Hampton Inn & Suites Bluffton-Sun City

My booking had a problem, but Ariana at the front desk sorted it out professionally and helped me reserve another room. She was kind and incredibly helpful, and I really appreciate the service she gave me.

Breakfast was a strong point: there was a good range of hot and cold food, plenty of it, and enough seating even while a college team was eating. Staff were friendly, helpful, and greeted us kindly, though they always seemed busy. The hotel is handy to rt 278, and our three second-floor king rooms were clean and serviced properly. We were glad to have a fridge and microwave. The rooms seemed to have been updated perhaps ten years ago, but the work was poorly done, and the property needs a serious rework. The bathrooms are so cramped that the inward-opening door hits the toilet, and you can’t use the toilet with the door open. A bath mat gets caught under the door because there isn’t enough clearance. The outside-wall heating and AC units are extremely loud, and some blow straight onto the bed. Earplugs are a good idea, though even with them the noise disrupted sleep. Chairs scraping across the hard floors made more noise than necessary too; felt or nylon pads on their feet would help. I’d stay again, but I’d ask more about the room and see it before moving everything in. Maybe we were given some of the older rooms.

The location is decent, but service left me unsure about coming back. At check-in, my wife showed her ID for a reservation in her name, and the staff member didn’t even look at it to verify who she was. Breakfast was frustrating too: the attendant wasn’t keeping the kitchen stocked, the waffle batter had run out, and I could hear her talking on the phone with the door propped open. I said hello several times without a response, and knocking to get her attention felt nerve-wracking. There also wasn’t another meat choice besides pork.

Parking is short, the digital key failed on each of our last three visits, and the front desk didn’t seem very concerned when we raised issues. This used to be a nice, clean place, but the service seems to be slipping while prices keep climbing. I love Hampton Inns, but I’m seeing this happen more often than not. You can do better.