Hampton Inn Evanston

My in-laws stayed here while the hotel was being renovated. They said the lower floor looked terrible, and breakfast was unbearable, with boiled eggs like rubber. Booking by phone and changing dates also took a long time, which we're learning seems to be a Western culture thing. Nothing stood out overall, despite this being called the nicest and cleanest hotel in town.

The room was spacious and mostly clean, but it had a strange smell. The bed was hard, the cover felt really scratchy, and the blackout curtains let in light around the edges early in the morning. One robe hook had come out of the wall, leaving a big hole in the drywall. I reported it, though I'm not sure staff understood it was already like that when we arrived. The AC and heat wall control didn't work, so you have to use the old school controls on the unit under the windows. The rooms seem caught between renovated and original, or maybe this is the finished version. The doors had room numbers printed on white printer paper, which looked weird. Renovations were mentioned on the website, but I didn't expect to have to step over wall framing, tools, and nails to reach the front desk or get out of the hotel. The workers were nice, though it seemed like it might be an OSHA violation. My partner said breakfast was the standard Hilton offering. Parking was free. I'm not sure I'd stay again, but it's the only Hilton family hotel for a long distance. Maybe there are other hotels.

Aside from this, the hotel is great, with friendly staff and clean, comfortable rooms. But based on my experience, Elevator 1 seems to be running steel on steel and could leave someone trapped for an extended time. I told both the night and day staff. They said the manager had decided not to take it out of service and thought it just needed grease. That seems irresponsible given the possible safety risk. Good luck to anyone taking Elevator 1.

The rooms are older, but everything was spotless, especially the shower. Everyone working there was friendly, smiling, and seemed happy to be there. The breakfast bar was well stocked, and the woman running it was very nice. I wish they had whole milk instead of only 2% and skim, but the coffee was good. We really enjoyed staying here for a night on our way across the country. One of the best Hampton hotels I've stayed at in years. Compliments to the team.