Hampton Inn by Hilton Columbus I-70E/Hamilton Rd

I've rarely had a worse hotel stay. The room was run-down and dirty, and the stairwells were wrecked. The excuse for a gym was closet-sized, smelled like urine, had no disinfecting wipes or towels, and was just gross. I wouldn't stay here again under any circumstances.

I paid $104 for the night, but the place felt worth about $25. The inside was run down and dirty, the worst Hampton Inn I've seen. We arrived around 12:30 a.m. and the check-in was friendly, but when I saw the room I would've asked for a refund and left if my daughter hadn't talked me into staying. The dressers had cigarette burns despite it being a non-smoking hotel; curtains had dirt and food, a pillowcase was stained, and the nightstands and dresser had chips missing. The walls had marks, food, and other stuff. There was a portable electric heater in the hall, at least two rooms had doors propped wide open and seemed empty, the hallway was dirty, and the elevator looked like it had never been wiped down. I had my small corgi service dog with me and told them at check-in. The night auditor said she'd note him on the room. In the morning, the auditor asked if I was staying there, what room I was in, and where my service dog paperwork was. Actual service dogs don't have paperwork, and I would've gladly explained what service he provides if asked. They need to learn how to comply with ADA rules. I went to another nearby Hampton Inn in the morning, and it was a world of difference. The Hamilton Rd location needs a serious cleaning. It was awful.

We got in around 3, and when a friend dropped out they removed that charge without a fee. Later, we went swimming pretty late, and staff switched on the lights and let us keep swimming after closing. Both rooms were spotless when we checked them. The cleaning crew did a great job.

I've stayed here several times because of events nearby, but this may be my last visit. I arrived after 8 p.m., just behind an angry man who was told his reservation was actually for the following night and that the hotel was full. I mention it because they assigned me room 333, at the end of the third-floor hall. Late at night I realized the door only clicked and bounced back open. I tried shutting it from inside and pulling it shut from outside, but it wouldn't latch unless I slammed it very hard. That left me feeling insecure. In the morning I found the sink filthy around the sealed-looking join, and its drain plug wouldn't open. I couldn't pry it up, so thankfully I had run water before brushing my teeth. I ended up brushing in the shower. The room needs a deep clean, and the air needs purifying. It was stuffy, so we turned on the AC to circulate some fresh air. This isn't the Hilton standard I've come to expect over the years. I can't comment on breakfast because I'm leaving without eating. I'd suggest arriving early enough to ask for another room if yours isn't up to standard. I didn't ask because I'd already heard the hotel was full. If you get room 333, check the door and sink during your walkthrough, before the hotel fills up.