Spark by Hilton Oxford

For a short stay, this was an affordable, pleasant place with clean, updated rooms that made me feel at ease. It’s central for the interstate, shopping, and restaurants. The small breakfast downstairs had yogurt, cereal, fruit, and maybe a couple more things. I liked the oat and granola dispenser for adding to yogurt or cereal, and having an in room USB-C charger was a welcome touch since many hotels only offer USB. A strong air freshener or cleaner smell filled the hotel, though, and gave me a migraine one morning. I wish they’d stop using whatever causes it. The comforter felt rough, the beds were very firm, and the walls are thin enough that you can hear people in their rooms as you walk down the hallway. I had no one on either side of me and no noise problems. The downsides weren’t too bad, and it felt like a small version of a more luxurious hotel.

We only needed a spot to sleep and shower before continuing our road trip, and this clean, budget friendly hotel suited us. The rooms are small, but there’s a microwave, refrigerator, iron, and small ironing board. A cold breakfast comes with the room, and the staff were attentive. Restaurants and shopping are nearby, and guests can use the washer and dryer for an extra fee. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

It was okay, and the price was good, though you get what you pay for. The toilets are strange, with no water sitting in the bowl, but they flush well. The bathroom and shower are really small. I probably won’t stay at a Spark again. I like a good value, but Hilton shouldn’t have gone there. Two stars because the mattress was actually not half bad.

The service was friendly and helpful, and the rooms were clean. They’re laid out like rooms at most other hotels. It was quiet despite the pet policy.