DoubleTree by Hilton Sarasota Bradenton Airport

I came to town at short notice after my father died, and the staff treated me with so much warmth and kindness, like family. I had booked fewer days than I needed, but the manager extended my stay at the original rate without a problem. Daeveon, the manager, was exceptional. He suggested restaurants and quiet spots where I could reflect while grieving. I'm very grateful to the staff for being there for me, and I definitely recommend staying here.

The parking lot looks a little rough, but inside the place is pretty nice. The room was clean, well kept, and had everything I needed, with plenty of towels and all the amenities I wanted. I liked the wireless phone charging by the bed and being able to log into my Netflix on the TV. The bed felt a bit firm, but I still slept well. The pool was closed, though I hadn't planned to use it. Everything else was top-notch.

All the staff were pleasant and helpful, and the service was fantastic. We stayed the night before an early flight, had a very good dinner in the restaurant with its full bar, and found the room clean with a comfortable bed. I realized the next morning that I'd left something behind after checking out at 5:30 am. The hotel was very helpful when I called. Mike packed it up, I arranged FedEx pickup, and the package arrived a day later. In all my years of travel, few hotels have put that much effort into tracking down a forgotten item. Thank you to the Doubletree at the Sarasota Airport.

I rarely post a negative review, but after trying for several months to resolve this privately with Hilton, I feel I should share what happened. During Thanksgiving at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sarasota Bradenton Airport, I tried to calmly raise a concern at checkout about a racially insensitive assumption made during check-in. The on-site manager raised his voice, talked over me, and escalated things in front of staff and other guests. He shouted, “I am raising my voice, and I will raise my voice,” and said, “Yes, get me fired. My name is David Alexander. Get in line.” It became more troubling after I stepped away briefly to get my car for my elderly mother, who has dementia. While I was gone, the manager approached her and my 19-year-old daughter to discuss the issue. Neither should have been put in that position. I reported the incident to Hilton Corporate that same day. Months of delay and deflection followed. Corporate first said the hotel would handle it, then sent me to the property ownership representative. I followed those instructions and contacted them again, but got no response. The original interaction was bad, and the lack of accountability or meaningful follow-up from the property and ownership has been just as disappointing. Hilton has a reputation for professionalism, so this surprised and disappointed me. Guests, especially people traveling with elderly or vulnerable family members, should be able to expect respectful communication from management and a clear way to raise concerns. That wasn't my experience. I hope Hilton leadership and the property owners take guest concerns more seriously in the future.