Marriott Hotel - Dayton OH

At first glance, or sniff, the Marriott Hotel in Dayton, Ohio is a no go. It smells exactly like what it is - a McHotel that has recently converted most of its rooms from smoking to non-smoking. So instead of a fresh-as-a-daisy smell, you get that  too-sweet air freshener smell that's covering up the stale cigarette smell in the carpet.

Anyone who knows MomBrain can tell you she has a very delicate sniffer. We do not suffer icky smells gladly. And so it took a couple hours to get past the olfactory onslaught and see that the Dayton Marriott is a work in progress, with some lovely touches. Despite the same old hotel room decor, consider the poofy down comforters on the new mattresses ... the count 'em ... eight pillows that are perfectly squishy and firm at the same time ... the waterfall showerhead ... the high speed Internet access in the room ... the large park with running trails and pond and acres of grass and trees. I woke up headache-free, which is unusual when I'm traveling because in addition to my high olfactory standards, I also have pillow issues.

Sadly, after my champagne waterfall shower (complete with hoity toity toiletries), I realized the downside of being next to a park; namely, we are not next to a Starbucks. The hotel has no coffeeshop, no breakfast restaurant, no muffins in the lobby. The nearest restaurants are only a mile away, but I didn't rent a car and I'm still hobbling on a broken foot. So I settled for gift shop coffee and reminded myself that I probably won't die if I skip breakfast. And lunch.

Other notes: The Business Center is just a computer in the corner of the gift shop. Lovely indoor pool, though a bit on the small side. Friendly service, thorough housekeeping, and a comfy lobby with wireless Internet access.

Grade: B