Valley Hotel Homewood Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton

The staff and food were fantastic, which is why I gave it three stars, but I expected more from a four-star hotel. The room had some real problems. My toddler found someone else's ABC tobacco pouch on the headboard and put it in her mouth. The toilet wouldn't flush, so we avoided using it for number two. There was body wash and conditioner but no shampoo dispenser, and the fridge was frozen and didn't chill things properly. We also had no microwave to heat food for our two babies. At $216 a night, even a cheap rate, I wouldn't stay again. At the regular price, I'd probably give it two stars.

I've been a Hilton Honors member for years and never had a problem before. We come here every year for my birthday on 12/31, and I've always gotten an upgrade after requesting one. This time the desk clerk refused, saying it was because I'd picked a room online. I asked to speak with the manager; she went to the back, came out a minute later, and just said sorry. Maybe they prefer money to points. We might skip next 12/31. The check-in service was bad.

The downstairs public bathroom was awful, with a toilet clogged full of feces and toilet paper. It clearly hadn't been checked or cleaned recently. In our room, the carpet was visibly grimy and stained, and sewer flies were buzzing around. That was gross and made me worry about hygiene and upkeep. My family's whole experience was unpleasant. I wouldn't recommend this hotel or come back.

For what they charge, this hotel doesn't measure up. It looks nice and the staff are very nice, but inside it feels like an empty shell. The bed was old and sagged, the soap dispenser was empty and never refilled, and the room never warmed up. The snack area had nothing but gummy bears. Way overpriced.