Homewood Suites by Hilton Richmond-Chester

April was cheerful at breakfast and helped me find something I was looking for. The food was tasty and there was plenty of it. We also enjoyed eating in the comfortable breakfast room, with its big TV and fireplace. Samantha checked in with us again there, asked about our evening and whether she could do anything else, then told us we didn’t need to rush out, since the weather was poor for driving. Her route advice was helpful. The evening social ran for two hours and had delicious homemade hot food and drinks. Coffee, including decaf, and tea were available around the clock. Samantha also told us the pool and fitness center hours. The suite had everything needed to store, cook, and serve food, including a dishwasher. The bed was top notch, the pool was good, clean ice was just steps away, and the key card door lock worked flawlessly. Check-in with Shaynia was easy, and she was friendly and engaging. We’d booked two double beds online, then asked about switching to a king when we arrived. General Manager Samantha overheard and graciously approved the upgrade at no extra charge. She greeted us at check-in and was there to say goodbye when we left. The whole experience was excellent. Rosa Italian Restaurant beside the hotel is worth a stop for top notch food and service, and Hardee’s is right off the parking lot for a quick lunch.

The shower was amazing, with fantastic pressure, and the room itself was nice and clean. But the room we booked wasn’t available. They called the king room an upgrade, even though we had three kids, so it didn’t work for us. There were no linens for the pullout couch, and when I went to the desk, they said they were out of pillows. We just wanted to get out early the next morning, but breakfast wasn’t ready at the advertised 6:30. At 6:45 the guy was still looking for things, so we had to get breakfast at Hardee’s.

We had a good stay, and the staff were all kind and helped us out. We’d booked a two bedroom suite for our group, but the pullout bed was broken. Breakfast was great, and April & Shaniya were especially hospitable.

The gym was tiny and had so little equipment that it was hard to get any real workout in. The room, on the other hand, was clean, comfortable, and in good shape, with a fresh, modern look. Staff were around when needed and handled things smoothly. They also put out towels and bags for the soccer players caught in the rain, which helped keep everyone dry and clean. It felt like a friendly, easygoing new place, with genuine, helpful people. Nothing major to complain about.