Tru by Hilton Longview

The lobby had a few playful touches, like the Lemon and Sugar "Joy Inducing" Soap and hanging chairs, but I left less than impressed and don’t plan to stay at another Tru Hotel. I’d never stayed at one before. The overview calls the style minimalist, though cheap seems more accurate to me. The bed platform stuck out and banged my leg whenever I got in or out. The desk was small and cheap, though usable. The shower water was warm but had little pressure, and the mold was especially disappointing. Breakfast was minimal, with no black tea. I was glad I had leftovers.

The pancake machine worked perfectly, and the automatic dispenser had fresh, tasty yogurt. Breakfast was above average for the Tru brand, and the hotel was clean and conveniently located. The coffee containers were empty when we checked in, though, so the 24/7 coffee perk wasn’t available then. Also, the soap and shampoo dispensers were mounted six feet high in the shower. I had to stand by and dispense them for my child.

Getting here is a little odd. If your map sends you to Walmart, keep going. The hotel’s behind it, without its own driveway from a main road. The lobby and rooms were clean, and the sheets were surprisingly soft for a lower-tier Hilton. Breakfast was fun and tasty, with all sorts of toppings.

The women who looked after the breakfast buffet were phenomenal, as were the other staff members I met. I’ve stayed at Tru at least three times a week for several months, across many states, and have always had great service and a good breakfast. I’d still recommend Tru hotels in the US. This one-star rating is about the front desk employee from this stay, Khyla or Kyhla, I can’t remember the spelling. I came back for another night, and as soon as I walked in, I could feel Khyla’s attitude. She didn’t say anything directly disrespectful, but out of maybe 100 Tru front desk staff I’ve met around the country, she was by far the worst. She came across as bitter, unwelcoming, curt, and uninterested in the job. Her manner was so different from the check-in the day before that I wondered if I was in a different place. On the elevator back down, another guest I didn’t know mentioned how unwelcoming she was. This won’t put me off Tru, but management should reconsider making someone with that attitude the first face guests see. If I need this location again, I’ll call first to check who’s at the desk before booking.