DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia

Although I have read several positive reviews of this hotel, it is evident that individual experiences can differ significantly. Our 5-day stay prompted me to provide a detailed review, as these specific issues were immediately apparent during my visit. I don’t usually write feedback of this length but I believe it is warranted under the circumstances. Having stayed at multiple Hilton Hotels, I regret to say that I am unlikely to return to this location. BUILDING - PROS 1. All staff members, including those at the reception desk, housekeeping, and restaurant, demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service. 2. Complimentary breakfast was provided, offering a variety of options such as made-to-order omelets, all of which were of high quality. 3. The service in the restaurant was excellent, with attentive and courteous waitstaff. 4. Warm cookies were available daily, along with complimentary packaged cookies. 5. The conference room offered ample space for meetings and events. BUILDING - CONS 1. Hotel seems outdated. Its proximity to I-20 contributed to noticeable road noise in the mornings. 2. Rooms feature sinks located outside the bathrooms; as a result, using the sink at night may disrupt others due to bright lighting. 3. The B-side elevator lacks floor number displays, so guests must check lit buttons or look outside for room numbers. There is no A/C in the elevators, and hallway A/C units are insufficient to keep the area cool. Staff members frequently wait for available elevators to travel between floors. 4. On July 25, I reported all B-side parking lot lights were out. The front desk noted this ongoing issue but seemed unconcerned about the security risk. 5. Despite several tries until midnight, I couldn't find a luggage cart for checkout. The front desk explained that carts are often left in rooms after guests leave, and with housekeeping not done daily, they stay there until the next service. MY ROOM - PROS 1. The A/C was really cool, although it generated some noise. 2. The shower was of high quality, offering strong water pressure and multiple spray settings. Body gel, shampoo, and conditioner were provided in wall-mounted dispensers (see photo). 3. Hot water was available on demand after approximately two minutes; while this was sufficient for shower use, it did result in greater water consumption at the sink. 4. A power-flushing toilet was definitely a plus. MY ROOM - CONS At check-in, we received a room key but found it occupied (the bed was unmade and personal items inside.) The receptionist quickly switched us to another room; however, although we had selected a 2nd floor room earlier, we were reassigned to the 4th floor, which was disappointing. Several maintenance and amenity concerns were noted during our stay: • The baggage rack was broken, but it was replaced after being reported. • Laundry bags were not provided in the closet as is customary, so we had to ask for them from housekeeping. • The bathroom was notably s

Check in was quick and the agent was very welcoming. The lobby and Atrium were pretty and spacious. There were only 2 elevators but they handled traffic efficiently. Our room was super clean and evidently renovated. I could tell the bones of the hotel were old, but they did a wonderful job remodeling and updating. The beds were comfortable, our room was quiet, plenty of storage/closet space, etc. The shout outs….Mary at the breakfast buffet was on point from greeting us, to getting drinks for us and designating a table for our use while we got our plates. She checked in frequently but not too much and ensured we had everything we wanted or needed. The breakfast itself was pretty good. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, waffles, pancakes, yogurt, baked goods, and fresh fruit. The lady who checked us in also gave me a bunch of cookies to give out to our hockey team the night we had a late game. She was a wonderful employee and I wish I had noted her name. Two reasons for 4 stars opposed to 5….Allan…rude, inconvenienced with having to do his job, unwelcoming…many in our traveling group had unpleasant encounters with him on Saturday night. He certainly does not approach customer service with the same attitude as every other employee I encountered at this hotel. The other reason I deducted a star was because the refrigerator in the room froze and ruined all of my food. I had ordered an extra salad at dinner the night before to save to have for lunch the next day, instead it went in the trash. All in all I would estimate I lost about $30-40 worth of grocery items. When I reported it at checkout, I received a sincere apology but that was all. We paid over $200/night for this hotel and to have to double my food budget bc of ruined food was an expense we did not plan for.

Modern Touch This was a staycation and I needed a few days to rejuvenate from the daily routine. Normally Double Tree is great for my comfort, however I would suggest that this particular location order new towels they are hard and rough on the skin, the pillows and mattress was nothing like I was use too. The pillows were on their last days not fluffy or soft that includes the mattress. The shower I ended up falling in the shower, I suggest upgrading the shower with the rock from slipping. I think the products they used was slippery when the shower gel residue intertwine and luckily the hard towel I was able to use to get me up. I would say the front desk were very friendly.

Thanks

No way to stream through the hotel tvs, in this day and age my kid found it to be spmething out of the jurassic era. Everything else was nice enough for the price but that needs a serious update.

Great stay, the bartender is the best!