Hampton Inn Columbus-East

The staff were helpful and friendly, and the rooms were okay, but the building is old and clearly needs the renovations advertised on the signs. Breakfast was my main issue: the nuts were stale, the brown sugar had gone hard, there was no plain black tea, and the eggs were spongy. It felt like they were trying to save money by keeping food past the point it should be thrown away.

The stay was adequate, but extending it turned into a problem. We let the front desk know we needed more time, then the nightly rate went up without notice or an email. I only found out after getting the bill and returning home. Customer service told me nothing could be done, even though the original rate was still available if I'd booked online instead of speaking with the desk. To me, raising it because of the storm is price gouging. Never again, Hampton/Hilton.

Military headed to Rickenbaker, beware. I've been here three times to help rescue a badly broken jet. The first two times I stayed at Hamptons I really liked the hotels. This place feels like a landlord special, and the hotel next to brew dogs is much closer to things to do. I'd add 15 minutes to the drive and stay somewhere else for an average hotel experience. I unpacked in room 201 and found the shower wouldn't drain, so I went down for another room. They said no kings were left and gave me two queens in room 209, between the elevator and a side exit people used for smoke breaks at all hours. I'm working 12-hour shifts, but apparently I got the cruddiest room after already having to move. The walls are paper thin; you hear everything. A couple of days in, a guy from my unit called down because kids were running through the halls. We had to call again half an hour later because staff hadn't thought it important enough to come up the first time. I went to do laundry and found out there were no laundry facilities, so I had to Uber to the nearest laundromat. The place is grungy and outdated, and gives the impression the owner is putting in as little effort as possible. That's his choice, but people looking for lodging should look elsewhere, especially if they want fun things nearby after a hard day's work. I can't believe I wrote a whole novel about it, but I've still got three days here. EDIT: Less than ten minutes after writing this, I could hear somebody's vulgar conversation about needing a drink after her week because her computer got hacked. Ma'am, I'm sorry about your computer, but I shouldn't have to hear that in my private room at Hampton Columbus East, especially after being moved from another substandard room. I took a video to show how clearly I could hear her, but Google reviews doesn't let me post videos.

The front desk is always friendly and helpful, and I really enjoy staying here. It's a nice location and an accommodating place. The building looks great with the fresh paint and new colors. A few things could be better: the King Deluxe needs a good two-seater recliner, and the mattresses should be replaced since you can feel and hear the springs. Breakfast tastes good, but needs to be hotter. I'd also love to see the outdoor walkway at the back turned into a smoking area or patio. A fenced space with key-card access before entering the building would add security, and a few benches or tables would be perfect. Keep up the good work.