Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, Autograph Collection

Lots of fun

9.0

Location, clean

− Expensive

Perfect couples weekend.

10.0

Beautiful property with excellent shuttle to Merriweather for shows.

− No ice on floors. Need to have it delivered.

Extremely Disappointed with This Year's Stay

2.0

I made my reservation back in August 2025, as I have done for the past three years. Unfortunately, this has been the worst experience I have ever had with this property, and I have not even arrived at the hotel yet. One of my biggest concerns is that guests were not informed in advance that meal reservations would be opened to the public for the first time. As a result, despite being a paying hotel guest spending approximately $685 for my stay, I have been unable to make a dining reservation. Had this policy change been communicated ahead of time, guests could have planned accordingly. Additionally, I was informed that check-in is at 4:00 p.m., but if I wanted to check in at 3:00 p.m., I would be charged an additional $100. Considering the amount I am already paying for my stay, this was very disappointing. I spoke with Lena, a front desk supervisor, regarding my concerns. Unfortunately, the interaction left me even more dissatisfied. I felt my concerns were not properly addressed, and the call ended before I was able to complete the customer survey. I have lived in Columbia since 1973 and have enjoyed bringing my children and family to this area for the annual fireworks celebration. I have also been a loyal Marriott Bonvoy member since 2017. Because of these experiences, I have always looked forward to staying at this property. Sadly, this year's experience has changed my perception completely. This has been an extremely disappointing customer service experience, and unless significant improvements are made, this will likely be my last stay at the Columbia Lakefront property for the Fourth of July festivities. I expected much better from Marriott and am very disappointed. Tiffany Powers Marriott Bonvoy Member Since 2017

Classy Hotel

10.0

This hotel was very aesthetically pleasing on the eyes. It is located near a lake which is perfect for exercise and relaxing. Parking is available in a parking garage which is conveniently located in front of the hotel. I will stay here again.

IZABELLE at Front Desk Is Rude

2.0

This hotel provided some of the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a staff member named Izabelle who was consistently rude and dismissive throughout my entire interaction with her. Due to a flight cancellation and rebooking, I arrived several hours before the standard 4:00 PM check-in time. While I completely understand that early check-ins are not always possible, what was unacceptable was the way the situation was handled. Rather than being offered any accommodations such as access to the pool or common areas, I was confined to the lobby of what appeared to be a nearly empty hotel for 4-5 hours. Every question I asked during check-in was met with the same dismissive response: "We are NOT doing early check-ins today." I was denied access to the pool or any other area of the hotel while I waited. After hours of waiting, another guest walked up and was checked in three hours early without hesitation - I had been waiting 4-5 hours in the lobby and they knew it. It was only after I witnessed this that Izabelle finally assigned me a room (she saw that I saw). I remained polite and patient throughout the entire ordeal and only inquired about room availability once after my initial request. While I understand my Gold status may carry limited weight, no guest deserves to be treated this way. I will not be returning to this property.