Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas

The rooms are clean and very nice, and the front desk staff are wonderful and friendly. But there's a new manager now, and it seems like costs are being cut. The pantry beside the desk is empty of snacks, drinks, or any kind of food, and the first aid cabinet is nearly bare. I used to enjoy the coffee station after working long hours, especially a fresh cup with French Vanilla Irish Cream. I'd settle for Hazelnut, even though it's not my favorite. For 3-4 months now there hasn't been cream, just little half and half cups, and now there's powder creamer. Both are horrible and cheap. Motel 6 has a better coffee station. I've started bringing creamer from home, which is a hassle, and now I'm going next door to Starbucks for coffee. That's not ideal. I'm not sure what the new manager is doing, but I hear guests are going to Starbucks instead. I hope it changes back soon.

I was staying six days for work and had asked for a room with a shower. The front desk woman said that wasn't possible and I had to stay in whichever room I was given. She wouldn't consider my request, even though I'm a gold member and other rooms were available. Checking in was a hassle, and the hotel's front door stayed locked the whole time. The room wasn't very clean. There was a long hair on the bed, the toilet bowl was dirty, and I had to bleach the seat myself with wipes. Under the sink, the grout on the walls and floor was clean, but everywhere else it was black. The elevator smelled strongly of weed, with trash juice on its floor and walls. At breakfast, I saw the serving lady move the egg omelet and sausages to the serving dish with her bare hands. I've stayed at many hampton inns and I'm a hilton gold member. I won't return to this location.

I booked through Expedia, then canceled less than an hour later because I needed to. They refused to return almost $400, relying on what looks like a self-made no-refund policy. Charging someone when no services were provided is an unlawful business tactic. By that same logic, I could stay there and refuse to pay because I was dissatisfied. Completely unacceptable and illegal. Never stay here. Enjoy my $400 donation to your greedy corporation. I hope the negative energy you put out comes back to you tenfold.

Ayden listened while I explained what had gone wrong and offered a solution I agreed with. He apologized and even heard my suggestions for improvements. The room's problems had made me consider a negative review, but I wanted to give the manager a chance to make things right, and he did. A hotel stay won't always be perfect, but this is how a manager should handle it. Thank you. I think I just got unlucky with the room. It was on the first floor, right by the exit, so we heard the door slam every time people came and went. The TV internet wasn't working, and even maintenance couldn't fix it. Then construction started right outside my window in the morning.