DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto

I was in Modesto for a wedding. The hotel is in a handy spot, with many of the city's best restaurants and bars within walking distance, and valet staff were kind and professional. They seemed unsure about the price, though, and the posted rate doesn't match what they're charging. Train noise and sirens can be heard, as you'd expect downtown, though the trains are a real nuisance and not entirely the hotel's fault. The breakfast costs too much for what you get. Front desk staff weren't very friendly, and one employee gave me information that a supervisor later had to correct on a callback. I appreciated the follow-up, but there was no apology and it wasn't much help. For a DoubleTree, my expectations were modest, but it still fell short. The front desk team could use more training in hospitality.

The lobby is huge, with lots of event space, and there's a bar and restaurant there. The outdoor pool looked good, and the gym was actually pretty decent. It seems like the place to be in Modesto, with rooms on one side of the building and office space on the other. The parking garage is across the street, linked by a pedestrian tunnel that smells like urine, even more so than Modesto itself.

The train tracks are close by, so you will hear trains pass at night. Apart from that, the room service we had was top tier and very accommodating. Ron was especially impressive. We've stayed at plenty of hotels and never had customer service as good as his. The hotel feels classy, with great service overall. The gym has lots of room and weights, the pool is clean and well managed, and the restaurant and bar are worth trying.

The room had a welcome letter explaining the amenities and how to use them, and the TV greeting me with “Welcome, Kayla” was a nice touch. My fiancée and I got a queen room on a high floor at a great last-minute price on New Year’s Eve. For what we paid, the room was very nice, especially the shower and bathroom, and better than some online photos suggest. Parking is $12 a day. Breakfast is $18 per adult unless you add it when booking the room for another $11. Both can be charged to the room.