generous size including a full size appliances in the kitchen area. A full hot breakfast was included which was very good. The hotel is undergoing redecorating, so certain areas were 'under construction'. (e.g. pool, exercise room) but we were able to use a nearby Marriott's facilities at no charge. « less
These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Room Types - Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton
Studio Room
One Queen and One Sofa Bed
This room measures 500 square feet (45 square meters). Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 24-inch flat-screen TVs is offered for your entertainment. You can relax in front of the fireplace. The private kitchen is stocked with a refrigerator, a stovetop, and a microwave. The jetted bathtub is a great place to wind down; the bathroom also has a hair dryer. A safe, a separate living room, and a king sofa bed are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Jacuzzi Studio
One Queen and One Sofa Bed
This room measures 500 square feet (45 square meters). Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 24-inch flat-screen TVs is offered for your entertainment. You can relax in front of the fireplace. The private kitchen is stocked with a refrigerator, a stovetop, and a microwave. The jetted bathtub is a great place to wind down; the bathroom also has a hair dryer. A safe, a separate living room, and a king sofa bed are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
One-Bedroom Suite
One Queen and One Sofa Bed
This room measures 500 square feet (45 square meters). Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 24-inch flat-screen TVs is offered for your entertainment. You can relax in front of the fireplace. The private kitchen is stocked with a refrigerator, a stovetop, and a microwave. The jetted bathtub is a great place to wind down; the bathroom also has a hair dryer. A safe, a separate living room, and a king sofa bed are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Two-Bedroom Suite
Two Queen and One Sofa Bed
This room measures 750 square feet (68 square meters). Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 24-inch flat-screen TVs is offered for your entertainment. You can relax in front of the fireplace. The private kitchen is stocked with a refrigerator, a stovetop, and a microwave. The jetted bathtub is a great place to wind down; the bathroom also has a hair dryer. A safe, a separate living room, and a king sofa bed are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Amenities - Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton
Air conditioning
Alarm clock
ATM
Central location
Complimentary breakfast
Complimentary newspaper
Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
Credit card accepted: American Express
Credit card accepted: Discover
Credit card accepted: Diners Club
Credit card accepted: JCB
Electronic key card
Facilities for the disabled
Fax available
Fitness and health center
Games room
Grocery service
Hairdryer available
Handicap accessible
Ice Maker
Internet - wireless
Internet - ethernet
Ironing facilities
Jacuzzi
Kitchen facilities
Laundry facilities
Non-smoking rooms
24 hours opened
Pets allowed
Private bathroom in room
Radio in room
Refrigerator
Safe in rooms
Shower
Swimming pool - indoor
Tea and coffee making facilities
Telephone
Telephone in all rooms
Television
Tennis court
Voicemail
Pet Friendly?
Yes! Pets are allowed.
Airport & Shuttle Information - Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton
TF Green (PVD)
Airport Shuttle? Sorry, no airport shuttle available.
Testimonials: Why use Hotel Planner?
"Thanks very much.. I have worked with your company for the last 5 or 6 months for all of our youth trips and have been very pleased. thanks for your hard work to ensure our safety and pleasant lodging accommodations" B.C. - Lake Charles, LA
"Thank you for making this process easier. With all the other things needed to be done for our own wedding, it made your service a blessing. " S.P. - Austin, TX
Based on 141 traveler reviews 
Value
“Fawlty Towers without the Charm”
“Excellent location and service”
Studio Room
One-Bedroom Suite
Two-Bedroom Suite