Stamford Marriott Hotel, Connecticut

Next time you need a hotel in eastern Connecticut, I can strongly recommend one to avoid: the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa. Although the property is highly rated, it’s clear that they have low regard for the safety and comfort of their guests.

In 2006 a woman was raped at gunpoint — in front of her two toddlers — in the parking facility at this Marriott.

The rapist, Gary Frick, had been hanging around the lobby and parking garage and acting suspiciously for several days. However, hotel security didn’t notice him or make him leave. They also failed to stop the assault. The victim was only able to summon help when another guest drove up, she screamed, and Frick ran away. He was caught three days later in New York state, and confessed immediately.

Frick is serving 20 years for the crime. The victim then brought a civil suit against the Marriott for failing to provide adequate security in their parking facility.

The victim isn’t looking for a big payday. Her suit asks for a mere $15,000 in damages. What’s amazing is that the Marriott, and their legal team, are so petty that instead of apologizing and settling the case, they decided to fight back. By blaming her!

The Marriott said that the victim “failed to exercise due care for her own safety and the safety of her children and proper use of her senses and facilities.” In other words, not their fault that she was raped on their property. They also “outed” her as a rape victim to friends and colleagues by subpoenaing them to appear at the trial. As if her pilates instructor would have something relevant to say about Marriott’s security!

The internet is aflame with this story, and unsurprisingly everyone is on the side of this poor victim. Over the weekend the owner of the hotel issued an apology, but too little, too late.

Just don’t stay at this Marriott. Ever.

Photo: Marriott Hotels