Marriott Wichita, Wichita, Kansas

Marriott International Inc. is one of the most well known hotel chains in North America. The company can be traced back to Washington D.C. when J Willard and Alice Marriott opened a root beer stand. Today the Marriott chain has more than 3,200 locations, one of which is the Wichita Marriott. In 2007 the Marriott underwent a complete renovation in the rooms, adding high speed internet access to each room. The hotel can be found just off the Kansas Turnpike near many of the large corporations. Though a luxury hotel, it is also one for the business traveler.

The Marriott Wichita is typical of the hotel chain, with an off white building and plenty of windows and balconies. The exterior is modern and rectangular. The lobby decor has a bit of a European flair to it with curved table legs, overstuffed chairs, chandeliers, and thick wood round beams. The lobby desk is also wood with a sophistication found with the mirrors behind it.

There are over 250 guest rooms at the Marriott, each with a contemporary style. Modern desks and 32 inch flat screen televisions can be found in each room. The presidential suite has a living room, table, wet bar, microwave, and connecting sleeping rooms. All bedding is the Marriott Revive bedding with 300 count sheets and down comforters. The guest rooms and public rooms are all non smoking. Meeting rooms make up 17,000 square feet with 18 different rooms. The hotel has two concierge levels.

Amenities en suite include coffee and tea, phones, wired internet, and toiletries. Guest services are an ATM, concierge desk, evening turndown, foreign exchange, laundry, room service, and newspaper delivery. For business services there are copy, fax, and a full service center. Guest facilities at the Marriott include a beauty shop, car rental from Hertz, vending machines, and News Stand.

Recreation at the hotel is both an indoor and outdoor pool with whirpool. The pools actually connect to each other with a swim through. Near the hotel are biking, bowling, hiking, horseback riding, and other recreational activities. Close to the hotel are also the Exploration Place Museum, Sedgwick County Zoo, and All Star Sports East. For golfers there are courses within four and five miles of the hotel. Any guest needing a spa day can make reservations through the hotel for spas that are within two to three miles of the hotel. Marriott Wichita does have a fitness center onsite with cardiovascular equipment and free weights. There is twenty- four hour access to the hotel.

Dining at the Marriott is available at three places. The Cinnabar Cafe is for breakfast. The buffet provides a number of different options including fresh fruit and fresh made omelets. The dress code is casual. Cinnabar Cafe is open for lunch also. The Black Angus Grille is for dinner only. As the name sounds, the restaurant is a steakhouse. Corrigan's is a sports bar with a large screen television. Each night they offer free appetizers and drink specials. Guests can have steak or sandwiches for dinner.?