The Marriott Denver Tech Center is a late 1970s or early 1980s franchised property that has undergone multiple renovations over the decades. Unfortunately, much of that amounts to little more than lipstick on a pig. The sprawling campus shows its age, and despite upgrades, the hotel remains outdated in many respects.

I have stayed here several times. While conditions have improved somewhat since the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, the property continues to struggle—an issue that is especially glaring given this is a full-service, upscale Marriott that should rank among the chain’s better Denver-area hotels.

Be advised that some floors have renovations underway. This was not disclosed at booking or on the Marriott website. There was a sign posted by the elevator informed guests of the renovation. The front desk didn't even inform me at check-in. I could hear noise and see workers until about 5 pm.

Staff are generally polite, professional and well-meaning, but the hotel suffers from recurring cleanliness lapses, deferred maintenance and a lack of attention to detail. Elite members will find limited recognition. During conferences, which the property hosts frequently given its extensive meeting space, upgrades are scarce. Ambassadors are offered a half-bottle of La Marca sparkling wine at check-in. Beyond being a poor choice for non-drinkers (not everyone drinks alcohol!), La Marca is one of the cheapest sparkling wines on the market—hardly a premium gesture. No alternative amenity was provided. A more thoughtful benefit, such as complimentary parking, would be preferable. The current $20 nightly parking fee is excessive, especially since the open, unsecured lot often has gates left wide open.

Even small touches fall flat. A generic flyer with hotel information is handed across the desk; folding it into a proper welcome letter in an envelope would convey more professionalism. Despite being marketed as a four-star Marriott, the property offers no doorman, no bellman, and no valet service—leaving guests entirely on their own for luggage.

Guestrooms are the hotel’s biggest weakness. Across my stays, roughly half have been marred by housekeeping and maintenance problems. My most recent suite was no exception. At first glance, the room appeared clean, but dining chairs were stained and covered in crumbs and hair. The bathroom revealed mildew in the shower, hair in the tub, and traces of hair on the countertop. Furniture and walls showed extensive scuffs and wear, while carpets were frayed. My balcony, a highlight feature, needed fresh paint.

Amenities were equally lackluster. The bathroom provided only a bar of soap, a small bottle of lotion, cotton swabs, and bulk shower dispensers—no bath amenities, no mouthwash. A bathrobe was supplied, but no slippers. Water was another irritation: two complimentary mini-bottles of generic purified water were offered, while two larger bottles labeled as “Saratoga” were actually cheap purified water sold for $6 apiece.

Elsewhere, the property reflects the same inattentiveness. Elevators are equipped with key card readers, but they are disabled, meaning anyone can access guestroom floors—a significant security oversight. The large fitness center is well-outfitted, but several treadmills had nonfunctional televisions.

The M Club lounge is spacious and staffed by warm, hospitable employees. However, the evening food spread is minimal: two hot items, some crudités, cookies and not much else. Full plates are not provided, and variety is lacking. The drinks selection is strong for sodas, though the wine is underwhelming, with bottles retailing for around $8 being poured at bar prices. Breakfast offerings are standard for a lounge but not memorable. If budget allows, the restaurant is the better option.

The Denver Tech Center location is convenient for highway access and close to shopping and offices.

All things considered, this is a dated franchised Marriott that could be much better than it is. With stricter housekeeping standards, proactive maintenance and improved attention to detail, the property could rise to a solid choice for both business and leisure travelers. As it stands, the recurring cleanliness issues—unacceptable in any room, much less a suite—drag down what should be one of Denver’s stronger Marriott hotels.