San Jose Marriott

“FURTHER CONFUSION 2026 - “The Beach Episode.” Excellent Stay.. Return To Room 621”

This is Joe Bear’s annual review of lodging at The San Jose Marriott during “Further Confusion 2026” Furry Convention - held during Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend (Thurs. January 15th to Tues. January 20th - for a total of Five Nights.) I’ll keep it short this year, as I usually write an e… more

This is Joe Bear’s annual review of lodging at The San Jose Marriott during “Further Confusion 2026” Furry Convention - held during Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend (Thurs. January 15th to Tues. January 20th - for a total of Five Nights.) I’ll keep it short this year, as I usually write an essay about my stay. I’ll highlight my favorite moments here. Check in was a bit different this year, as I usually arrive before 12:00pm on Thursday. As I stayed at Residence Inn Lodi (a most splendid hotel in itself) on Wednesday night, I called early morning from Lodi to see if the room (#621 that I usually reserve each year) would be ready. I was told the room was still occupied, and they had to vacate them to another room first. As it was a requested room, I decided to stay in Lodi for breakfast and as I had late checkout due to my Bonvoy Platinum, I wasn’t in a rush about driving in morning rush hour. I decided to check out of R.I. Lodi after 1pm, visit Safeway for groceries for the con and drive from Lodi to San Jose (a 2 hour drive.) Traffic was heavy, but was going the speed limit across the 580 east to 680 south. I arrived into San Jose from via 280 before 4pm, and arrived into the packed Valet port in front of the main entrance to hotel. As friends arrived to greet me, I was able to get the 30.00 a day rate for FC con Marriott guests. Thanks to the valet for their amazing work each year. As the valet was unloading my stuff and moved my vehicle, I went to Bonvoy Elite desk to be checked in. It was very packed in the lobby area, as Fursuiters and non-suiters alike were all congregated in a happy vibe. I was smiling for sure - We were BACK!! Sadly, Ellie wasn’t at the front desk this time around. She was on leave during my stay. I hope to see her next year. I did get checked into #621 by “Victoria” and she was extremely friendly. She did make sure the other party had moved out as this room is reserved for my group each year. This was my fourth consecutive year getting this particular room - 2022, 2023, 2024, newly renovated in 2025 and 2026. A special shout out to the desk clerks and staff management for their support during FurCon 2026. Our Room #621 was as nice as the previous year, as we had three roomies and each of us had fursuits. We had a comfortable stay overall. Housekeeping was available to help us with extra amenities, including towels and toiletries. Thank you for helping us with trash bags in getting out excess waste in order to keep the room clean at all hours. Thanks to the folks at “Club M” for the nightly meal, dessert and drink social. One of the servers remembered me from last year, and she and I chatted up for a bit on the nights the service was available. I forgot her name (but I won’t forget next year when I do my FC2027 review.) To add, thanks for the sodas, water and fruit snacks readily available all day during the con. I Love my Bonvoy Plat!! The panel rooms were great, as I hosted my Greymuzzle panel “Fur The Grey” for the seventh year with my cohost “Mama Mel” White. Water stations were readily available across the hotel and conference rooms to get a drink when in Joe Bear or Joe Goria. The FC Opening events on Thursday night and the FC Closing events with “Dead Dog Dance” on Monday night to close out #FC2026 was as memorable as in previous years!! Joe Bear LOVED every bit of his stay!! I had late checkout on Tuesday 3pm - Thank You!! Overall, it was a definite FIVE CLAW STAY AND THANKS TO THE STAFF AND MANAGEMENT OF SAN JOSE MARRIOTT for allowing us to host our con. Though the 4th Floor Party Floor didn’t happen this year, I hope the hotel management will allow the con to bring back the party floor next year. I’m already planning on my 10th year anniversary returning to San Jose Marriott for #FC2027!! Thanks for allowing us to come together at this magnificent property. It’s always one of my highlights each year to return to San Jose dressed up as a grizzly bear. What more could I ask for?! See you for FURTHER CONFUSION 2027!! Joe G. Bear - Inglewood, CA

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