Hampton Inn Emporia

The location was excellent for travelers, parking was free and well lit, and there was an indoor pool and a minimal gym. The price still felt high for a two-star hotel. We had to change rooms because the bed's dust ruffle had a horrible crusty stain and there was a putrid smell. Front desk staff get four stars from me, five if there'd been an upgrade, but housekeeping gets none. I did leave a tip since they're probably overworked. Breakfast was typical unhealthy American food with few simple, single-ingredient options. Hard-boiled eggs get five stars, styrofoam cups get none. The coffee was bad, though the in-room coffee was one star better than downstairs. The room decor was odd, with five black-framed photos by the desk that didn't seem related. I hated the sliding barn door on the bathroom. It made no sense for a private room since it doesn't block sounds or smells or provide privacy.

We were worried after reading recent negative reviews, but the stay surprised us in a good way. It's an older, worn hotel, though it was clean and comfortable, and you could see efforts to update it. Breakfast was the usual Hampton fare, plentiful and restocked quickly.

The room was clean enough, but the sink faucet leaked across the counter and the laminate bathroom floor looked poorly installed. At 7 a.m., breakfast was cold, the oatmeal wasn't cooked, and it never got refilled. My husband asked the morning front desk person on 11/12 for disinfectant wipes for the gym, and she rudely said it wasn't her job. The cleaning staff didn't arrive until 8:30. This was a poor representation of the Hilton brand.

I paid a little more expecting a Hilton property, but this felt like a run-down motel, and I'm disappointed. The hotel is rundown and the service substandard. Check-in staff were cold and stern, though I could accept that. The room was tired, and the breakfast area was disappointing, with dirty, old furniture. I took a picture of the high chairs: the seat was completely worn, and the back was probably just as bad, so it had been covered. They were so worn I doubt a thrift store would accept them as donations. When I checked out at 10 a.m., no one was at reception. I waited a few minutes, along with other customers.