Tru by Hilton Florida City

I’d been nervous about staying here because the Google rating made me think the area, and maybe the hotel, would be run-down. That wasn’t my experience at all. Lizette greeted me and was lovely and helpful, and Ebony at the front desk was incredibly kind and friendly. The whole staff deserves credit. Breakfast was a real highlight, with sausage, eggs, pancakes made to order, and a bagel bar. The staff member running it was nice and clearly took pride in her work. Even the shower and the way the shampoo and other products are dispensed stood out. Breakfast is free, too. Everything feels brand new and beautiful, with lots of fun things to do. Hilton is my favorite place to stay, and this Hilton tru has activities while still fitting a budget. There’s also a brewery and taproom right nearby, plus a workout facility. Wow!

The bed was comfortable, the blackout blind worked great, and hot water came quickly. Still, I won’t stay here again. At about $225 a night, I expected a coffee maker and microwave in the room, a desk that could fit a laptop and notebook, and more space. None of that was there. Getting coffee meant taking the unreliable, rickety elevator down to the lobby. It got stuck several times during my stay, once with someone inside. For what they charge, this feels like a 2-star hotel with 5-star prices. There are lots of other hotels around, so you can find a better deal. I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The location worked especially well for my drive to the Keys. Staying outside Miami and closer to Key West meant I avoided the heavy traffic the next morning and saved at least an hour on the road. For a comfortable, reliable stop before heading down the islands, it’s a great choice. I was there for one night. The price seemed a bit high, though it was reasonable next to the other nearby options. The room was modern and clean, service was friendly, and included breakfast was a nice perk. A very solid four-star stay.

That bed was so comfy, and the pillows felt like they were from heaven. I liked them enough that I’m going to order the same ones for home. I stayed overnight on a motorcycle trip from Sarasota, and it made for a great stop before the morning ride to Key West. On the way back, I was thinking of staying again just for the bed. Breakfast was above regular, and there’s a gym. I think there’s a pool, but I’m not sure. The TV was big, though there weren’t many channels, which I didn’t care about. Parking felt safe for my bike. I left it by the front entrance, under cameras and lights, as one extra bit of security in our free world. Highly recommend. I didn’t take photos of the place, but I’ll attach my motorcycle and the pillow tag 🙏🏻