Review: Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston
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After our stay at the Courtyard Burlington Williston, we tried its immediate neighbour, the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston, another Marriott Bonvoy option in the same area. Here is my honest review of this hotel.
The Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston offers a simple, functional and affordable stay, whether in cash or Bonvoy points. The hotel is convenient for a transit or business stay with a car, but its roadside setting and lack of atmosphere clearly limit the experience.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 |
Booking and points rates
During our stay, the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston was priced at US$113 per night, making it a very competitive option for the region. In Marriott Bonvoy points, the night was priced at 23,000 points, a level consistent with the hotel’s functional positioning. Depending on the season, the points cost can range from 17,600 to 43,000 points per night.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Cash rate (per night) | US$113 |
| Points cost (per night) | 17,600 to 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, depending on season |
| Room obtained | Room, 1 king bed, sofa bed |
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Arrival and location
The hotel is located along a very busy boulevard, in a rather isolated area not well suited to walking. The location is practically identical to that of the Courtyard Burlington Williston, with the same strengths and the same limitations. Access to major roads is immediate, making it easy to drive to the area’s various points of interest.
On the other hand, a car is essential for nearby shops, restaurants, or any local activity. The immediate surroundings lack life and interest, reinforcing the impression of a hotel designed above all for efficiency, not for discovery.
Check-in and lobby
Check-in was fast and efficient, with no unnecessary waiting. The lobby is extremely simple, almost austere, with a front desk placed at the centre of the entrance and lobby area. The layout is honestly odd and not very intuitive, both for guests and for staff, who seem to lack a proper functional workspace.
The whole space is clean and bright, but without warmth or any particular identity. This is clearly a utilitarian hotel, one you pass through rather than linger in.
The lobby and front desk at the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston.
Room: 1 king bed, sofa bed
The room is functional and generously sized, but the decor gives away its age and is starting to look dated. Nothing shocking, but nothing modern or inspiring either. Everything is designed to be practical rather than pleasant.
We appreciated the sofa bed, a large, well-sized Smart TV, and a mobile desk that works well for getting things done. The microwave is a real plus, especially useful in a hotel with limited dining options. Storage space is sufficient for a stay of a few nights, without being generous.
The room: sofa bed, Smart TV and mobile desk.
The bathroom is smartly divided: the shower and toilet are enclosed, while the sink is accessible from the room, separated by a low wall. This layout allows simultaneous use of the space while keeping a certain level of privacy, which can be a nice touch for two.
The bathroom, smartly divided into zones.
In short, the room delivers exactly what it needs to: a place to sleep, work and rest, without offering the slightest distinctive touch.
The mobile desk, effective for getting work done.
Restaurants
The restaurant is open only for breakfast, served as a hot and cold buffet. You’ll find the classics: eggs, bacon, sausages, breads, yogurts and fruit. Nothing remarkable, but the offering is complete and efficient.
Coffee is available 24 hours a day, which is a nice touch. Outside of breakfast, however, there is no other meal or dining option on-site, so you’ll need to go out or order in.
The breakfast buffet, complete and efficient.
Services and facilities
Fitness room
The fitness room is well equipped and offers a good balance between weights, cardio, and space for stretching or yoga.
The fitness room, well equipped.
Pool
An outdoor pool is also on-site, but it was closed during our winter visit. It remains a potential perk during the warmer season.
Around the hotel
As with our stay at the nearby Courtyard Burlington Williston, we mainly used the hotel as a stopover. We once again took advantage of the surrounding area for mountain hiking, confirming that the appeal of this area lies more in planned outings than in the hotel’s immediate surroundings.
Pros and cons of the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston
Pros
- Close to the mountains: ideal for outdoor getaways
- Free, spacious parking
- Quick access to main roads
Cons
- Limited dining options and lack of service
- On a very busy boulevard
- Isolated location: a car is needed for restaurants, shopping and services
My overall impression and final rating
The Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston, just like its neighbour the Courtyard Burlington Williston, is a rational and affordable option, both in cash and Bonvoy points. Both hotels share the same philosophy: efficiency, functionality and simplicity.
They’re a great fit for road-tripping travellers looking for reliable, no-surprises, unpretentious lodging. On the other hand, those looking for atmosphere, a sense of place, or a memorable hotel experience may come away wanting more.
A rational choice with no particular charm, one that gets the job done without trying to impress: convenient for a transit or business stay with a car, as long as you’re not looking for atmosphere.
Jean-François Léveillé, Milesopedia contributor
To maximize this type of experience, check out our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada, ideal for earning travel points toward your next stay.
And for comparison, check out our review of the neighbouring Courtyard Burlington Williston.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy points
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and stay for free at more than 8,000 hotels worldwide is to hold the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card). You can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy.
To learn all about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, follow our guides:
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
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Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston – Frequently asked questions
Is the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston well located for visiting Burlington and Vermont’s attractions?
Yes, as long as you have a car. Access to major roads is excellent, but the area isn’t pleasant to walk around. For a livelier experience, Burlington is about a 15-minute drive away.
Are the rooms at the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston modern?
They’re functional but the decor is aging and lacks personality.
Is breakfast at the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston worth it?
The buffet is decent for a hotel of this category. It’s entirely self-serve, and the selection remains limited.
Does the hotel offer good facilities for active travellers (hiking, outdoors, skiing)?
Yes and no: it’s well located for accessing Vermont’s mountains, but the facilities (gym, pool) are basic. It’s mainly a functional base after a day outdoors.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free and spacious, a nice perk for a road-trip stay.
Is the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston a good option for a budget stay?
Yes, at around US$113 or 23,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, it’s one of the most affordable options in the area.