Hilton Garden Inn Oxnard/Camarillo

If you’re going to an event at Adagio Bella Gardens Banquet and Reception Hall, which is part of the Hilton Garden Inn, staying here is convenient. Homewood Suites is just as convenient, though. We found Cafe Amri excellent and within walking distance when we wanted more breakfast variety than the hotel offered. The lobby’s complimentary coffee and ice water were a nice touch. Our stay was quiet, and the bed was comfortable. One day we had no hot water, even after running it for 20 minutes. The desk explained that low occupancy, with only 22 of about 170 rooms occupied, might make hot water take a long time to reach the room. They opened extra hot water valves and the problem cleared up quickly, so contact the front desk if it happens.

The breakfast staff are the reason this gets two stars instead of one. They do good work, and the hotel is fairly clean, but it’s dated, poorly maintained, and badly laid out. There’s very little furniture in the room. The oversized bed frames blend into the carpet, so people keep banging their knees, shins, and luggage on them. Towel racks are inside the shower, which makes no sense. The night desk clerk is often asleep and doesn’t answer the phone. Some staff are decent, but Hilton can do better.

The staff were very nice, but we left because the hotel couldn’t provide hot water reliably. It was missing about half the time, and having to call the desk to get it fixed is ridiculous. When I called, I was told there was a broken pipe and no repair estimate. The place is badly dated, from the worn bedding and towels to the old furniture, elevators, and TV. It needs serious updates, and until then I’d stay somewhere else.

The room was clean, though the carpet could use a deep clean. I wore sleepers, so that wasn’t a big deal. I was in town for work for two nights, and the location was handy with my work site across the street. My rating mostly comes down to the service. The person who checked me in didn’t greet me and sounded annoyed, as if I’d interrupted him. The women at the desk the next morning were just as unwelcoming, with no greeting or real interaction. When I asked a question, they made me feel like a bother. The restaurant staff were the only ones who were friendly and attentive, and they kindly packed my food to go.