Hotel Review: Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac – A Personal Favorite with Room to Improve
Hey, I’m Mateo from This Teen Travelz, and today I’m reviewing a hotel I’ve stayed at more times than I can count—Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac in Pontiac, Michigan.
I’ve been coming here since I was a toddler, so yeah, I’ve got some major nostalgia. While it’s one of my personal favorites, I’m keeping it real for this review and giving you the full teen-focused breakdown—Wi-Fi, pool vibes, console hookups, and more.
Let’s dive in 👇
First Impressions: That Signature Marriott Smell
The lobby has that classic Marriott scent—if you know, you know. It always hits the same way and instantly makes you feel like you’re in for a comfy stay. The space is modern, clean, and welcoming.
Rooms: Comfy But Mixed for Console Gaming
I’ve stayed in both the 2 Queen Room and the One-Bedroom Suite. The rooms were always clean and comfortable. But here’s the deal…
- In the 2 Queen Room, the TV is wall-mounted, which makes it almost impossible to connect my Nintendo Switch.
- In some suites, the TV is placed on a dresser instead—and that setup makes it super easy to connect my console.
So if you’re planning to game, the suite might be a better choice.
❄️ One downside: The A/C struggled during hot summer stays. The room didn’t cool down as much as I’d like, which definitely knocked a few points off.
Wi-Fi: Fast & Frustration-Free
This Marriott gets a big thumbs-up for internet. I was able to connect all my devices—phone, laptop, iPad, and Nintendo Switch—without any issues. Streaming and gaming were smooth, so if you’re worried about lag, you’re good here.
Pool Vibes: Clean, But Miss the Old Setup
The indoor pool was very clean, and the vibe was calm and relaxing. But I definitely miss the outdoor pool they used to have. It was right next to the indoor pool and guests could use both.
A staff member told me there are plans to open a new outdoor space in 2025, so I’m curious to see what they do with it.
Bonvoy Perks: Gummy Bears for the Win
Thanks to my dad being a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Member, we had access to the member lounge. The drinks and snacks are solid — especially the gummy bears. It’s a fun bonus if you or your parents have lounge access.
Food & Breakfast: Needs a Comeback
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar that serves all meals. I’ve had the buffet breakfast here a few times with my dad using Bonvoy benefits.
Honestly… it’s not my favorite.
Before COVID, they had an omelet station and waffle station on weekends, and it was way better. My dad still talks about how good it used to be. These days, the buffet feels like it’s missing that special touch.
If you’re big on breakfast, this might not be the best pick.
Location: Great for Shoppers & Roadtrips
One of the reasons my parents keep choosing this hotel is the super convenient location. It’s close to:
- Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall
- Sam’s Club & Costco
- Somerset Collection in Troy, MI
It’s also right off the interstate, which makes it a solid base for road trips.
Final Thoughts: Personal Favorite, Teen-Approved (With Notes)
Because I’ve stayed here so much growing up, I definitely have a soft spot for this place. It’s a personal favorite, but from a teen review perspective, I’d call it a good hotel, not a great one.
Pros:
- Solid Wi-Fi
- Clean rooms and pool
- Convenient location
- Chill lounge with snacks
Could be better:
- Switch hookup isn’t ideal in some rooms
- Breakfast needs to level up
- Summer A/C could use improvement
Would I recommend it to other teens? Yes, especially if you’re on a road trip or hitting the outlet malls—but know what to expect.
Catch you in the next review!
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz