Residence Inn by Marriott Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area

"Parking situation is super sketch. You’re right there in downtown Durham with all kinds of random people walking around late at night and the parking lots are unsecured, yet you still have to pay nightly for parking. The rooms were old and our door to our room looked damaged. The door still locked, but there was a a crack between the door and the frame. I avoided Durham on our way back to Georgia from Maryland just so I could find a better hotel to stay in. That said, the front desk people were pretty nice so there were no issues with service, it just didn’t feel like a very safe area."

"I have almost 1000 lifetime nights in Marriott properties and have achieved titanium (for life) status, so I hope to have some credibility in writing this review. This was a ‘bottom 5’ Marriott of the hundreds of Marriotts I have stayed at. In general, I found the front desk staff to be unenthusiastic, at best. They rarely stood while guests were in the lobby area and were generally unhelpful. When asking is an upgrade was available I was told, that the hotel was 70% full, so there was no upgraded room available. Doesn’t make a lot of sense, but not that big a deal. The staff at this property needs some serious hospitality training and quickly. The room was tired, to say the least. The carpet was torn and the paint on the ceiling of the bathroom was peeling. The shower had that kind of dirt that comes from years of neglect. On the second morning (they offer every other day housekeeping) the housekeepers replaced our towels but did NOTHING to clean the room. They did not make the bed, empty the trash or wipe a single surface. I called the front desk to make sure that housekeeping come the next day, since they had not done anything to clean our room. The front desk person who answered the phone did not offer an apology, but simply said, “ok.” Lo and behold, we got back to our room for out fourth night and zero housekeeping. Bed unmade, trash baskets full, no fresh towels. Obviously housekeeping have never entered the room. So, for a four night stay, other than replacing towels once, we received zero housekeeping. All in all, the property was extremely disappointing, to say the least."

"My husband and I just spent 5 weeks here while he received treatment at Duke Med. I can't say enough nice things about the staff. The breakfast had variety, not the same 'ole thing every day. The housekeeping staff was the friendliest I've met, and I've been in a lot of hotels in my life! Norma, Jasmine and Skylar were particularly cheerful and helpful any time we asked for something. Barry went the extra mile to help clear up issues that involved the cable TV company and come back to check on us to see if it was working after his persistent efforts. Several good restaurants are a short walk or drive away, and getting back and forth to Duke Med was a 6 minute easy drive. We'll definitely stay here again if we have to return for a lengthy stay!"

"I came here with a large group. Working with Jennifer, the sales director, was awesome. Her communication was great and things were really smooth. Ti’Anna who worked the front desk was amazing. She was friendly, calming, supportive, and very down to earth. The rooms were clean and spacious with a really nice setup. The location was close to lots of great places. We also got great service from the bartender Destinie. :) Would definitely come back."

"The location and staff make this hotel unique and worth returning to. The exterior and amenities are attractive and suitable for the price. As of summer 2023, some of the rooms and furniture are feeling a little worn -- I heard a renovation is coming soon though. But it's the staff's willingness to do what is right that makes this a hotel to return to. I had lost my keys and returned home without them. House Cleaning did not find them but engaged with the Building Engineer based on my claim that they were last on the night stand. They disassembled the nightstand and the keys had indeed fallen inside. The Front Desk Manager shipped them the same day they were found. This effort took the coordination of three willing and dedicated teams and they were quick. Their effort saved me a huge headache and I am quite grateful. I travel a lot for work and found their willingness and effort exceptional. They earned me as a repeat customer."