Hilton Garden Inn Ocala Downtown

I really liked the hotel and my room, and Ivette at the front desk made the stay a great experience. She was accommodating, kept checking in by text to make sure I was having a five-star stay, and always had a friendly smile and positive attitude. I'd rate the location a 4 because they removed valet parking, which I think they should bring back. I'm not a fan of downtown Ocala or the parking garage, but I'll put up with it for a great hotel.

The place was nice, and its downtown location is great for walking to bars and getting around centrally. My only issue was that they moved me from the room I picked in the app. As a Hilton Diamond member, that was disappointing. It's only happened once before in a year, and this stay didn't meet all my expectations. I'm staying again tonight, so we'll see how it goes.

The staff have been friendly and professional, and for the most part I'm happy with my room. But I came to town for my father's funeral hoping for a safe, peaceful place to rest, and I haven't had that. At check-in, there weren't enough spots out front, and signs said not to park under the drive-through. I didn't know where to leave my car, so I risked parking in a no-parking space before going upstairs. I was then told to use a parking deck across the street. Traveling alone, I didn't feel comfortable walking there, but had no choice. The second night, men were partying in the deck with loud music, and I felt unsafe again. The elevator key-card feature was turned off, so anyone from the street could reach the room floors. The hotel didn't feel secure at all. A club or bar next door also made noise audible in my room and hard to sleep through. On the third night, the music was so loud the wall on that side of the building was shaking. The front desk said they had no control, which I understand, but they should have disclosed the noise. I never would have booked if I'd known I couldn't sleep. What's the point of a hotel if you can't sleep in it?

The bed and pillows were amazing, and the room smelled so clean and comforting. It was noisy out on the street, so I appreciated the ear buds. Guest services were five-star, the room was comfortable, and the food was a 10/10.