Pet-Friendly 5 Star Amarillo Marriott Residence Inn

Daisy and "Aunt" Barbara, Director of Sales, and owner of Graysen, a Dachshund.
She often tried to help Daisy with her separation anxiety,  and gave her treats. :)

Me and Miss Daisy have lived a life of luxury thanks to the staff at the Residence Inn in Amarillo, TX.  Each destination has its pros and cons, but this little haven away from home topped all of our expectations.  A hotel stay in the summer is always a perk for us weatherwise.  My husband worked a hail storm in the vicinity all of June, July, and August.

First of all, they exude a professional demeanor and are pet friendly--truly interested in your pet(s).  More than one pet owner commented on this during our stay there.  Nice doggie run.  Daisy met many breeds, some "extended stays" like us.  From morning 'till night the staff was cheerful and helpful.  My first questions are always, "When does the mail run... nearby churches to attend... is the water safe to drink... what are your favorite local places to eat... can you turn right on red without the sign telling you to do so... are u-turns legal?"  A shout out to Chris, Edward, Luis, and Ginger (owner of seven cats) in Reservations.  There is one midnight female employee we didn't get to know because Daisy is such a good girl and sleeps through the night.....

Edward, Daisy, & Ginger

Front: Carolyn, Laura, Becky, Elsie, Linda, Frances with Daisy, Keri, Lorrie (General Manager) Back: Terry, Barbara (Director of Sales), Tabitha (Asst. Gen. Manager), and Christy

Now for the food.  While Hubby enjoys his protein bar and grape juice and I like yogurt, fruit, and coffee for breakfast, this hotel offers "a step above" in its offerings.  Often, wrapped breakfast burritos and biscuits with meat, egg, and cheese were available.  Biscuits and gravy, a variety of potato dishes (not all on the same day), eggs, hot meats, oatmeal with toppings, and make-your-own waffles with toppings were also on the buffet.  Fresh fruit appeared daily...bananas, oranges, and apples.  There were hard-boiled eggs and specially prepared yogurt cups with granola.  Drinks--a variety of juices and milk and lots of coffee.  The coffee area was separate from the food area, so this made it very nice to visit any time of the day.  A large clear glass water dispenser was filled with ice, cold water, and cucumber slices... another day, lemons or limes.  Colorful and enticing!  The usual teas and hot chocolate packets were there, and flavored liquid creamers  for your coffee.

Such a nice touch

A light supper four nights a week was offered, and the monthly calendar with menu was posted on your fridge.  There was BBQ, Mexican, Italian, Comfort Food (I liked that title because it meant a surprise), & Manager's Toast.  Soft drinks, tea, wine & beer, & water were offered each evening.  Lemon and chocolate bars were desserts, and often cookies were at the front desk along with soft peppermint taffy candies (and the local paper).  Can you say "spoiled?"  Linda, Christy, and Sylvia had it together.  They often added their own additions to take it up a notch.  Chicken salad on croissants one night; a ham mixture on another night.  Salads with tomatoes and toppings and raw veggies were staples.

Sylvia

Christy (back), Linda, & Daisy

Housekeeping was also top notch.  Because of having to go down with Daisy to the ground floor on a regular basis, and to get the paper, get breakfast, and to leave mail for the postman, I would sometimes skip the service because I would be involved in a project in the suite.  I am easily distracted.  Daisy, however, on some (ok, a lot of) days would just wait for housekeeping to begin their work around 9 a.m. each morning.  She wanted to interact with her buddies and would sound off when she heard the first stirring of them with their carts.  We first fell in love with Cassie and her mom, Frances.  Then we learned the rest of the staff on a first-name basis.  Frances and I shared recipes --her Mexican dishes for my desserts.  Cassie has a beautiful smile and a dog named Princess.

Cassie & Daisy
Bye bye Amarillo friends!!!