DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton

We checked into an eighth-floor room around 2 a.m. for one night on a road trip. At 8 a.m. sharp, the ceiling seemed to explode with drilling, jackhammers, and shaking so intense it felt like the walls and bed were moving. I called the front desk, and was told nothing could be done because “everyone knows about it.” Apparently that memo missed me. The noise was like an industrial assault, or being strapped into an IMAX, Dolby, laser-light show in New York City, complete with ringing ears. I was awake, then suddenly wondering if someone was about to drill into my skull. The desk's response did nothing to help. So should people avoid this place until renovations are done, or should everyone get to experience the same construction simulator together? I'll keep pondering that on my upcoming six-hour drive, running on too little sleep, mild rage, and a faint ring in my ears. Bring earplugs, or better yet, don't come. Not recommended.

I saw an altercation at the bar on Friday between bartender Annemarie and a group who had just come back from a funeral. She seemed focused on one guest and was doing a terrible job managing the bar. One man tried for over 10 minutes to get her attention before waving her over. She snapped at him and berated him in front of everyone. He tried several times to end it with “ok” and “thank you,” but she kept going. Then her friend tried to act tough and threatened to beat the guest up. I blame Annemarie for not doing her job professionally in the first place. The man who was verbally attacked and threatened left with his group and went to the desk. Afterward, Anne Marie kept badmouthing him to other patrons, calling the group classless and making other derogatory remarks, including calling people “folk.” Part of the group were people of color, and “folk” is often used as a derogatory term. I was appalled that she left the bar, berated a customer twice, and nearly caused a physical altercation. I won't stay here or sit at that bar again. I'll go to the Holiday Inn down the street. The place should take a hard look at the people working the bar. She was rude, bad at the job, and talked nonstop about how bad the place is to work.

The suite was so clean and the beds were VERY comfortable. It had two queen beds, two bathrooms, and two large areas: a bedroom with a bathroom, plus a living and dining space with another bathroom, sink, and fridge. There was a TV in each area, and someone said it was bigger than their first apartment. Parking was easy and secure. The lobby was beautiful, and those warm cookies were such a nice welcome on a cold day. We had a staycation there last night for a friend's birthday and had the best time. What more could you ask for?

We've stayed with Hilton brands for years and are loyal Hilton customers, so this was a real letdown. At check-in, the young woman was rude, seemed annoyed to help, and didn't even say hello. When I said I wanted to check in, she silently made the keys, tossed them on the counter, and walked away. I waited because I needed parking information and hoped to get the cookies DoubleTree hotels are known for, but she showed no intention of offering them. When she came back and saw me there, she said, “You’re all done,” as if my presence annoyed her. She was just as irritated when I asked about parking. We gave our feedback to a manager. She apologized, but didn't seem especially concerned and offered nothing to make things right. The location is ideal for our trips to this area, but I doubt we'll return.