Homewood Suites Phoenix Avondale

The room was spacious and felt luxurious enough that we added an extra night. Breakfast was the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had, with everything delicious, and the staff were kind and accommodating throughout. The only small drawback was a badly clogged shower drain, with water up to my ankles by the end. We’ll definitely be back soon.

The room was decent and had a full-size fridge, dishwasher, and stovetop with pots and pans, plus plates and utensils. It could use updating, though: there was a loose bathroom tile and the sink drained very slowly. The breakfast wasn’t worth much to me, but it works for kids, with cereal, oatmeal, powdered eggs, toast, bagels, and make-your-own waffles. There’s a Starbucks and Culvers nearby, and the sister property in the same parking lot has a restaurant inside.

Antoinette was warm and pleasant at check-in, and she made that part easy. The lobby looked decent, which gave us the wrong impression of the rest of the place. The hallways were dim, with old carpet and walls that looked worn. The elevator clicked loudly, and the carpet was so dark and grimy that it took a close look to notice how dirty it was. Our room had plenty of space and smelled okay, but the furniture was dated. A plastic piece on the wall was coming loose, the closet door squealed terribly, and the tub shifted and squeaked enough that my kids worried it might give way. From my height I could also see a crack at the top of the door if I stood on tiptoe. The place gave us a haunted-house feeling, especially in the corridors. My 13-year-old asked if he could sleep in the car, and kids on his team called it the haunted house. We didn't let him, of course. Given what they charge, I can't accept this condition when the hotel across the way is nicer. The included breakfast isn't enough to make me stay again. They also charge $5 for parking, though you could apparently park at Culver's and walk over for free.

Breakfast was missing the next morning because of an issue with the delivery truck. Irma was kind and apologized, offering Hilton points or a refunded night, though I was staying two nights and would have to contact the third-party site I booked through. I said I'd think it over. The night before, check-in had already taken longer than usual, and the elevator was broken on the way to my room. Once inside, I was hit by a strong smoke smell. I don't smoke, so I notice it right away. When I reported it, the attendant basically said people don't all follow the rules. At checkout the next day, the front desk employee got angry and yelled that I wasn't listening when I asked why he was raising his voice. That's not the hospitality I expected. This was my worst experience at a Hilton, by far. Don't go.