Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex

The front desk guy seemed cool, and the location was good, apparently the only available option downtown. I only checked in and out, so can't say much about the service. But at $225 a night, the room was worse than a Super 8. There was dust everywhere, even about a quarter inch on the lights and in crevices, plus hairs on the blankets and damage around the thermostat and bathroom ceiling. I was told the elevator required a key to reach the floor, but it didn't. Noise included clanging poles in the hall at 10 a.m., like bunk beds being built, late cleaning, a sliding glass door, vacuuming, slamming doors, thumping, traffic, and sirens. There was no building parking. Parking across the street cost $15 a night, and the Overstreet Hall route leads to the convention center, not the hotel, so getting there meant a long walk or crossing a busy road in bad weather.

Had I known rooms were being remodeled next to occupied rooms, I would have booked somewhere else. I stayed Saturday for a social engagement and was woken at 9 a.m. Sunday by active construction directly above or beside my room. No one mentioned the work when I booked or checked in. This was full renovation noise, not ordinary background sound, and rest was impossible. That's a management choice that reflects poorly on the guest experience and brand standards. I wouldn't recommend staying until the renovations are done or guests are properly informed and kept away from construction areas.

The 16th floor views and good cocktails at 350 on First made it a hidden CR gem. We had a very pleasant two-night stay, with comfortable, clean rooms and terrific city views. The staff were excellent, especially Brady and the woman at the desk midweek. We'll come back next time we're in town.

At the 16th floor restaurant, I sat at the bar around 5:35 p.m. and wasn't acknowledged until 6. The bartender was clearly overwhelmed and couldn't keep up. Eva arrived and helped the many of us who weren't being served, and she did a fantastic job that deserves recognition. The hotel also failed to tell me the building's water would be shut off from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for renovation. I checked in around 3:30 and it was still off; the desk said it would stay off until 5. That really wasn't acceptable and could have been communicated in several ways. Management, guests shouldn't have to deal with poor service and bad communication.