Hampton Inn & Suites Fultondale Birmingham I 65, AL

We waited almost two hours past check-in before the digital key arrived. At first, staff said our room hadn't been cleaned after a full night, but they couldn't say when it would be ready. They were rude and unapologetic, and the manager had already gone home. Hilton customer service reached her, and she claimed the room was ready but the digital key wasn't working, so I should come in for a physical key. The desk employee then said she'd gone to the bathroom and the room still wasn't ready. When I asked which explanation was true, I was told to go find somewhere else. I never saw the manager. Very poor service and extremely rude staff.

We had to leave before breakfast because of the appointment that brought us to town, and service doesn't start until 7 on weekends. We noticed other guests heading out without eating, too. Otherwise, the room was spacious and clean, the staff were polite and kind, and the location worked perfectly, with several places to get supper nearby. Great hotel.

The beds were really comfortable, we slept well, and the room was quiet with decent walls. The pool looked clean, and breakfast and free parking are available. Most cars seem to gather out front, though there is more parking behind the hotel. The location worked well for my trip, right off the interstate and only minutes from the downtown Alabama venue I was visiting. There are several places to eat nearby. A new ChicfilA was still being built, with workers active at 2 am and again at 10 when we checked out. Staff were nice, and someone texted shortly after check-in to see if everything was okay. I was puzzled to see the TV welcome someone else. The clerk paused and restarted something while handing me the keys, so I wondered if she'd switched my room and whether the other guest got a better one. I booked because of the high Google rating, but cleanliness could use more attention. It wasn't filthy, yet it felt like they were spot-cleaning quickly instead of giving the room a thorough pass. Scuffs, chips, peeling spots, crumbs, and stains were also left for housekeeping or maintenance to address. Comfort away from home matters, and I don't like paying to stay somewhere that makes me wonder what shortcuts were taken. It wasn't the worst hotel I've stayed at, and the stay wasn't a bust, but I'm tired of paying and not being satisfied at check-in. I probably wouldn't book here again.

There are two restaurants just a few steps away, which was handy. The property is newer and modern, with plenty of grassy space for dogs and fully stocked stations with poop bags. Staff were caring and friendly. I'm not usually someone who gives five stars, but this place was exceptional for a dog-friendly stay.