Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley

We got in late while in town for a family member’s medical emergency, and Sundy was attentive and gracious as she checked us in. We appreciated that. The room was clean, and the heater warmed it quickly. Breakfast was solid, as Hampton Inn breakfasts often are. My only real quibble was the bed, which felt too firm, while the pillows were too soft. Still, I gave it five stars because every employee seemed proud to be there and put their heart into making the stay good. You could tell.

Breakfast was a standout, even with the hotel packed because a hockey team was in town. Everything stayed hot, fresh, and stocked, and the whole rush was handled smoothly. Jonika was especially sweet and helpful, and Joey was constantly running around to keep up with demand while staying upbeat and on top of things. The staff were friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived, and they seemed genuinely keen to make our weekend at the Hampton Inn Waterloo a good one. Their hard work made the stay memorable. We’ll definitely be back, and I’d recommend it.

The lot was well lit, the room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were kind. They were especially warm toward our pets. It’s a bare-bones motel, but breakfast has the usual options. The surrounding area is what takes away from the appeal. It feels downtrodden, the mall next door is closed, and the area is dingy. If you’re visiting nearby attractions, downtown or Cedar Falls might be a better place to stay. Otherwise, this is a fine, comfortable motel.

We tried to use the pool during its open hours, but it was locked even with our key card, and no one was at the front desk to help. The room was dusty and streaky, and the toilet was dirty. At breakfast, refills came slowly and tables weren’t cleaned between guests. Staff made comments like “I just put this food out and it’s all gone” after one staff member filled her plate with 3 of the 12 items they’d brought out. No pastries were ever refilled. I raised these issues with the assistant manager. She apologized, but there was no compensation or anything else. The staff were unfriendly when we arrived and throughout our interactions. This wasn’t what I expected from a Hilton Brand Hotel.