Fairfield Inn & Suites

Used Unilocal to find a hotel in the area last night. Super 8 had great reviews, good price but was sold out. So compared reviews and pricing on the others and went with Fairfield. Senior rate was very reasonable. On Unilocal,there were two reviews one good one not so good, and they were a bit old so thought best to update with current impression.
Well we were pleased with most everything. Booked via mobile link, easy process. Check in as easy as it gets with a confirmed reservation (can’t be any easier, great). The good: very nice property overall, room a little small but quite adequate with more than we had expected. Comfortable king bed, chair with ottoman. Work desk with nice office chair. Fridge and micro which were unexpected. Room clean, nice TV and outlets handy for charging phone without unplugging anything at nite stand (hate doing that) a little trouble getting the AC to Cool the room down but got it going, maintained the temp with «always on» fan speed option that we appreciate to take away that cycling sound.
Friendly staff., notice they accept small dogs for a $ 25 non refundable «fee» that is called a deposit. If non refundable it is a fee. Anyway, no dog with us but having traveled with small dog before it is nice to have that option.
Breakfast in the morning was nice, on par with Hampton, hot and cold options well kept and continually refilled as needed. Coffee fresh and steaming hot. Saw the pool being used and the family enjoying the indoor facility.
Only one thing we noticed on the negative was the speed (or lack of) on the easy to access free WiFi. I could not even update apps on my phone, it kept timing out. Two bars of 4g LTE kept us connected but if needing wifi for real work ask/​check.
I expect this may well become our «place to stop» in this area as we travel this route a few times a year.

Normally I wouldn’t bother to write a review of a Fairfield Inn — seen one you’ve seen ‘em all. Not so for the Fairfield in Marion.
This is by far the nicest hotel in Marion, Carterville or Carbondale. Brand new and the staff here are awesome. The other limited service hotels in the area are all dated. The Farifield has large flatscreens, more complimentary toiletries than most full service Marriotts (Shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, lotion, make up remover and soaps) and the beds are new.
The lobby bar (yes — BAR at a Fairfield!) has a happy hour special of two free drinks Monday through Thursday. Two free drinks!
All the staff have a smile on their face and are happy to answer questions about the local area. I had no idea there was a thai restaurant in the area, and the front desk guy gave me several options.
Can’t go wrong with free (fast) WiFi or free breakfast either.

Broken pool and elevator. Breakfast just doesn’t match Hampton or Holiday Inn Express, which is where we’ll stay the next time in Marion.