DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

The bar was a great spot to hang out, eat, and drink, and everyone there was attentive, kind, and helpful. Our rooms were clean and the bathrooms well stocked. Around 300 of us were staying here for an event, all arriving within the same three hours, but check-in with Sierra at the front desk went smoothly. She was amazing, attentive, and helpful. Parking was easy and plentiful. I like this hotel a lot and can see it becoming our regular choice for this event.

The hotel is very nice, but Sierra at the front desk made the strongest impression. While checking in several guests at once, she was personable and efficient, keeping things moving without losing her friendly, welcoming manner. Excellent first impression and customer service.

Check-in was quick and easy, and the room was clean, with everything in order. The breakfast was the disappointment. We paid $15 per person ahead of time, but the coffee was awful, some food was stale and bland, and the person sitting outside the door seemed mostly disagreeable when asked for help or information. I wouldn't recommend eating there. There's a place across the street that looks like it might take breakfast more seriously, especially when guests are paying for it.

I travel for work and stay in hotels often, and this was a pretty subpar stay. It was the first time a hotel flat-out refused to charge the company card on file that had been used to book the room. I had to pay myself and get reimbursed. They said it was policy, but it's an inconvenience for me and other work travelers. During my three nights, I nearly slipped in the shower about a dozen times. I asked the front desk for something to help after the first night, but they didn't have anything, so watch out for that safety issue. After checkout, I was charged for water bottles I hadn't taken. I called and got the charge refunded, but I wonder how many people get billed for the same thing and decide it's not worth calling. Usually I don't have issues with Hilton hotels, but these little problems added up. The Marriott family will stay my first choice for hotels.