DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown Capitol

Tucker was friendly and helpful, and the valet service actually worked out well for me, which is rare at other places I've stayed. I drive a sports car with a manual transmission that's pretty hard for most people to drive, but Tucker handled it like he'd driven it all his life. The car was ready whenever I needed it. I was in Austin for a business conference, and it was relentless. Having a clean room, friendly staff, and a great bar selection made the stay much better.

The rooms have a lot in them, including a microwave, full-size fridge, and cookware, so it feels more like an Airbnb than a hotel. Overnight entry requires a key, but you don't need an annoying key card just to use the elevator. One of the best Doubletrees around, and it actually delivers when so many others are getting worse.

It's near downtown, so the location is decent. The rooms felt dark and gloomy, though, with not much natural or artificial light. In the back half of the building, the windows face a parking garage wall and barely let any light in. Some of the night and desk staff were a little rude, although others were very nice.

The underground self-parking is a nightmare, with constant 90-degree turns, and there's no longer valet service. My room's air conditioner didn't work, and the temperature stayed around 75° to 77° no matter what I did. The room lighting was limited and dim, the dining-room light/fan didn't work, and the only ice machine was on the second floor. I come to Austin at least four times a year, and this hotel is convenient for my meetings near the capital. Still, I won't be back and will stay somewhere else from now on.