Hyatt Place Bloomington/Normal

Breakfast was a problem during my five-night stay. The fruit was old and stale every day, with an alcohol-like fermented taste, and the oatmeal wasn't fully cooked. Housekeeping also never came during the first two days. I asked for service on day three and was told it would happen, but it didn't. When I called again, they gave me sheets to put on the bed myself. Getting to the hotel from the garage was unpleasant too. I had to haul my luggage across the street, up stairs, and along to the entrance in the cold and wind. There were homeless people near the garage. The bill also had an extra charge, and it took several calls to get it addressed, even after someone said they'd call me back. The front desk staff were friendly when I spoke with them, but this was easily one of my worst hotel experiences. I wouldn't stay at this hotel, or another Hyatt Place, if I had a choice.

The quick breakfast buffet is enough to get me through to lunch, and having breakfast and parking included saved me another $30, no doubt. I've stayed here a dozen times and keep looking forward to coming back. My favorite is the largest room with the curved windows. It's well appointed and very clean, with thick towels and a walk-in shower. You're right in the middle of campus and Uptown Normal, so there's a lively feel from all the student activity. The hotel is spotless. I can't see why you'd stay elsewhere unless you want to be by the freeways, about 3 miles farther out. Love this place.

The pool was out of service when I checked in, which was a letdown. There was only room for 2 cars to pull in for check-in, so I had to circle the block and then park in the garage around the corner. Booking hadn't given me clear directions about using that garage or how it worked. For what I paid for one night, the stay could've gone better.

It's a handy spot for business, right by Uptown and Amtrak, about 2 minutes away, so I could get to Chicago without driving. The hotel gets busy during school festivals. The staff are great, always friendly and greeting me with a smile, and the room is decent, especially for a smaller town. I've stayed at quite a few Hyatts around the world, and this one is as consistent as the rest.