DoubleTree by Hilton El Paso Downtown

The room felt surprisingly modern and spacious, and the atmosphere was nice. I’d looked at the pictures on review sites and the Hilton app and thought the rooms looked dated, so I was worried after staying at the Courtyard across the street a couple of months earlier. The bathroom was nice, and the Crabtree and Evelyn soaps were amazing. There was also a clean, folded item, I assume, which gave me some peace of mind. There was no mini fridge or microwave, which was disappointing, and the pool was freezing despite the hot weather. Parking costs $20, so keep that in mind when booking. Still, I’d be satisfied with the modern room and pleasant feel.

The front desk staff were welcoming and professional, and I enjoyed the breakfast. Still, I’ve watched the DoubleTree Downtown decline. As a sales rep, it used to be my regular hotel, but this recent stay was disappointing. The carpet looked dirty, and the drapes were worn and dingy. Housekeeping was inconsistent. During my four-day stay, service didn’t come until 4:30 p.m. one day, so the room wasn’t cleaned. The shower had weak pressure and the drain stopper didn’t seal properly. Lighting was so poor I could barely see, and I don’t want to leave the drapes open at night when people can see in. Better bulbs or more lighting would help. The upkeep and service need serious attention. Unless things improve, I’ll book elsewhere. I’d also convinced my coworker to stay here, and she was very disappointed. She’ll go back to the other Hilton Garden Inn by UTEP.

At $200 a night, I expected the hotel to be in much better shape. The property looks and feels worn, though the rooms are spacious and the towels were clean and crisp. The furniture, walls, and carpet need attention. The elevators were slow, and the halls could get noisy after 7 a.m. There’s a restaurant and coffee shop on site, but no complimentary coffee or breakfast. It’s expensive for what you get.

I was hoping for a relaxing stay, but the amenities were a big disappointment. The listing photos and description didn’t match, and the pool area was under construction. When a false fire alarm went off at 3:45 a.m., the front desk employee wasn’t helpful. There was no coffee downstairs in the lobby, and he seemed upset that guests had come down looking for answers. No apology, either.