DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport - The Good, the Bad, and the Shower That Could Pressure-Wash a…read moreRhino
I've stayed here several times in both the North and South Towers, so I feel qualified to offer a public service announcement.
First, the positives. The lobby is beautiful, clean, and welcoming. The restaurant looks very nice... although after seeing the menu prices, my wallet politely declined the invitation. The rooms themselves are perfectly decent and clean.
Now let's discuss the pillows. Whoever designed these fiberfill monstrosities clearly has a grudge against necks. They've been hugged into submission by thousands of guests before me and have evolved into random clumps of stuffing with absolutely no interest in supporting a human head. Sleeping on one is like cuddling a sack of marshmallows that lost the will to live.
If you're booking a room, I'd recommend the North Tower if possible. The South Tower gets blasted by the afternoon sun, and those rooms definitely run warmer.
The fitness center is... unique. It's surrounded by glass. If you've always dreamed of doing cardio while strangers judge your treadmill form like you're in a zoo exhibit, congratulations--this is your place. If you prefer exercising without an audience, maybe just go for a walk outside.
The indoor pool exists. That's about the nicest thing I can say. It's tiny. More "oversized bathtub" than "resort oasis."
Each room has a refrigerator, which is great. But if you brought leftovers or meal prep that needs heating, prepare for a pilgrimage. There is exactly ONE microwave for the entire hotel, conveniently located near the front desk. You'll march from whichever tower you're staying in, microwave your food, and then stand there while the security camera politely reminds you every few seconds with a cheerful DING! DING! DING! that yes, it absolutely knows you're standing there waiting for your Hot Pocket.
Now... let's talk about the real MVP of this hotel.
The shower.
I honestly don't remember the North Tower having the same setup, but the South Tower had a removable handheld showerhead with multiple spray settings, enough hot water to melt glaciers, and water pressure strong enough to strip paint. For the first time in my life, I was convinced I had actually rinsed every molecule of shampoo and conditioner out of my hair.
Ladies... one word of caution.
After washing your more delicate regions, resist the temptation to switch that showerhead to "Power Wash." Trust me. Some things were never meant to experience that much hydraulic force.
Unfortunately, the shower wasn't perfect. Even with the drain fully open, the tub steadily filled with water. By the end of my shower I was standing in what felt like a small freshwater lake creeping toward my knees.
The bathroom also had an odd issue. I had to keep the bathroom door closed because there was a constant sound of running water coming from the vent above the toilet. Whether it was plumbing from another room or something else, it sounded like someone upstairs had been taking the world's longest shower.
Overall, this DoubleTree has a nice lobby, decent rooms, friendly amenities, and one absolutely legendary shower. Fix the pillows, add a few microwaves, unclog the tub drains, and maybe give us gym-goers a little privacy, and this place would be an easy recommendation.
I've decided I'm taking away stairs because the air-conditioning anymore because I'm laying down and sleeping and he wants to shut off and the TV did the same automatic deductions I only took away one star I should take away all the stars
