Hilton Garden Inn Chesapeake/Suffolk

I’d probably choose another hotel next time I’m in the area. The property has been updated and is spacious, and the room was decent, with a good-sized TV and nice shower pressure. The beds were moderately comfortable, but every pillow, even the firmer ones, was too squishy. We knew breakfast cost extra, but after trying it the first morning, we didn’t think it was worth the price and made other plans for the rest of the trip. The continental choices were dry cereal, store-bought pastries like danishes, yogurt, apples and oranges, and sometimes cut fruit. I’d hoped for oatmeal, but there wasn’t any. It was $8 per person. Coffee was free only in the morning, and I wished there were coffee in the evening or even water available somewhere. I was disappointed to learn on arrival that the pool and hot tub were closed, since they were a deciding factor in booking. The gym was a bit lame, with two treadmills, a bench, and some weights. Neither water cooler worked, though there was bottled water. The staff were kind, but service needs work. We stayed four nights, and housekeeping never brought towels, took trash, or made the beds. A bathroom sign said rooms were serviced every other day, so we expected that. On day three I asked the desk when they’d come, and was told the next morning. We returned the following night and they still hadn’t been. I had to get towels, trash bags, and toilet paper from the desk. It might work well for business, since there’s a large desk in the room and plenty of lobby space to sit and work. But the business center wasn’t open to guests; it looked like housekeeping equipment was stored there.

Getting in from the street was a little awkward, and there was some construction, so I rated the location a two. But if you want to tuck away somewhere, it’s a perfect spot. My suite was A1, spotless, and I want that same room again. The woman at the front counter was really nice and funny. I definitely enjoyed it.

I stayed here a year ago and it was fine, but this visit was a mess. The cleaning crew apparently quit, and the replacement crew did a terrible job. The hallways and elevator were filthy. I felt bad for the friendly man at the front desk. My room wasn’t ready when I checked around 6:30 Friday evening. It was never cleaned during my stay, and the soap dispenser had been empty since the first night. When I came back Saturday at 8 pm, the rooms still hadn’t been cleaned. This place needs new management.

The staff are friendly and courteous, but this place needs some care and a good scrubbing. It’s not awful, but it’s a one-time stay for me. We live a couple of hours away, so I’ll wait to shower at home. I’m not playing the guessing game of “what is that?” in the bathroom.