Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs

The lobby is beautiful and open, and the decor feels Vegas-level without being as gaudy. The beds were comfortable, the pillows just right, and the AC had plenty of power. It’s a bit farther from the airport, but worth the drive or a rideshare or two if that works for you. There’s no free breakfast, and not even coffee in the lobby. The rooms do have little coffee makers, and there’s a lobby coffee shop with Starbucks-like drinks. I didn’t check out the pool.

After I checked out, I noticed an extra $4 charge on my card that wasn’t on the bill I received. Nobody had mentioned any additional charges when I checked in, so I had to investigate what it was. It turned out to supposedly be a mandatory state improvement charge. I wasn’t told about it at any point, and only got a receipt after the charge appeared. When I was transferred to the hotel, the person I spoke with was rude and basically said they didn’t know what to tell me. Be aware that you may see extra charges after your stay without being told about them.

I’m due to check in tomorrow, but a personal situation came up and I needed last-minute changes to my reservation. I was freaking out when I called, and Makayla, I’m not sure I have the spelling right, was incredibly kind and helpful. She sorted out the reservation perfectly and even offered the sweetest words of encouragement while I rambled about what was going on.

The location is decent, and the hotel has newer updates. My first room had AC trouble that wasn’t easy to fix. The AC worked in the next room, but the tub spigot and shower head were really loose, with a lot of movement, and almost pulled out of the wall. They tried to fix them, but they still move a lot. It’s not a deal breaker, and I’d consider staying here again.