Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central

I've stayed here several times because my house caught fire and I needed somewhere to stay. The price is reasonable, and the rooms have good beds and TVs. They've done good work updating the rooms, though they're not perfect. No hotel is flawless, even at $300 a night and five stars. Service has been really good. I usually arrive around 11 or midnight, and staff come right out to help. At other hotels, I've waited ten minutes without anyone showing up. The location is convenient, just off I-25, with bright lighting and a couple of restaurants and a gas station nearby. Just don't expect the Hilton experience because Hilton is in the name. Spark by Hilton used to be a Hampton Inn. Would I stay again? Obviously, I've already been back many times.

I had a bad feeling when I checked in, but decided to give the place a chance. I should've trusted my gut. The room was dirty, with food bits all over the floor along the bed. I kept feeling bites and saw red marks on my ankles. When I checked my back for bumps, I pulled back the sheets and found black specks and what looked like a bug's head. I took a picture and went straight to the front desk after stripping off my clothes and showering. The man working there seemed unimpressed and showed no concern. From his reaction, this seems like a normal occurrence there. This is a rundown motel with Hilton's name slapped on it, and the photos don't look like the actual place. Spend the extra $150 and go somewhere else. You couldn't pay me to stay again. I'd give it minus ten stars. Edit: They apparently don't allow photos, but I took one of the bug in the bed to show the staff.

The rooms are updated and super clean, and the staff were amazing. What matters most to me is cleanliness and a comfortable bed, and the bed and pillows were just right, neither too soft nor too firm. It's clearly an older hotel, and the paint and overall look could use work, but I'll be back for the clean room and great sleep.

The staff were friendly and accommodating, but I won't stay here again, even though I expect to be in the area often. The website said there'd be a buffet breakfast, but it was just muffins, bagels, cereal, and yogurt, with no meat, waffles, or pancakes like at most hotels. There was no coffee maker in the room. The microwave didn't work, and when I asked, I was told they'd been approved for removal from the rooms, so I could use the lobby one. Only the first-floor ice machine worked, and just one elevator was running. The fridge and heater made thumping sounds at night. Someone stared at me while I was swimming, so I suggest they address the fact that people can see into the pool.