Holiday Inn Rochester Downtown

Thomas made the stay feel special. He helped us with the car and luggage as soon as we arrived, and was personable, friendly, and incredibly helpful. My daughter was in town for a large competition, and he wished her luck that morning. When we returned later, he made a fuss over how dressed up she was and congratulated her on placing first. That kindness and care meant a lot, and we'll remember him. Every staff member we met was kind and professional, too. The lobby was clean and welcoming, and the location was great, with lots of restaurants within easy walking distance. The skyway connection to the Mayo Civic Center made getting around incredibly convenient and made the hotel an easy choice. We had a wonderful stay and will absolutely be back.

Amin's kindness is what I'll remember most, and why I left a 5 star overall review despite some room issues. I was in Rochester for a convention and had planned to stay outside downtown because Saturday night rates can be high. Then I had what I can only describe as an anxiety attack and wasn't in a condition to drive. I walked to the Hilton Garden Inn, shaking, with my heart racing, and knew something wasn't right. Amin was at the front desk. I was trying to book online for the discounted AAA rate, but my hands were shaking too much to enter my membership number. I told him I thought I was having anxiety and didn't feel safe driving, so I needed a room. His calm presence helped right away. He asked simple questions, like whether it was my first time in Rochester and what I enjoy doing, which shifted my focus and helped me come back down. Traveling alone in a city I didn't know, without my husband or anyone else I trusted nearby, I felt scared and alone. Amin made me feel safe and comfortable. I don't know if he's personally helped someone with anxiety before, is naturally good at reading people, or was simply showing the kindness he gives every guest. Whatever the reason, it made an enormous difference. He booked the room quickly, made sure I got the AAA rate, and made sure I could get to my room to lie down and rest as soon as possible. I hope management recognizes his care, compassion, and professionalism. Without the way he treated me, I'm not sure I'd stay here again. Because of Amin, I'm looking forward to my next trip to Rochester and hope to see him. The room was clean and well maintained, apart from a couple of issues. The air conditioning wasn't working. Amin had warned me there'd been a problem earlier and asked me to let him know if I had trouble. I thought it would be fine, but the room stayed around 75 degrees and I couldn't get the air to turn on. I wasn't in the right headspace to ask for help or change rooms, though I had been warned. The beds were uncomfortable too, and I woke with a sore back. I had a double queen room and tried both beds with similar results, so I took off another star for that. The pillows were nice, and I loved the comforter, which had a slightly weighted feel that I found comforting. Unfortunately the heat meant I couldn't enjoy it for long.

The hotel was handy for the Hospital, and everyone on staff was really nice. But the room felt worn for what we paid. My wife noticed dirt or something on the sheets when we arrived, there was mold on the ceiling, and the shower drain clogged so badly that after a five-minute shower I was standing in about six inches of water. We also needed more luggage carts. None were available, so I made five trips up and down.

The overnight gentleman who checked us in was absolutely great, and the other employees were very nice too. Our reason for choosing the hotel was its shuttle to Mayo clinic, but on our first day the front desk guy was rude and seemed unwilling to call it for us. The price felt high: even with patient discounts, booking through a travel agency was cheaper, and we still paid nearly $600 for three nights. They did waive the valet parking fees for the inconvenience, which was nice, but as Mayo patients we probably won't book here again.