DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City

Brittany, with the butterfly and dad tattoo, made breakfast especially enjoyable for my wife and me. We had a lovely conversation with her, and I appreciate it, DD. At reception, the staff were welcoming and recognized me as an Honors member, a retired military member, and a retired employee. They gave us a room in a good spot for city views. It was clean, everything in it worked, though the showerhead should be replaced. That seems like a small fix.

The restaurant on the top floor was fantastic, though breakfast there felt a bit pricey. We spent two nights and had a really nice visit. The staff were very friendly, and our room was clean and comfortable, if a little dated. I'd happily come back when we're in town and would recommend staying here.

Free parking was a plus, and I liked having a whirlpool in the bedroom with the sleeping area separate from the living room. Anne on the night shift was friendly and accommodating, and she was the main reason I'd give service more than one star. She also brought replacement bottles when I asked, since the lotion, conditioner, and shower products were empty or nearly empty and housekeeping hadn't refilled them. The bedroom AC barely moved air, though it made plenty of noise. The bathroom counter hadn't been wiped, and there was a stain under the towel and soap tray that looked like water had sat there for a long time. The whirlpool drained painfully slowly. After I reported it, someone apparently worked on it while I was out, but left the cold faucet turned all the way on. When I tried it, there was no cold water. Maintenance restored it about two hours later, around 8 p.m., but then black grit, possibly metal shavings, came through. The tub still drained slowly. I was told the room above had flooded the week before and its ceiling had fallen into the tub. It seems debris may have been pushed into the drain. The maintenance worker said he would fix it after I checked out, so the next guest would have it rather than doing it the next day while I was still there. The morning desk staff were a different story from the night staff. They sat talking about personal matters over iced coffee, seemed bothered when people came to check out, and didn't ask how my stay was or send a receipt unless asked. There was no complimentary breakfast, either.

The garage was the worst part of my stay. I parked there on February 7 and came back to find concrete drippings on my car, apparently calcium or seepage from the ceiling. When I reported it right away to the front desk and management, nobody seemed willing to inspect the spot, block it off, or deal with the continuing hazard. I was told the hotel wasn't liable and it wasn't their problem, since guests park at their own risk. The General Manager brushed me off, with no apology, no offer to document the damage, and no effort to address the dripping concrete. It was frustrating and made me feel that guest property and safety weren't taken seriously. The location near the Capitol is convenient, and the warm cookie at check-in is a nice touch. Those perks don't make up for the vehicle damage or the way the complaint was handled. I'd avoid the on-site garage if possible and look for street or other parking. If you use it, check your car carefully afterward and don't count on management for help. I wouldn't recommend the parking facility, one out of five for that part of the stay.