Hilton Garden Inn Destin Commons

The restaurant was the biggest letdown. The hotel had been open for more than 10 days, but it still wasn't available. On our first day they said it might open during our stay. The next morning, we were told it wouldn't open until the following week. With those mixed messages, I was running to Publix at 7:00 a.m. to get breakfast. If I'd known the restaurant would be closed, I could have planned ahead. We hoped they'd work out the kinks, but I decided to check out early instead of waiting around. The hotel needs more time before it's ready for regular guests. On the plus side, I think we were the first people in our room: there wasn't a garbage can or a hair dryer.

After driving for 17 hours, I found women's cosmetics all over my filthy room and decided not to complain right away. There wasn't even a trash can, so I put my garbage in a bag. The next day, no one was at the front desk again. I had to call out loudly before someone came from the back. When I asked for a manager, I was told none was available, and there were no business cards. I raised my concerns, and the employee asked why I hadn't come down for a trash bin. That's not my job. She said they were still having issues during a soft opening. Why open if everything isn't ready? The hotel is barely open and already has problems, yet charges $215 a night. Hilton has been declining lately, so I'd choose a competitor. It's a brand-new hotel and they can't get it together, which makes me think management is a joke. I still haven't heard from anyone. Hopefully this warns other people: spend your hard-earned money somewhere else.