DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront

I’d gladly stay here again. DoubleTree Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront has a fantastic spot right on the water, and my room was spotless with a great view. Every staff member I met was courteous, friendly and professional. My only suggestion is about the coffee in the morning. If you just want a small cup to take with you, paying for it in the restaurant feels like a lot. There’s a vending machine, but a free grab-and-go coffee station would fit the otherwise high level of service.

We spent two nights here and would happily come back. The location is the best part, less than ten minutes from the airport, so I’d recommend it for work or leisure. Our room was clean and modern, and the heated pool was nice. The patio was a relaxing place to sit in the evenings. Breakfast was a good buffet with delicious omelettes, and Sandy, our server and hostess, was so sweet and took great care of us. The lobby convenience store had plenty of treats for late-night cravings, plus a microwave.

The staff, location and gym were all great. The room was a letdown and needs updating. The hotel restaurant was pretty bad, with terrible food and so many unavailable items that they should update the menu. Rain was leaking through the ceiling, and there’s no free coffee in the lobby in the morning, which is lame. The hotel itself could use some updating too.

The water problems were bad enough, but someone trying to force their way into my room was the last straw. I was in bed when a man opened the door and tried several times to get past the safety latch. I got dressed and saw a large guy hurrying down the hall. He ignored me when I called out. At the desk, I was told it was the manager. Their system showed the room as occupied, but he said they don't usually put guests there, so he came up to see if it was really occupied. When I asked why he hadn't called, he just shrugged. I stayed Monday through Friday and had no hot water for the first three mornings. After five to ten minutes, the shower was only lukewarm and the tub had filled more than halfway. Once I drained it, the water went cold again, so I ended up standing shin-deep in cold water. I complained every morning and was told each night that it had been fixed. The water was hot at night, but not in the morning. After Thursday's shower, I finally got them to move me to another room. The soap ring in my photo was taken after the room had been cleaned, before I showered, and shows the ongoing drainage problem. There were only two complimentary water bottles for four nights. They told me I would have to check out each day to get water daily. Happy hour prices only counted if you cashed out before 6 p.m. Hilton should have someone from corporate stay here for a few nights. Worst Hilton property I've ever been to. Never again.