Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis-Airport/Plainfield

Zaza rescued our stay after we discovered the app had booked us for three months later, which has happened to me before. She wasn't sure whether she could change the dates, but said she'd try, and after a bit of typing she managed it without making us cancel and rebook. Fatima was just as helpful later that evening when we needed directions and recommendations. Both were cheerful and great at the front desk. We had a two queen suite with a full kitchen and a good bed. One awkward detail: the bathroom sits behind the bedroom door, and its toilet light switch is outside it. Using the toilet at night or getting ready early can wake your partner. I could have moved my toiletries to the kitchen sink the night before if I'd thought of it. Breakfast was good, with the usual choices served on real plates and in mugs. Paper cups and lids were available for coffee to go. There wasn't hot oatmeal; I was told too much gets wasted. The breakfast attendant suggested overnight oats instead. I wasn't sure about eating cold oats, but she added a little hot water and showed me the toppings, and I liked it enough to try it at home. I didn't see USB ports in the breakfast area. Most tables by the wall had outlets, if you brought a charging brick. WiFi worked well. The hotel was still in transition, so two new electronic thermostats were being connected to the walls. I was told they should stop the frequent cycling. Both heating units were clunky and turned on and off often. It bothered my wife, though I slept through it.

I found a room for $154 a night, which seemed reasonable, but the pet fee was $153 for our one-night stop on a cross-country drive. I might consider that for several nights if desperate, but not for a single night. Other Hilton-branded hotels are keeping pet fees reasonable; we found one nearby that charged $56. Maybe this Homewood Suites would say the high fee covers the extra work of cleaning up after dogs. I'd say vacuuming takes only a couple extra seconds per room. Even assuming a deep clean once per 100 dog nights in a room, that would amount to $15,300 collected for each deep cleaning. I'm an HH member, Gold, and even a $25 fee feels like a rip-off. I'd rather pay $25 and have them charge for any damage afterward. This Hilton hotel seems to want higher profits, but it won't get them from me. Look around, since this isn't the only Hilton-branded hotel doing this to pet owners.

My stay was brief because I arrived late and left early for the airport, but the help I got after checkout really impressed me. I realized the next day, after getting home, that I'd left a valuable item in the room. When I called that night, the hotel said nothing had been turned in to the night shift yet and took my name. I wasn't expecting much, but Homewood called the next morning to say they'd found it. They emailed too, then followed up by phone. Once I bought a USPS mailing label, the team sent it out that same day. Thanks to Beth and Laura for handling it so quickly and professionally.

The front desk staff were nice, at least. The hotel is being remodeled, and the noise was extreme; it also smelled awful throughout. Being so close to the airport meant hearing planes as well. I found ants in my bed and room, with no idea where they came from since I don't eat or drink in bed. My company books through Expedia, so my Hilton status dropped to nothing. I had to beg for a room above the first floor to get away from some of the noise, even though I was staying for two weeks. Construction also left very little parking.