The 95 room Courtyard by Marriott hotel on Linden Park in Rochester (just off Panorama Trail, near the border of Penfield and East Rochester) experienced a major overhaul in 2009 and is now fresh, friendly, and full of guest-friendly amenities.

I have only one complaint, and it would be very easy for Marriott to address. SIGNAGE. To access the hotel, you must travel by way of Panorama Trail, and yet the only indication that there is a hotel nearby is a small green street sign. Since there is nothing but the Courtyard by Marriott on Linden Park, it seems logical to have a large sign at the corner of Linden Park and Panorama Trail to help travelers (who are driving at night) find the entrance.

Okay, now for the good stuff:

AMENITIES
Parking is plentiful and conveniently located at this Rochester Marriott. The front desk staff is friendly and helpful.

The new lobby is tasteful, welcoming, stocked with reading material, features a gas fireplace (ambiance more than heat), and offers a small business area with computer bank.

WI FI is free and available throughout the hotel – guest rooms and public areas, alike.

FOOD
A bistro, just beyond the lobby, offers breakfast from 6 am- 10 am on weekdays and 7 am – 11 am on weekends. The scrambled eggs and thick cut French toast were surprisingly above average. Yogurt parfaits, fresh cut fruit, and cereals are available for those looking for a cold option. The low fat pumpkin spice muffin was very tasty but cold -- probably defrosting --but the waitress advised not to have it put in the microwave because it would be too dry.

From 5-10 pm, soups, salads, snacks, pizzas and sandwiches are available along with a handful each of beers (Blue Moon Belgian White, Samuel Adams, Heineken, Budweiser, Miller Lite, etc.) and wines (Meridian Pinot Grigio, Clos du Bois Chardonnay and Merlot, etc.). We did not eat dinner at the hotel.

The Courtyard by Marriott on Linden Park serves Starbucks coffee and offers an interesting selection of teas. If you’d like a hot beverage after the bistro is closed, the front desk staff is very accommodating.

ACCOMODATIONS
The rooms are quite spacious and offer a cozy dressing alcove that doubles as a kitchenette. An oversized, full-length mirror in the bedroom allows a second guest to dress while the first is using the bathroom mirror. Stucco finished walls, stainless and wood light fixtures, and cherry-finish cabinetry create a warm, contemporary look. A handy desk slides out from a console that serves as both a dresser and a stand for the flat screen TV. The bathroom is fresh, clean, and typically outfitted. Strangely, blow dryers are kept in a hanging bag in the closet. I can’t imagine anyone finds them unless they call the front desk, like I did. The beds are very comfortable, linens are fresh and soft, and pillows are delightful.

CONVENIENCE
The Courtyard by Marriott on Linden Park’s location right off of Route 441 is convenient for those who need access to Rochester’s extensive expressway system, but it’s also convenient to eating establishments grocery shopping (one mile), the airport (less than 14 miles), mall shopping (Eastview is less than 10 miles away), and downtown Rochester.

FAMILY FRIENDLY
The Courtyard by Marriott on Linden Park is a good choice for families because of the indoor swimming pool, spacious guest rooms that can easily accommodate a complimentary rollaway in addition to two double beds, and the family-friendly bistro food. Another guest room option offers a king size bed with sofabed.

We were very happy with our stay the Courtyard by Marriott on Linden Park. It should be noted that I did not indicate my status as a journalist during our two night stay, and we did not receive any complimentary services or products at this Rochester Marriott.