DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte Gateway Village

The location was great for my conference at Johnson and Wales. I could walk out the door and be where I needed to go in a minute. My room had great views, and the staff were so nice it was ridiculous. They gave me a warm cookie at check-in. The place was clean and comfortable. I ate at the restaurant twice: the steak dinner was good the first night, but the broccolini was so salty I couldn't eat it for health reasons. The burger the second night was probably the best I've had in years, really good. I'd definitely come back.

Linda at the front desk made our mornings with her smile and warm, accommodating manner. Erin also deserves a mention: she handled around 15 changes to our company room block as the plans shifted. Everyone welcomed us warmly, and the rooms were clean and had what we needed. It's easy to walk downtown, and the rates were much better. We'd be happy to return with a group.

The room was clean and pleasant, but the bedding didn't breathe well. Parking in the garage costs $21 a day, which felt excessive, and the EV charger is reserved for Hertz cars rather than hotel guests. At night the area is very quiet, with only one or two bar and grill places within walking distance besides the hotel restaurant. As a woman, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable walking around alone there after dark because it's so deserted, though it didn't seem unsafe. If I come back to the area, I'd look for somewhere in the business district.

Linda, who I think was working the evening shift, was so friendly and helpful. She moved me to another room within minutes after I reported that the first had a dirty tub that wouldn't drain and a cockroach in my towel. The replacement room seemed cleaner, and Linda was personable and made recommendations whenever I asked. Still, the hotel felt old and dirty for its brand and price, and I wouldn't return. Some floors seem to have been smoking floors in the past, and the lack of common areas to sit was inconvenient.