Marriott Newark Airport review: Probably not the most exciting hotel you’ll ever stay at, but it is convenient

If you’ve stayed at any airport Marriott hotel in the US in the past three years, you’ve already stayed at the one at Newark Airport. It exactly what you think it is. There will be no surprises. 

There could be some disappointment though. Despite being located so close to the airport, it’s darn near impossible to walk to. You can certainly try, but you will die.

A full review of my one night stay at the Marriott Newark Airport

Despite not being attached directly to the airport, this Marriott is the most convenient hotel for anyone needing a place to stay immediately after or before a long flight at EWR. It’s certainly not the nicest (or the most luxurious), but it is the most convenient.

Location

The Marriott at EWR is located directly across from the airport. Although you’ll be able to see it from all terminals, there are no sidewalks or walkways leading to it. You will have to take a shuttle bus. Thankfully the shuttle bus is free, very frequent, and very easy to find from the baggage claim level. Just follow the signs.

The lobby (and checking in)

Not gonna lie. The lobby of this hotel is very dark and not all that inviting. Perhaps it was because I arrived at 11 PM, but it didn’t seem to be all that cheery of a place that time of night.

There was a line of people waiting to check in when I arrived. Because I had already checked in online, I was able to bypass all that congestion at the reception desk. Planning ahead FTMFW.

Getting to my room

The elevators are located fairly deeply in the lobby, and it took me a bit of walking around to find them. This is a big hotel, so be prepared to do a lot of walking once inside. It took me about 10 minutes from the time that I entered until the moment that I reached the door to my room. I don’t think I’ve done this much walking inside a hotel since that one time at the Dulles Airport Marriott.

Room overview

I was expecting the worst considering that I had booked the cheapest room they had available. I was mentally prepared for it (whatever it may be) as I opened the door for the first time. You can imagine how relieved I felt what I saw not only how large the room was, but how nice it was as well. It even smelled fresh and clean.

The view

Not only did I have a pretty nice view of the airport from my room, I also had a very nice view of the New York City skyline. I couldn’t see many airplanes (they were too far away), but seeing the city off in the distance was pretty cool. 

The bathroom

The bathrooms in airport Marriott hotels can be a hit or a miss, but this one was a hit. A big one! It was clean, very well designed, and bright. No complaints from me. 

The lobby restaurant

If you’re not feeling Baller enough to order room service, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a pretty good restaurant located in the lobby. I ate breakfast there, and it was decent. Certainly cheaper than room service would have been. 

Pros and cons

Overall, my experience at this hotel was pretty good. The trick is not to expect too much I think. Not only isn’t a Marriott, it’s an airport Marriott. An airport Marriott associated with maybe not one of the best airports in the US. Set your expectations appropriately and you’ll have a pretty good time. 

Pros 

• It’s located very close to the airport. 
• The free shuttle bus is very frequent. 
• It’s one of the cleanest airport Marriott hotels that I’ve ever stayed at. 
• The rooms seem to be recently renovated. They look nice!

Cons 

• Although it’s located so close to the airport, good luck walking to it. You will get hit by a cement truck. Or two.
• It’s a big property. This might be a problem if you’ve got a lot of luggage (and ornery travel companions) in tow. 
• There is food available on site, but it’s not the best quality stuff.