Spark by Hilton Ames

We arrived late with our one-year-old just hoping to get some sleep, and had a great stay at Spark by Hilton in Ames. The beds were really comfortable, the shower had great water pressure, and the staff were amazing. We’d definitely stay again if we’re passing through.

I stayed during the Christmas season and loved the fun, creative decorations. The remodel looks great, and the hotel was spotless. The staff seemed happy to be there, which says a lot about management. I’m getting married soon, and I’ll have family and friends book at Spark.

The staff members I dealt with directly were all wonderful and very kind. But the building was so noisy that I could hear the elevator several rooms away and people closing doors. Groups of adolescents ran through the hallways and slammed doors, waking and startling my infant son several times. It made it hard to rest during a long trip, though I don’t blame the employees for the groups. I booked here while traveling with my infant, and the cleanliness was below average. There were stink bugs in the bathroom, the shower took a long time to get hot, and some towels looked yellow and felt crunchy, with a very sour smell. I’m a Hilton Gold member, but I won’t stay here again.

There wasn’t coffee in the room, or even a cup, and the towels had holes. Breakfast meant cereal and some bread, and what they called apple juice was water. It was very bare-bones and not ideal, especially since the price was about the same as the Hilton two miles away. I should have looked into the new Spark brand more carefully.