Doubletree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

Room was pleasant, no smells, no one smoking skunk **** either, however, our room missed a few things in the upgrade process. Easy access to the hotel from the other side of the main entrance, plenty of parking available as well. Breakfast was small but adequate for a quick meal.

Hotel overall during renovation is one star. Five stars goes to front desk staff named Kenyatta. She was the only highlight that made the stay tolerable. For every issue we had, she addressed with such attention. She personally came to our room to deliver new key cards and take us to a new room because the first room’s ac/heating unit was obnoxiously loud. When I requested extra K cups for the keurig, she went above and beyond to find them since housekeeping was not around with a supply. Again, she came to our room to deliver them. As for the hotel’s first impression, there is no lobby. We were diverted to a door next to lobby doors where the make shift “front desk” is tucked into an alcove where Vending machines would sit. It’s literally a table with a computer on it. The lobby is literally a hallway. There is a reason this hotel is being renovated, everything is old. Felt depressing walking down the hallway to our room. There is a pool, but you have to cut through the outside to get to it. Not ideal for January. The pool itself also looked depressing. When asked about it, staff said they would have to get maintenance to move furniture around before use. Beds are meh. Definitely stayed in more comfortable beds with fresher linens. Overall, old hotel with old furniture, including TV. I’ve been spoiled with smart TV in hotels now. The to go “brown bag” breakfast was pretty good. Makes up for the non existent dining area for free breakfast this hotel would typically offer. Maybe after renovations everything will be better. Stay clear of this place til then.

Housekeeping gets 5 stars. It goes downhill from there. When we checked in on 5/28 around 430pm. The desk attendant seemed very upset and bothered by our presence. My card was charged for more than our stay upfront. I understand deposits but at least tell your customer. I am an IHG member but was told at checkin that they can't look it up so if I don't know my number then they won't be able to get the rewards. Who offers a rewards program but "cant" look it up? Am I expected to memorize the number for when I go on vacation? Our room smelled like dog urine. The paint is peeling at the pool and flaking all over the tables and floor. The vibe of the staff is fear, annoyance, and anger. Perhaps a shake up in management by corporate is needed. It is hard for your customers to feel welcome if the staffs jobs are being threatened or are so unhappy that it projects to the customers. That is exactly what is going on at this hotel. Whatever clerk that checked us in should not be working with the public. Lastly no free breakfast of any kind. The room was clean and housekeeping did a good job the only good thing about this property.

Where do I begin… if I could have give negative stars I would have. We arrived and the smell in the lobby… I can only describe as they are using a dirty mop and mop water to wash the floors…. It was stale smelling. We go To our first room… walking down the hallway with our children all you smell is someone… maybe multiple rooms smoking ****. We arrive to our room open the door and the smell of dog hits you right in the face. Back to the front desk. They give us a second room. This hallway stunk but it was just the building. Maybe the carpet is old? The room smelled fine so we kept The room. My daughter went to wash her hands and the soap at the sink was used… I had to grab with a tissue and throw in the trash. Our view (although not the hotels fault) was of a nasty closed hotel pool next door). It was definitely not our Favorite place to stay and thankfully it was just a two night stop along our road trip.

Honestly I was a little hesitant to book this hotel after reading the reviews, but I did anyway and just hoped for the best. I’m so glad I did! The hotel, while older, was very clean, the staff super friendly, rooms very comfortable and the location was so convenient to several restaurants, Target, etc.. and the beach was only 15 min away! The bar area is welcoming and the bartenders were awesome. My kids loved the indoor pool which was a good size. The coffee shop in the morning and great coffee and light breakfast fare. I wouldn’t hesitate to book this hotel again if we ever find ourselves in the area!