Hotel Review: Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott

We had a flight that was supposed to arrive after midnight (before switching to an earlier one based on weather fears) and decided to spend one night at the Marriott before heading to see family and friends this week. We’ve stayed here many times and it’s convenience outweighs its lackluster rooms and benefits.

Anthony’s Take: The hotel is an easy shuttle ride (or walk) from the airport (it’s on the EWR grounds). The rooms are basic and the amenities for elite members are nothing great. If you have an early departure or late arrival, it’s the most convenient place to stay. But, don’t expect much other than a clean room.

Booking

I booked directly from Marriott.com on a “Member Exclusive Offer” as it was the cheapest flexible rate. I booked a King Guest Room and was upgraded to a Concierge Level, Guest Room. The Concierge Level is now a misnomer as the lounge is empty on the 10th floor. My welcome amenity was 1,000 points and I got access to the makeshift Elite Lounge located behind the bar in the lobby. Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite guests can access this lounge. The hotel can also be booked with Bonvoy points (31,000-41,000 points per night) with rates varying since Marriott eliminated its award categories.

Transportation to/from the Hotel

The hotel is located across from the terminals. You need to walk through the parking lot and cross a busy road. We walked over, which was fairly quick as we did not have much luggage. When we left the hotel, we took the shuttle back to the terminals and then the AirTrain to the Rental Car Center.

Location

As mentioned the hotel is located on the airport’s grounds. It’s the closest hotel for layovers or if you’re arriving late.

Check-in

We arrived at the hotel around 5:00 PM and the room was ready. I had done a mobile checkin but the key did not appear. There was no line and I had a physical key in minutes. Elite benefits were not explained nor was an amenity choice given. I selected 1,000 points when I did the mobile check in. The lobby was packed with people, but none were checking in. They were playing pool and hanging out for the most part.  I did not need a late checkout (nor was this asked). I was in my room within a few minutes.

The lobby has a cozy fireplace and was decorated nicely for the holidays.

Holiday decorations filled the lobby.

The hallways throughout the hotel were well maintained and seemed to be recently refreshed.

1 King Guest Room, Concierge Level (1004)

There are 591 rooms and suites at the hotel.

The room opens into a bedroom with a closet to the left and bathroom to the right.

Open closet to the left of the door. There was no iron or ironing board.

The bathroom was pretty tight with a vanity, toilet, and shower.

Toilet with limited room on both sides.

The shower was also pretty tight.

Toiletries were wall mounted and thisworks brand.

Elite Lounge

The hotel offers an Elite Lounge. It’s open daily until 11:00 PM. Breakfast is served, but only until 9:00 AM on weekdays (10:00 AM on weekends), which is odd in that it ends so early. I stopped in shortly after 9:00 AM and everything was cleared. We also visited the evening we arrived and found an okay selection of hot dishes, salad, and snacks.

Even though you need a key to enter, there was an attendant writing down room numbers. The lounge does not provide any beer, wine, or cocktails. Those must be purchased outside the lounge at the bar.

Salad selection

Penne Alfredo with Chicken

Mixed Vegetables

Chicken in Onion Sauce

Plantains

Meats and cheeses

A rather sad selection of snacks

Doritos and microwave popcorn

Soda and water

Coffee and tea

Public Areas & Amenities

The hotel has a fitness center, a small store selling snacks, a computer for printing boarding passes, an ATM, a restaurant/bar, and many ballrooms. The lobby is inviting with the fireplace and pool table.

The elevators were speedy and you need your room key to access your floor (I like this for safety reasons).

Seating in the hallway on floor 10.

ATM and computer

Overall Impression:

The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott offers small but decent rooms, a lounge for elite guests, a restaurant/bar, and more to make a layover a bit better. It’s fine for an overnight stay.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points. Rates & fees. Terms apply.