Description: Located in the heart of the city, the Marriott Hotel is a very convenient location connected to their convention center and just blocks from the Fourth Street Live entertainment district. In town for another soccer conference, this hotel provided US Youth Soccer with plenty of meeting space including two very nice ballrooms. They also offer guests two restaurants for dining options.
Blu is the nicer of the two featuring Italian cuisine in the evening, while their breakfast menu is pretty much the standard fare including a very comprehensive buffet for $15.95. I thoroughly enjoyed breakfast each morning whether it included the made-to-order omelet or fresh lox and bagels. The fruit (pineapple, strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe were fresh and flavorful.
During our stay, I also had the occasion to eat in their sports bar/lounge Champion's for lunch twice. While a bit pricey for "bar food" I found their salads to be reasonably priced. The BLT wedge salad was as you would expect; a decent sized wedge of iceberg lettuce with sliced grape tomatoes, bacon chunks and crumbled blue cheese.
Lastly the lobby also featured a Starbucks which was slammed every morning with folks getting their coffee fix. I did enjoy a slice of banana bread with a single serving jug of OJ for breakfast one morning. The convenience when running tight on time was too hard to pass up.
Beyond the dining, the rooms were very business oriented although they do charge for access to wireless internet ($12.95 + tax per day with no discount for multiple days or weekly rates). The bedding was comfortable with a pillowtop mattress. Bathroom amenities included Bath & Body Works brand hair care and body lotion, one of my favorites. I did feel that our group rate of $165/night was a bit steep particularly since they get you for another $13 for WiFi.
Back to dining options, I did utilize their in-room dining options my first day in town for both lunch and dinner. Both meals (chicken tenders for lunch and chili with salad for dinner) arrived at the appropriate temperature . . . hot foods hot and chilled foods chilled. One area where they get you is the $2.50 can of soda, when for $1.50 you can buy a 20oz bottle of the same brands (Pepsi products).
Throughout my stay, I found everyone on staff to be very pleasant and helpful. Concierge made dinner reservations for us one night, while the bellman assisted with check-in and getting luggage to my room. I also thought that their banquet staff was also very helpful and attentive. All in all, it was a very pleasant stay in Louisville.
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