Spark by Hilton Glendale Phoenix North

We chose a third-floor room through the app the day before, since we didn’t want the first floor. When we arrived at 3:45, the posted check-in time of 3 had already passed, but the receptionist said our room wasn’t ready and promised it would take 25 minutes because they were cleaning it. We waited. About 30 minutes later she said they were nearly finished and blamed a late checkout, something she hadn’t mentioned before. At 1 hour and 45 minutes after check-in, the room still wasn’t ready. During all this, she kept trying to give us a first-floor room despite our explanation, first blamed staffing, then asked what we wanted her to do, and even offered to cancel our booking. We live four hours away, so that wasn’t a practical option. I feel she lied to us about the room being cleaned. My wife also heard her being rude to other customers. She shouldn’t be representing the Hilton Brand. The outside of the hotel made it look closer to 1.5 stars. I’d avoid off-brand Hilton properties.

The price was way too high for what felt like a medium-grade motel with a lobby. The rooms were cramped, and the remodel was poorly done. The tub didn’t feel solid underfoot. The bagels were cheap and tasteless. Staff were nice, but they didn’t do anything to fix problems. I’d look for a better option.

The calm in the space makes it easy to settle in, and somehow hard to leave. The welcome feels warm and well timed, while the menu stays focused without leaving you short on choices. It all feels familiar from the start. Nothing is trying to steal the spotlight, but the pieces fit together nicely and keep the outside noise at a distance.

Veronica at the front desk was the highlight. She was friendly, helpful, and deserves five stars, a raise, maybe employee of the year. She carried the place. The hotel itself feels like a renovation that tried hard but missed the mark by decades. The old-fashioned door handles and odd color choices make the building feel dated, and the fire sprinkler looked like it had been through a lot. The area was nice, though, and the rate was low for a Hilton. There was a bed and a shower, so the basics were covered. A little more care with the renovation could’ve made this a solid stay. Veronica, keep shining.