You’re driving down I-64, maybe heading toward Charleston or passing through the tri-state area, and you see the sign. It’s a big, familiar logo. But if you’ve stayed at the Delta Hotels Huntington Mall before, or if you’re planning to, you know it’s a bit of a local landmark that doesn't always fit the "cookie-cutter" mold of a highway Marriott. Located in Barboursville, West Virginia, this spot is basically the epicenter of the region's retail and dining scene. It’s right there. Literally steps from the Huntington Mall.
Is it the fanciest place in the world? No. But it’s arguably the most strategic place to sleep if you’re in town for a Marshall University game or a shopping spree that requires a quick place to drop your bags.
The Reality of Staying at Delta Hotels Huntington Mall
People get confused about what a Delta Hotel actually is. It’s Marriott’s "streamlined" brand. They focus on the essentials. You get fast Wi-Fi, a decent bed, and a room that doesn't feel like it was decorated in 1984. The Delta Hotels Huntington Mall used to be a Holiday Inn, and you can still see some of those structural bones if you look closely enough. But the renovation into the Delta brand changed the vibe completely.
It’s modern. It’s clean. It’s functional.
The lobby is usually buzzing because of the connection to the mall and the proximity to the interstate. You’ll see business travelers on laptops and families wearing Marshall Thundering Herd jerseys. It’s a mix. Honestly, the best part isn't the thread count of the sheets—though they’re fine—it’s the fact that you can walk to the Texas Roadhouse or the mall cinema without needing to find a parking spot twice.
One thing most people don't realize is that this specific hotel is a massive hub for regional conferences. If you're here on a Tuesday, you might be sharing the elevator with fifty people in suits attending a medical seminar. On a Saturday? It’s all about the youth sports teams.
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Where the Location Wins (and Where it Doesn't)
Let’s talk about Barboursville. If you aren't from the area, you might think you're staying in Huntington. You aren't. You’re about 15 minutes away from downtown Huntington and the Marshall University campus. This is a crucial distinction. If you want to be within walking distance of the Joan C. Edwards Stadium, this isn't your spot.
However, if you want easy access to the Huntington Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in West Virginia, you are exactly where you need to be.
Why the Mall Proximity Matters
- Dining options: You have the food court, but more importantly, the perimeter of the mall is packed. Five Guys, Olive Garden, and local spots are right there.
- Convenience: Forgot your toothbrush? Need a new outfit for a meeting? You’re thirty seconds from a Macy's or a Dick's Sporting Goods.
- Safety: The area is well-lit and generally very safe for evening walks compared to some deeper urban pockets.
The downside? Traffic. The intersection near the mall is one of the busiest in the state. During the holidays or a big sales weekend, getting in and out of the hotel parking lot can feel like a tactical maneuver. You have to be patient.
The Room Situation
The rooms at the Delta Hotels Huntington Mall are designed with a specific philosophy: "Simple Made Perfect." That’s the brand slogan. What that looks like in real life is a lot of white linens, large TVs, and plenty of outlets. They actually put outlets where you need them, which is a weirdly rare thing in older hotels.
The bathrooms are usually the highlight of the renovation. Think walk-in showers with decent water pressure and those big bottles of soap bolted to the wall—good for the environment, kinda annoying if you like taking the little bottles home.
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Dealing with the Noise and the Crowds
Because it’s a popular spot, it can get loud. The walls aren't paper-thin, but they aren't vaults either. If there is a cheerleading competition or a wedding in the ballroom, you're going to hear it in the hallways.
One tip: ask for a room on a higher floor away from the elevators. It makes a world of difference. Also, the view. Don't expect the Swiss Alps. You’re looking at a parking lot, the interstate, or the roof of the mall. It’s an urban-suburban landscape. Embrace it.
The fitness center is actually better than you’d expect for a mid-range hotel. It’s not just one lonely treadmill in a closet. They have decent cardio equipment and some free weights. If you're a gym rat, you can get a real workout in here without feeling like you’re wasting your time.
Let's Talk About the Food (The Pitcher Plant)
Most hotels have a sad little bistro. The Delta Hotels Huntington Mall has the Pitcher Plant. It’s their on-site restaurant and bar.
Is it a five-star culinary experience? No. But it’s surprisingly solid for a hotel bar. They do breakfast, which isn't free unless it's included in your specific room rate or you have high-level Marriott Bonvoy status. The evening menu is standard American fare—burgers, salads, some flatbreads. It’s convenient when you’ve been driving for six hours and the thought of getting back in the car to go to the mall makes you want to cry.
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Also, they have a Starbucks "We Proudly Serve" station in the lobby. It’s not a full-scale Starbucks with the mobile app and the rewards, but it gets the caffeine into your system.
The Secret Utility of the Business Center
If you’re traveling for work, the Wi-Fi at the Delta is generally reliable. I’ve seen people running full Zoom calls in the lobby area without any lag. They have these little semi-private nooks that are great for knocking out a few hours of work before you head to your meeting in Huntington or Charleston.
Navigating the Marshall University Connection
If you are coming to town for a Marshall University event, the Delta Hotels Huntington Mall is the "safe" choice. The hotels closer to the university fill up months in advance for graduation or big rivalry games. This Delta is far enough away to usually have a room, but close enough that the Uber ride won't bankrupt you.
Just keep in mind that on game days, the hotel becomes an extension of the stadium. There will be tailgating vibes in the lobby. If you want peace and quiet, maybe check the football schedule before you book a weekend in October.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
To get the most out of your time at this property, you need to play the system a bit.
- Check the Event Calendar: Call the front desk and ask if there’s a block of rooms for a youth sports tournament. If there is, and you want sleep, ask for a room on a floor without any of those blocks.
- Use the App: Use the Marriott Bonvoy app for mobile check-in. The front desk can get backed up when a bus arrives, and skipping the line is a massive win.
- Explore Barboursville: Don't just stay at the mall. Drive five minutes into the actual "village" of Barboursville. There are some great local parks and a few independent shops that offer a break from the corporate mall feel.
- Parking: It's free. It's plenty. But if you arrive late on a Friday night, you might end up parking a bit further from the door.
- The Charleston Factor: If you have business in Charleston (the state capital), staying here is often cheaper than staying downtown in the city, and the drive is only about 45 minutes straight down the interstate.
The Delta Hotels Huntington Mall isn't trying to be a boutique luxury resort. It’s a high-functioning, clean, and incredibly convenient base camp for exploring the Huntington-Ashland-Ironton tri-state area. It does exactly what it says on the tin.