Review: Marriott Residence Inn at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

Overall: 4 out of 5; (our room was not cleaned on our second day there)

C and I went to Chambana recently and stayed at the new Residence Inn near the mall.  As you'd expect from a new hotel, everything was clean and comfortable. Kind of like moving into a newly built home. There was room to move around as Teddy can attest. Yup, this hotel is pet friendly for a cost ($100 in our case).  Though the cleaning staff are not all comfortable with dogs, so bring a crate if you are leaving your pet in the room.  Our room did not get cleaned, but did get towels.

The most important thing for us, always: the internet quality. The speed was great as we streamed the Louisville basketball game on ESPN3.  There was no noticeable lag or pixelation of the picture.  Just as important is that it is free.  Second for entertainment option, the TV channel includes so many sports options including BTN, NFL network, NBC Sports... so we had a very happy C.  

Our room had a small kitchen with a glass two-stove and a regular sized fridge.  This was great as the hotel is located close to many restaurants and Binny's Liquor Depot.  For longer term guests: the dishwasher and multiple plates will be especially useful.   

Bathroom: as you can see the shower stall is roomy and modern.  I cannot stress the cleanliness that comes from a new place.  The shower stall door does not move so the water does splash on the floor.  The top of our door was pulled loose, as if someone was convinced it should slide.  The shower head is on the opposite wall from the knob (I liked this).

Product: Paul Mitchell Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Lotion (Tea Tree).

Continental Breakfast: (slightly different choices between the two mornings) There was 4 cereal choices and 1 waffle maker (with ingredients to make chocolate, cinnamon or blueberry).  The hot choices included eggs, french bread, sausage patty, potato hash and biscuit & gravy.  Juice included cranberry, apple and orange (empty on our first day by the time we got there).  There was only one cook so on our first day we had to wait on a few hot dishes.