Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Convention Ctr

We used to come here before the pandemic when we went to shows at the Performing Arts Center, and it was nice enough that we kept returning. This stay was poor, though, and we’re unlikely to come back. The renovation seems mostly surface level, and the service didn’t match the brand or the price. It didn’t feel like even a three star stay. Breakfast has gone downhill. The buffet bacon was completely burned the first morning, the buffet eggs tasted terrible, and the man cooking eggs to order wasn’t very good. The woman was better. It worked better when the one older woman cooked on her own, since she had a system and was a great cook. The buffet floor was sticky and gross. At the evening reception, three bartenders were behind the bar but only one served drinks, so the wait was far too long. I understand it’s free, but don’t offer it without decent service. People hawking Hilton Grand Vacations were annoying and intrusive, interrupting drinks, snacks and breakfast to sell something. Check-in was a mess. At check-in time, the line stretched out the front door. We’d checked in on the app, but our room wasn’t ready and the app wouldn’t provide an electronic key. We left for dinner, and the key finally arrived in the app while we were eating. The room had six awful pillows, either feather or lumpy foam. There was only one hand towel, though the room sleeps four and we booked for two. We had to ask at the desk for another on both the first and second nights, since housekeeping left only one when replacing towels. The tissue box was clearly empty after the first night, but housekeeping didn’t replace it until we asked. Both phones kept beeping about a message, and we couldn’t listen to or clear it, so we unplugged them. Room 320, in case anyone at the hotel reads this and wants to fix it. The hairdryer was covered in sticky, grimy stuff and unusable. There’s no bathroom fan, and mildew had already appeared in the corner behind the toilet, despite the recent renovation. We couldn’t reach anyone at the front desk by phone. Having an AI system for guests staying at the hotel is ridiculous.

The hot breakfast stands out most to me. Omelets were cooked to order, the grits were smooth, and the bacon wasn’t overdone. There was fresh honeydew and cantaloupe, and the coffee was superb. I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels, and this one was the best.

We were worn out from traveling, and the people at Palm Tree Restaurant and Bar made us feel cozy and cared for, especially since it was my husband’s birthday. The food was delicious and flavorful. Thanks to Beth and the guys at the bar for being so friendly and helpful. The hotel is close to the airport and looks beautiful and impressive when you walk in. The rooms are stunning, and King at reception was incredibly kind. Highly recommended. PS Get the chocolate cake!

Sandra R made omelets during my weekend stay. She was funny, friendly and kind, and has the memory of an elephant. No matter how many ingredients you want, you only have to tell her once. The front desk staff were also helpful and friendly, and the bartenders had lots of personality and kept everyone laughing.