One big plus of this Hilton in Phoenix, Arizona is its location--just one block away from what I consider the best Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten at. Everything there is made from scratch and truly authentic. However, when it comes to getting around the rest of the city, the hotel is slightly off the beaten path--only a few blocks, but enough to notice.
One issue I can't overlook is the large number of homeless individuals and people clearly under the influence in the area. It made me uncomfortable to walk outside the hotel, especially at dusk or after dark.
The hotel itself is a beautiful historic building with a grand lobby and several cozy, semi-private sitting areas. I originally chose this hotel thinking it had a full-service restaurant, but that wasn't the case. They offer a typical Hilton breakfast, with a few à la carte options, but I didn't see a full kitchen. Prices were, in my opinion, excessive for the quality. Just a few blocks away is a fantastic farm-to-table breakfast spot, also making everything from scratch, and charging less. For me, the convenience of eating in the hotel doesn't outweigh the price or quality tradeoff.
The room was spacious and clean, with no musty odors--something I appreciated in an older building. I was also relieved that they didn't use heavy perfumed cleaning products. However, the provided toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion) were very heavily scented. Some might enjoy that, but I'd prefer unscented or lightly scented options.
Staff were generally neutral--not rude, but not overly warm either. The exception was checkout. We needed a bit of extra time to shower after a morning outing, and the staff was very accommodating, which I really appreciated.
Valet parking is the only option, but it worked out well. The valet team was excellent--efficient and professional. Most of the larger cars seemed to be parked right in front of the hotel, so there was little to no wait for vehicle retrieval. That was a big plus.
The rooftop bar was something I looked forward to trying, but it was a bit of a letdown. It doesn't open until 5 PM (and only until 10 PM on weekdays), and there's really not much of a view anymore due to taller buildings going up around it. Unfortunately, the drinks were also nothing special--basic and forgettable. By contrast, that nearby Mexican restaurant had a phenomenal bar with fresh fruit purées, house-made simple syrups, and creative options. It would've been great if Hilton's bar offered something more unique or higher-end.
Lastly, one major factor that's changed my loyalty to Hilton overall is the change in their rewards program. As a personal (not business) traveler, it's now nearly impossible to maintain Diamond status. I used to stay almost exclusively at Hilton properties, but since they changed their rewards structure, I don't see the benefit in being loyal. I've actually discovered other hotels I now prefer--places that offer more value, better experiences, and more accessible loyalty perks for the average traveler.
Overall: This Hilton is a solid hotel if priced right. The building is beautiful, the valet service is top-notch, and the rooms are comfortable and clean. I wouldn't bother including breakfast with your stay, and I'd skip the rooftop bar. While the surrounding area feels a bit sketchy, that unfortunately seems to be a broader issue in parts of Phoenix. I'd consider staying again if the rate is reasonable--but Hilton as a brand no longer holds the same appeal it once did. read more