Homewood Suites by Hilton Carlisle

The breakfast buffet was the most memorable part of my stay, and Gina, the Kitchen Manager, made the experience. There was an amazing, creative selection every day: beef brisket tacos, BBQ pulled pork, delicious sausage, Canadian bacon and bacon rotating daily, and home fries or potatoes prepared differently each day. Wednesday night’s social gathering added more fun food, plus free beer and wine. Gina makes you feel like family, clearly cares about the food and guests, and even found a safety pin and ran to the elevator to give it to me before I went upstairs. I’d go back to Carlisle just to see her again. Amanda, the front desk Manager, also made sure the bathroom floor was cleaned after I showed the staff how dirty it was. Chito, my room person, went above and beyond during my weeklong stay. The room was a pleasant King 'suite', despite some damage to the coffee table in front of the sofa. The lobby fragrance affected me because I’m fragrance-sensitive, but thankfully it wasn’t in the room or hallways. I was pleasantly surprised when I first arrived, and my company had chosen the location for its proximity to the office. It was easy to find aside from a little confusion near road work close to the hotel. Well done, Homewood Suites, Gina, and Chito. I’m trying to think of a reason to return!

The staff were the best part, especially Gina, the kitchen manager. She was a sweetheart, ran a great kitchen, and made both breakfast and the social night wonderful. The hotel was the cleanest I’ve seen in a long time, and I felt safe. But the mattress was so hard I couldn’t sleep the first night. I’d gone a day early to rest up, and that didn’t happen. It felt like they’d run out of medium comfort mattresses and put in an extra firm one. I bought a 100 dollar mattress topper just to get through my reservation, which I shouldn’t have had to do at this price. I don’t know what happened to the Hilton bedding, but this was the hardest bed I’ve ever found in a Hilton, and other guests complained too, so it wasn’t just my room. I also got no response from the GM after asking several times for her to contact me, and felt avoided. I won’t stay there next time I go back. The rest of the hotel is nice, but getting a good night’s sleep is essential on a business trip.

I won't be coming back. The rooms are worn down, and the whole hotel smelled of cigarettes. Breakfast was especially uncomfortable: the staff watched everyone serve themselves, then stood right behind people to clean up and kept staring while they ate until they left. It happened throughout the breakfast area.

The room door couldn't be locked when we left. Its deadbolt only worked from inside, which was a serious worry with our two young children. The front desk first sent a dismissive “I’m sorry to hear that” text. When my husband followed up in person, he was told nothing could be done until maintenance was available, and maintenance wouldn't be in during our stay, so the problem never got fixed. The hotel was clean and well kept, and breakfast was excellent, with fresh fruit, omelets, and lots of choices. Gina, the breakfast attendant, was kind and attentive, and Amanda, the manager, was professional and responsive when we spoke the next day. Those things made the stay feel like it could have been five stars, but a room that can't be secured is unacceptable. Safety should have been a priority.