Spark by Hilton Panama City Beach

At about $240, I didn’t think the room was worth the price. There are other options in that range that I feel would do better. We had no vending machines, and there wasn’t any ice or an ice machine on our floor. The front desk also had a hard time understanding me. It was a disappointing stay. This is a very basic hotel, and my first time at a Spark brand property. We normally stay with the Hilton brand, and there’s definitely a difference. It’s quiet, fully non-smoking, and includes free breakfast. It’s about two blocks from the Gulf and one block from places like Ripley’s, believe it or not… There’s a Zaxby’s and a Checkers right by the parking lot, with a few other local restaurants just across it. Think value when booking.

The staff were amazing. When I checked out, the manager took time to talk with me about my review, which I really appreciated. They said they were working on the breakfast and elevator issues. The room was okay, though the drawers were old and hard to open. The elevator made a grinding sound when it reached the fourth floor, like it might break. Breakfast was disappointing: there wasn’t much to eat unless you bought something at the front desk. The fruit basket had only two mushy apples and oranges, and the boiled eggs tasted old.

The only thing keeping this from five stars was the toilet. It wobbled and didn’t feel securely attached to the floor, so I’d suggest having it checked. Otherwise, I enjoyed the stay and was glad I chose Spark for my work trip. It’s a quaint, value-style hotel, not a Ritz-level resort, and gave me the feel of a younger little sibling to Hampton Inn's. The breakfast items were fine, the machines were easy to access and use, and the staff were kind and friendly. The room was fine too, with clean sheets and towels and a shower that worked well.

As long-time Hilton members, we expected basic hospitality and quality. Instead, this stay was disappointing from start to finish and embarrassing for the Hilton name. The room was clean, and the night desk staff were polite. At 6:30 AM, though, the breakfast spread was just plain bagels, six yogurts, and a few hard-boiled eggs. There was no fruit, cereal, or hot food. We wondered where the breakfast was. The only staff member there didn’t greet or acknowledge us, and just served herself coffee behind the desk. My husband asked politely whether either of the two toasters worked. The employee answered coldly, “We have someone coming to look at them,” with no apology, solution, or concern. That level of service isn’t acceptable from a Hilton-branded hotel. Do better, Hilton.