Review: Courtyard Burlington Williston | Marriott Bonvoy

Item: Courtyard Burlington Williston
Rating: 5
Author: Jean-François Léveillé

Close to mountains for hiking
Free and spacious parking

Lack of charm in rooms
Limited food options and lack of service
Isolated location, requiring a car for all transportation

The Courtyard Burlington Williston is a practical choice for travellers looking for a functional place to rest, such as after a day of outdoor activities. However, the lack of distinctive features and the somewhat cold atmosphere of the hotel may leave guests with mixed impressions.

Booking

At the time of our visit, the room rate was USD 144 per night or 28,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which is reasonable for the area. For a Courtyard hotel, you can typically expect a fairly simple standard, although sometimes the experience exceeds expectations in terms of comfort and style. However, that was not the case here, and the experience was more basic than what you might hope for from a hotel in this chain.

Arrival

Location

The Courtyard Burlington Williston is located in the small town of Williston, close to a large power centre, a shopping area with several stores. However, getting there on foot can be a bit challenging. You’ll almost always need a car to go shopping or visit nearby attractions, which might be disappointing for those who prefer having amenities within walking distance. The location is ideal for travellers planning to explore the Vermont mountains or go hiking, but it may feel a bit isolated for those looking for a livelier urban experience.

Check-In and Lobby

Upon arrival, check-in was quick, but the welcome felt quite professional and somewhat cold. The lobby is simple and minimalist, without much warmth. The lack of a welcoming atmosphere gives a rather cold first impression. There is a standard « market » area, like a small convenience store for last-minute essentials. Fortunately, the presence of a gas fireplace in the nearby open area adds a bit of atmosphere for relaxing.

The open area features a large lounge space with several sofas and a workspace, offering a more pleasant option than being confined to working in the hotel room.

Room

The room, while functional, lacks charm. It is very simple and has no decorative touches. You’ll find a large king-size bed, a work desk, a television, and two armchairs, but that’s about it. There is no safe or hair dryer. The space is adequate, but nothing stands out. The patio door is poorly insulated, doesn’t slide properly on its track, and doesn’t lock (a security bar keeps it “locked”) and it opens onto a small, unremarkable terrace that doesn’t enhance the relaxation experience. The bathroom, like the room itself, is basic with no notable features.

Although the hotel mentions recent renovations, the rooms still have a somewhat dated style, which may disappoint guests expecting more modern updates to the amenities and layout.

Restaurants

Breakfast is offered as a hot and cold buffet in a narrow dining area located right next to the bar and reception. While the selection is decent for a hotel in this category, the lack of table service and the need to serve yourself, even for a simple coffee, makes the experience feel a bit impersonal. There are no options for lunch or dinner, as the restaurant only operates for breakfast, which significantly limits the food offering. You can’t even get a coffee during the day. In the evening, the hotel has a small bar serving a few cocktails, but the selection is limited, which is disappointing for those looking to enjoy a complete dining experience on site.

Other Services

Gym

The fitness centre is small and equipped with only the basics for a quick workout. Available machines include two treadmills and an elliptical, and the space doesn’t allow for much variety in activities. There’s no room for other options like yoga, which may disappoint guests looking for more diversity in their fitness routines.

Swimming Pool

The indoor pool is also basic, lit with an uninviting white light. The space is limited, making it difficult to swim comfortably. While it is convenient for a quick dip, it does not offer a true relaxation or leisure experience.

Around the Hotel

The Courtyard Burlington Williston is located in a primarily commercial area, surrounded by several large shopping centres and stores. While the hotel is close to the Vermont mountains, which are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, the immediate surroundings lack charm and interesting options within walking distance. For nature lovers, the nearby mountains and parks, such as the Green Mountain National Forest, offer excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing in the winter, and mountain biking. However, if you’re looking for a more vibrant and immersive experience, you’ll likely need to drive to Burlington, where you’ll find restaurants, local shops, and a livelier atmosphere.

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Overall Impression

Overall, my stay at the Courtyard Burlington Williston was rather disappointing. The hotel lacks character, and its services are quite standard. There are no standout features that leave a lasting impression. While the location is ideal for exploring the surrounding mountains, the hotel’s isolated setting and limited options nearby can be a major drawback for those seeking a more dynamic and immersive experience.

The lack of personalized service, the characterless rooms, and the cold atmosphere of the lobby make this hotel far from a memorable option. In summary, it’s a functional choice for a night or two, but it lacks the charm to be considered a destination on its own.

Read our other reviews on these Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Burlington:

FAQ – Courtyard Burlington Williston

Is the Courtyard Burlington Williston well located for visiting Burlington and Vermont attractions?

The hotel is close to the mountains and convenient for hiking, but its immediate, primarily commercial, environment requires a car for almost everything. For a more lively experience, Burlington is about a 15-minute drive away.

Are the rooms at the Courtyard Burlington Williston comfortable and suitable for extended stays?

They are functional but very basic: little charm, few amenities, and a dated style despite renovations. Suitable for sleeping, but not ideal for spending several hours there.

Is the breakfast at the Courtyard Burlington Williston worth it?

The buffet is decent for a hotel of this category, but the space is narrow, the experience is entirely self-service, and the offering is limited. There is no table service or possibility to get coffee during the day.

Does the hotel offer good services for active travellers (hiking, outdoor activities, skiing)?

Yes and no: it is well located for accessing the Vermont mountains, but the indoor facilities (gym, pool) are very limited and basic. It is mainly a functional base after a day outdoors.

What type of travellers is the Courtyard Burlington Williston best suited for?

For travellers in transit, for very short stays, or for those looking for a convenient base to explore the mountains, but not for those who desire a warm, lively, or memorable hotel experience.

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