My family just returned from staying at the Residence Inn at Charlotte University Research Park while my daughter's softball team participated in the NSA A Girls Fastpitch World Series. I was a bit concerned prior to arriving as I understood the hotel was undergoing renovations. While there were some minor issues that go along with renovations (workers and vehicles, minor cosmetics), everything else here more than made up for those.

Our room was wonderful! It had a king size bed and a sofa with a pullout. There was also an upholstered chair and desk with office chair in the living room area as well as a remote control "fireplace." A small but full kitchen featured a full-size refrigerator with an ice-maker in the freezer, two-burner electric stove, microwave, sink and even a dishwasher. Dishes, pots and pans were all provided, although limited. Dishwasher detergent for the dishwasher was provided, but there was not anything for handwashing dishes. The bathroom was roomy and the large vanity was outside the toilet/shower area. (So helpful when multiple people are trying to get ready.) There was a full-size closet with mirrored sliding doors. Of course the typical ironing board, iron and blow dryer were all available. The room also had both wired and wireless high-speed internet access. Everything was immaculate. This Residence Inn also has a laundry facility, small fitness room, pool and multi-purpose court (volleyball, basketball).

The complimentary breakfast was the best I've seen. In addition to the usual continental breakfast items, there were waffles, eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, biscuits and gravy or pancakes or french toast (varied from day to day). On Monday through Thursday evenings there was a complimentary social with drinks (both alcoholic and non) and food. Usually there was salad. One night pork sandwiches, another fried chicken and macaroni and cheese and hamburgers and hot dogs on another.

It used to be that catering to the customer was the norm in business, but it seems anymore that most places make you feel like they could care less. Here the client is still appreciated. Overall the staff was excellent. Junny who took care of the breakfast and evening social and Kowie, the operations supervisor, went above and beyond the call of duty to make all of the team's stay a memorable one.

If we ever travel to the Charlotte area again, we would definitely stay at the Residence Inn.

My family stayed here one night while returning home from a longer trip. The hotel is very comfortable, convenient and friendly. The room we stayed in was clean and quiet but showing signs of age. However, the whole complex is undergoing renovations so hopefully this will improve the condition of the rooms. This was the only thing that detracted from my overall rating and I would give it a higher rating otherwise.

The staff was super friendly and helpful. Everyone from the manager on down went out of their way to help us. The breakfast buffet was quite a bounty as one might expect from a Residence Inn. My son enjoyed the small outdoor pool, which he had to himself.

We stayed in a suite that was essentially a large studio with an additional bedroom/bathroom -- great for a family. The full kitchen was nice. The TV had an assortment of cable channels including HBO. Free high speed internet is available and there is an ethernet cable on the desk. The room was clean but there were scuff marks on the walls -- which I assume the renovations will remedy. It was very quiet and we didn't hear a noise all night.

The hotel is on the edge of a large office park (between the interstate and the hotel). There are many chain eateries in the area such as Applebees, Chili's, TGI Fridays, etc. for dinner.

Overall, a nice, family friendly hotel and we would stay here again.

Marriott should be ashamed to have its name associated with this Residence Inn. Our room had a tear in the carpeting the whole length of the room that housekeeping had attempted to fix with tape, the pull-out sofa was falling apart and had cigarette burns all over it, the draperies and bedspread were yellowed and threadbare, the kitchen blinds had a brown, sticky substance on them, the kitchen and appliances were very old and yellowed, the bathroom was dirty and our “non-smoking” room reeked of smoke.

When we complained to the desk clerk, she apologized that even though our reservations guaranteed a non-smoking room, she had none available. She said she would have housekeeping put a smoke-eater in the room and she was sure that would remedy the situation...it didn’t. When we said that is not the only problem and listed our various concerns, she said that she knew the property was old and in bad shape but Marriott was supposed to be remodeling in the future. That doesn’t help the traveler checking in today. This Marriott Residence Inn should be closed immediately!!

When we asked to be checked out, the desk clerk said it would be no problem and she understood completely. Fortunately, we found a Comfort Suites down the road that looked brand new, was extremely clean, had an attentive staff, served a wonderful breakfast buffet and here’s the kicker was even cheaper than the Residence Inn.

This was a very nice place to stay for an extended weekend. The kitchen had all the items you have at home including a dishwasher, ice maker in the refrigerator and full oven/stove. The unit was very clean and the staff was pleasant and very helpful.

The pool is nice and although you are very close to highway 29, they have done a good job of sheilding you with bushes and trees. The hot tub was out of service during our stay.

Daily hot breakfast, included in the nighly rate, consisted of: sausage, biscuits, waffles, home fries, oatmeal, gravy and eggs. There were continental items like bagels, fruit and cold cereal also.

All in all, this hotel has everything you need for a weekend or even for a week long stay. Carowinds and the Verizon Amphitheater are within an easy drive.