TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Mateo Foster City · San Mateo

The location of this hotel is next to the freeway, literally steps from the off-ramp. While there is ample secluded parking, there is no gate, which did not make the property feel particularly secure. The front desk and lobby area are cramped, and the check-in experience was uncomfortable and passive-aggressive. The six-story building has entrances at both the front and back, while the side doors are exit-only. Although the room appeared to have been cleaned, it still gave off an overall feeling of being dirty and unpleasant. The property felt like an old building that had simply been remodeled and painted over rather than properly renovated. The shower was visibly scuffed, and there even appeared to be a bug in it. The noise during the night was another major problem. There was a constant, extremely loud sound that resembled someone repeatedly dropping heavy pieces of metal into a garbage dump. It made it very difficult to relax or sleep. The breakfast was another issue. The odor from the breakfast area was extremely strong and unpleasant and seemed to permeate the rooms on the floors above. The surrounding area does have some conveniences. There is a nearby Costco, although it does not have a gas station. There is also a nice shopping center close by with Target, Chick-fil-A, and Benihana. Overall, the convenient location and nearby shopping do not make up for the poor experience. The property felt dated, unpleasant, noisy, and poorly maintained, and the service at check-in only added to the negative experience.