I gave the Courtyard a rating of 4, but that's considering the hotel in the context of its price and location.

The room was fine, although someone must have slept on a really awful bed to rave about the Courtyard's beds; they're average. Actually, average pretty much describes the Courtyard. There's nothing surprising or particularly nice about this hotel. The rooms are very clean and nicely sized, but that's what I'd expect.

The positive exception to its average character is the staff. The desk staff are above average in speedily getting you through check-in and check-out, and the cleaning staff are unobtrusive and very competent.

The bathroom items supplied are below average. You probably want to bring your own body lotion, shampoo & conditioner.

However, for $109 a night without breakfast at a hotel so conveniently located, average is pretty good.

I was in town for a conference at SMU and chose this property for its close proximity to the campus and because of my loyalty to Marriott; I was not disappointed.
I was traveling with a group of about 15 colleagues and the hotel shuttle made multiple trips to get all of us and our luggage to SMU, definitely above and beyond the call of duty.
Just behind the hotel is a great tasting authentic mexican restaurant, definitely give it a try.
If business takes me back to SMU, I will stay again. For tourist attractions however, its not very close to downtown Dallas.

I have stayed in this hotel twice over the past six months for SMU-related events, most recently last Friday. This hotel is an exceptional value.

Pros:

The staff is helpful and friendly. For both stays, they helped by providing a quiet room facing away from the highway.

The king-sized bed is PERFECT. I want one at home. The Courtyard commercials brag about their new beds, and I must agree - these beds are quite nicer than those at higher-priced hotels in the vicinity (I'm looking at you, Embassy Suites).

Two words: Free. Internet. So many hotels have sketchy scammish Internet stories, and this low-priced hotel delivers broadband with no charge, no gimmicks. Sweet.

The location is close to SMU, which was great for my needs. It's probably close to other stuff too, but I don't know Dallas that well.

Free breakfast. Haven't gotten to eat it, but good to know.

Finally, price. I think I paid $80-90. For this neighborhood, that price is ridiculously low.

Cons:

Can't think of much, but the room has some noise with people passing by. This is going to happen in a non-suite situation, and it wasn't a problem for me.

Overall:

I would stay again. I probably will stay again.

I stayed at the Dallas Northpark Courtyard over the holidays, and the staff was great. I could not have asked to stay anywhere else and I WILL stay there the next time i'm in Dallas.