DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pleasanton at the Club

The second floor reeked of cigarette smoke, apparently coming through the vents, and someone was coughing behind one of the doors. There was air freshener outside the room, but it only seemed to cover the smell. This is supposed to be a smoke-free property, so I don’t understand why it was allowed to get like that. The front desk attendant was very kind and said she’d tell management, though I’m pretty sure they already know when an entire floor smells this bad. I paid $480.00 for a room that smelled like Vegas. I’m never coming back, and I’ll probably submit a dry cleaning bill because regular laundry won’t get the smell out.

The staff were true to the Hilton standard, and check-in was quick and easy. I stayed one night in this older but well-kept property. My room was clean, the carpet had no stains, and the sofa still showed fresh vacuum lines. There’s lots of parking, and being right by the freeway makes the location handy. I’d consider staying again when I want to avoid the long commute to work.

The hotel needs renovation. The rooms felt like a Motel 6, and the lower-end Hilton properties I’ve tried tend to feel dreary and cheap compared with Marriott, which is usually bright. I’ve liked some of Hilton’s higher-end hotels at $400-plus a night, but below that level I’d pass. I’d rather pay out of pocket for a Marriott, even one of its lower-end hotels. At check-in, the staff seemed uninterested, and our questions got answers like “I really don’t know” or “maybe check again in the morning.” There was no way to get breakfast or lunch, and dinner choices were limited while a wedding was going on. I understand that, but not why Hilton can’t offer room service for lunch. I guess it’s a cost-cutting thing.

The location was convenient and the room was clean, but it’s close to the freeway. I only stayed from about 6pm to 6am while visiting friends in the Bay Area. I booked through Bookings.com and had a confirmed price. Before coming, I asked whether that price included my dog, and they confirmed it and sent the price again. My older dog is quiet and potty trained, and I left the room just as I found it apart from sleeping in the bed. At check-in I was told the deposit for the dog would be refunded after they inspected the room. It never came back. First they said it could take up to five business days, and then, when I called again, they said it was a pet deposit. That wasn’t mentioned online, in person, or on my earlier call. I wouldn’t have picked this place for what I was charged for one night if the price had been advertised correctly. Not honoring what they confirmed in writing and said on the phone feels like bad, shady business. I wouldn’t recommend staying unless you get firm confirmation of the price.