Hotel Review: Courtyard Erie Bayfront – Infinity Pool, Bay Views & Walkable Eats
If you’re looking for a waterfront hotel with serious views and easy access to food, activities, and family fun, the Courtyard Erie Bayfront delivers. This was my 125th different Marriott property (milestone! 🎉) and my first time in Erie, Pennsylvania. We stopped for one night during our Summer 2025 road trip—and this stay checked a lot of boxes for teens and families.
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First Impressions & Check-In
We rolled in just before 3 p.m. on a busy Saturday, parked in the front temporary spots, and headed inside. Right away: tons of luggage carts (both big hotel carts and smaller airport-style carts). More hotels should do this.
Check-in was quick even with the crowds. The lobby is bright and open with couches and a big TV in the middle, the check-in desk on one side, and the restaurant on the other. The left side is all floor-to-ceiling windows facing the bay—a very “whoa” moment. Past the elevators you’ll find The Bistro.
Bonus context: the hotel is part of Bayfront Landing—two hotels, a big convention center, ~400 rooms, five restaurants, and enough to keep you busy for days.
The Room: Newer Courtyard Design, Great Mixed View
We had a Deluxe Guest Room, 2 Queen, Courtyard View on the 5th floor. Clean, modern Courtyard design with:
- Two queen beds
- Chair with ottoman
- Good-sized desk
- Bathroom with stand-up shower
I just wish the TV was bigger. Some newer Courtyards have larger screens. But our view actually made up for it: the courtyard, the Sheraton next door, the Bicentennial Tower, the marina, and a slice of the bay. A little bit of everything.
Wi-Fi & Tech: Easy Wins for Teens
Connecting my laptop, phone, iPad, and Nintendo Switch was fast and painless. Streaming and gaming were smooth with no hiccups. My Switch plugged into the TV right away.
Like most hotels, I wanted more outlets at the desk. My power bar saved the day (as always). Pro tip: pack one if your family travels with lots of devices.
👉 Curious where this hotel ranks? Check my Hotel Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard.
Pool Vibes + Gym: That Infinity Pool
This Courtyard has two pools:
- Indoor pool + hot tub with bay views (I bet winter views are epic when the bay is frozen).
- Outdoor infinity pool overlooking Presque Isle Bay—easily one of the coolest pools I’ve seen at a Courtyard. Plenty of Adirondack chairs and loungers up top, with another lower outdoor level of tables and chairs.
The gym is a good size with lots of cardio machines and free weights—solid for a Courtyard.
Food & Dining: On-Site + Walkable Picks
We ate dinner at Shoreline Bar & Grille (11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.). Bay views from inside, plus a big patio with fire tables, couches, and umbrellas. Food was a hit:
- Me + my sister: adult grilled cheese + fries
- Dad: smoked turkey club (house kettle chips)
- Mom: mahi mahi tacos (winner)
The Bistro is mornings only (since there’s a full restaurant). We slept in and skipped breakfast.
Walkable options (5–10 minutes):
- Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant – Erie’s only fresh oyster bar.
- Pier 6 Rooftop – street tacos, burgers, fireplaces, views.
- Two45 Waterfront Grille (inside Sheraton via skybridge) – excellent breakfast reviews.
- Oliver’s Beer Garden (outdoor, summer vibes, live music + food truck) & Oliver’s Rooftop (fine-dining views).
Short drive must-tries:
- Sara’s Diner (seasonal, by Presque Isle State Park): burgers, dogs, curly fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and the orange sherbet/vanilla twist soft serve.
- Romolo Chocolates – my fave was the sponge candy dipped in milk chocolate.
- The Lawrence Park Dinor – classic train-car “dinor,” 8 a.m.–2 p.m. (still on my list).
Things to Do Near the Hotel
Right around Bayfront Landing (walkable):
- Bicentennial Tower – ride up for 360° views of the bay and city.
- Scallywags Pirate Cruise – super interactive; younger kids will love it.
- Fishing & Charters – boats and shore spots all around the waterfront.
- Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf – across from the Sheraton.
- Erie Maritime Museum / U.S. Brig Niagara – great exhibits (the ship is being repaired until 2026).
- Downtown Erie – ~15–20 minute walk for shops, eats, and entertainment.
A short drive away:
- Waldameer Park & Water World – 100+ rides and slides; free admission and parking (pay per ride/Water World).
- Presque Isle State Park – sandy beaches, trails, and lake views for days.
Final Verdict: This Teen Travelz Approved
The location on the water, the skybridge connection to the convention center and Sheraton, and that outdoor infinity pool make this Courtyard feel way more resort-like than most. Add in walkable restaurants, a solid gym, and easy Wi-Fi/console setup, and you’ve got a great base for families—especially teens who want pool time + things to do nearby.
I still wish rooms had bigger TVs and more outlets, but overall? The Courtyard Erie Bayfront earns a This Teen Travelz Approved from me.
Credits & Thanks
Huge thanks to Ryan and Brianna for hosting me and my family. Opportunities like this help me share honest teen reviews and make memories together. Appreciate you believing in This Teen Travelz!
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz
Explore more:
Courtyard by Marriott Hotels – Teen Hotel Reviews
Pennsylvania Hotels – Teen Hotel Reviews
Epic Summer 2025 Road Trip Series