Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck Northwest

After we lost our daughter the day after Christmas, got sick from the services, and kept working, we needed a few restful days away. The first night was wonderful and I got some sleep. The following evenings were awful, with children running up and down the stairs and hallways and riding the elevator. Someone kept knocking on our door and running off, so my husband kept answering it. A staff member asked if he’d seen any kids. He said yes, they’d gone toward the stairs, and explained what was happening. She said she was trying to find them, but the noise continued until about 4 am. When I told general manager Regina Flowers, her response was very reserved. She said I’d know what it was like if I’d ever stayed in a hockey hotel, and that I should be used to it. She also said she would do something about our bill, but nothing happened. As a Diamond member, I expected real concern and an appropriate response. This isn’t the hospitality we’re used to from the Hilton Brand.

You have to ask for a fridge if you want one. My first visit a few months ago was beyond what I expected, everything was perfect. On my second stay, there was no fridge, a musty smell, screws sticking out in the bathroom, and the room felt pretty icky. The hotel must be doing renovations, so I hope all the rooms end up as nice as the one I had on my first visit.

My fiancée and I had to switch rooms because the fan in ours didn’t work. The front desk got us another room without a problem, and its fan works. But now a bright light shines into the room, almost like daylight. The dark shades don’t close all the way, so we’re stuck trying to get much-needed sleep with that annoying light coming in.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. I was surprised the room didn’t have a fridge or microwave. I can’t remember the last time I stayed at a hotel, especially a decent one, without them, so pay attention when booking. I thought they were standard in budget-friendly, higher-end hotels. Lesson learned. The bathroom also has what looks like an obvious building code violation: a GFCI should be installed in bathrooms or at any outlet within 6 feet of a water source. The shower door is a nice touch, but it doesn’t close or stay shut.