DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay

The property felt worn, with stained carpets and a noticeable odor in some areas. Our balcony, described as waterfront, looked out over dirty rooftop awnings covered in debris and trash. We also saw several dogs off leash in common areas, which raised safety concerns. The room was extremely hot when we arrived because the AC hadn't been turned on, and after the difficult trip to check-in, that made things even more frustrating. We reached the hotel around 10:30 PM and found the main entrance functioning like a construction zone. Signs for the relocated lobby were sparse and confusing. There were only heavy manual doors, not automatic sliders, making it hard to enter with luggage and not accessibility-friendly. Since the lobby was moved for construction, the escalator going up was out of service. The signs sent us outside the main guest areas, around a service dock, then through a service elevator to check in. Moving through service corridors late at night didn't feel welcoming or appropriate for a Hilton property, and construction was active at that hour. After check-in, we had to use a separate elevator bank to get to our floor. I'm a frequent traveler and longtime Hilton guest, and as a 100% disabled veteran, accessibility and safety matter a lot when I choose a place to stay. I understand renovations happen, but with such a major effect on access, navigation, comfort, and presentation, guests should be told clearly in advance and given accommodations that still meet Hilton's standards. Accessibility is a critical factor for me. Given the disruption and condition during our visit, the stay didn't match the price or Hilton's reputation.

The bay view was great, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We paid $10 per person for the shuttle to the cruise port, which made the location convenient for cruisers. The cookies were nice too. The hot tub looked good, though it's being renovated, so hopefully the work will clear up the confusion and leave it in better shape. Complimentary coffee or breakfast like at other Hilton locations would be a great improvement.

The staff were exceptional, but for the price I wouldn't stay again. The room was large, yet otherwise felt like a two-star hotel room. Our upgraded balconies had poor outlooks: one faced the staff loading and smoking areas, and the other looked across a big rooftop toward the bay. The windows were dirty. A white light blinked above the bed all night. The toilet button had to be pried up after every use, and it kept running all night anyway. The website said the pool and hot tub closed at 11 pm, but they were shut down at 9.

We had a three-bedroom suite with a decent kitchen, two balconies, and a really nice view at night. The pool area was huge, and there's a small lobby cocktail bar with a great selection. The big lobby, though, always seemed to have odd people loitering around for some reason. The room and shared areas were a bit dated, but still comfortable. The Double Tree is good value.