Riverside Marriott at the Convention Center - Riverside, CA

The RiversideMarriott at the Convention Center is located in downtown Riverside, about 15 minutes away from the University of California Riverside.

Although okay during the day, the area seems a little seedy at night.

The parking garage is a respectable $8 night.  As you enter the hotel from the parking garage, the front desk is to the left.  Although somewhat small, the lobby seems fairly spacious due to the high ceilings.  The lobby is brightly decorated with seating throughout and a “fireplace” to give a more homely feel.

Check-in was efficient.  I was given a room on one of the Concierge Levels right across from the lounge, which is unfortunately closed on the weekends as is the case with most Marriotts.

Bathroom

Shower/Tub Combo

Bath Amenities

Upon entering the room, the bathroom is to the right.  The bathroom is somewhat small but clean with a fair amount of counter space.  Bath & Body Works amenities are provided.

Dresser/TV

The dresser and TV are situated along the left side of the room.  There is also a small refrigerator in the cabinet on the left.

Desk

The desk is next to the dresser and TV.  One thing I don’t like about Marriott is that there are usually two parts to the desk.  The main desk is “fixed” but there is usually another section of the desk underneath which needs to be pulled out in order to do any type of computer work.  Unless you are Shaq, typing on the main part of the desk would be quite a task as it is very high.  Fortunately, there was a side drawer that provided extra work space that made working much easier.

Sitting Area

There is a chair with a small table in the corner which I would imagine goes largely unused.

Bed

Chocolates

The bed is very comfortable, as are the pillows.  As I arrived late, turn down service must have been provided as there were two chocolates on the bed.

Unfortunately there was some type of convention going on in the hotel.  There were hundreds of teenagers running around and screaming throughout most of the stay.    Although the hotel could not control that many kids, I did appreciate being placed on a higher level with no kids on the floor so it made the stay more pleasant.

As the lounge is closed on the weekends, Marriott Gold & Platinum members will get access to the full breakfast buffet in the restaurant which includes an omelet station.  The buffet contains the usual suspects such as eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and oatmeal as hot options.  Cold options include cereals, breads, pastries, yogurt and fruit.

The Riverside Marriott at the Convention Center is centrally located if being downtown is important.  Service was pleasant and friendly, and being provided the full breakfast buffet rather than having an upcharge was a nice touch.