We are Diamond members, traveling constantly for our kids' competitive sports, often choosing…read moreHilton without hesitation. This trip was no different--after a seven-hour road trip, the four of us (plus my service dog) rolled in, dreaming of a quick swim and some relaxation. Spoiler alert: that dream died fast.
We used the Hilton app to check in, but I went down to the desk for a second key so my husband and I could both access the room and amenities. I gave my room number, and--without asking for my name, ID, or even confirming I belonged there--the employee just handed me a key and said, "Have a good night." I'm sorry, WHAT? That's not customer service, that's a security disaster waiting to happen.
We stayed in room 504, where we were greeted by a musty, dirty odor strong enough to knock you backward. The room looked like it hadn't seen a dust cloth in years. The bathtub? Absolutely disgusting. Several light bulbs were out. The beds were lumpy and uncomfortable, the whole place felt like a tropical rainforest with the humidity, and the Wi-Fi (which I need for my work as a REALTOR®) didn't connect at all. To top it off, the shower had no hot water, and by morning, I'd developed a sore throat.
The pool was supposed to be our redemption moment. Instead, an interior light fixture came loose while my kids were in the water. We immediately got them out and told the staff. Two hours later, the pool was still open and people were still swimming like nothing happened. Because apparently, here, safety hazards double as "added ambiance."
Then there's the "pet relief" area--a 5x5 patch of grass that looked like a landmine field of other dogs' poop, with shards of glass scattered throughout. The bag dispensers were empty, not that I didn't bring my own. My poor service dog deserves better than that.
And just when I thought I'd seen it all, I spotted exposed wires on the 5th floor, seemingly connected to a security camera. Nothing says "welcome" quite like loose electrical wiring.
The one and only pleasant surprise? Breakfast. It was actually good--shockingly good, given everything else. Unfortunately, one decent meal doesn't erase the fact that this stay was dirty, unsafe, uncomfortable, and far below the standard Hilton promises, especially for Diamond members.