hotelVetro Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

My only real issue was how clearly the hallway noise carried into my room. Maybe the stone floors pass sound along more than carpet would, but nights stayed loud until everyone else on the floor went to bed. The room itself was excellent, spacious and comfortable, with a nice kitchenette and bathroom.

The hotel is in a walkable spot, and Miriam was helpful throughout a check-in mess. The desk was empty when we arrived. She'd gone to help another resident in a room, and I learned she was the only person working and had to leave the desk to assist guests because the hotel wasn't staffed well enough. I can't fault her, but Nick, the General Manager, wasn't there to support her. As a CPO for a large nonprofit, I was shocked by the poor management. The room looked stylish, but the fancy touch light didn't work, the curtains wouldn't open all the way, and the bathroom's sliding door stuck so badly it felt like it might break when opened. There were lots of bells and whistles, but the room felt designed for looks instead of function and like a rip-off. A pity, since the hotel is well placed for walking around.

Communication with staff was a problem, and even simple requests became a hassle. You have to remind them several times to clean your room or it may not get done, and for a Hilton the beds weren't changed often enough. There was no breakfast, despite what Booking.com and similar sites say, so ask ahead about any amenity that's promised or you may be disappointed. The hotel is right in the middle of the city, but you can get around within about a 20-minute walk or use the free buses, so I'm not sure the location makes it worth the price. The service and cleanliness felt below what I expected for the cost.

The location works for nightlife. That's about the only good part. There are bare concrete floors, with just a bit of carpet by the bed and in the bathroom. When I tried to use the hand soap, its dispenser fell off the wall. The front desk said that happens often. I called to report it, but the room phone didn't work. There were empty picture brackets on the walls, no pool, and one shade wouldn't close all the way while the other did. We asked to check in an hour early and were told no rooms were ready, but the staffer didn't even check. For the price and location, I guess it wasn't terrible, but a lot needs fixing. This place is kind of a joke, if you ask me.