This was my first stay at a Spark by Hilton, and I was excited to try it out, especially since the price was only $78.96 for one night. As someone who stays at a lot of Hampton Inns, I was curious to see how this newer brand compared. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised, especially considering the value for the price.
Location
The hotel is conveniently located near White Oaks Mall and less than 20 minutes from the airport, making it great for both shopping and travel. The proximity to local attractions is definitely a plus for anyone looking to explore the area or needing easy access to flights.
Check-In Experience
I had a minor issue signing in via the Hilton app, which I usually do as a Diamond member, but this time, I had to wait until I arrived at the hotel to check in. When I arrived, there was a short wait for the clerk to come out from the back room, but once there, he checked me in quickly and handed me my two bottled waters, as is customary for Diamond members.
Hotel Ambiance
The hotel itself appears to be a remodeled property. While the front lobby and breakfast area look fresh, the common areas like the hallway carpets and elevators seem to have missed the renovation. The carpets, in particular, looked worn and could use updating. This extends to the second floor as well, where I stayed.
Room Quality
Once I stepped into my room, though, things improved drastically. The room was fully remodeled and very clean. The decor was minimal, but everything was functional and served its purpose well. As a traveling salesman, I stay in a lot of hotels, and this room was perfectly fine for my needs.
The room came with a coffee maker, refrigerator, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, and basic toiletries (soap, lotion, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner). The large TV with streaming capabilities and a wireless phone charger next to the bed were great touches. One minor drawback was the lack of outlets at the work desk, which was a little inconvenient for someone needing to charge multiple devices while working.
Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities like free breakfast, free parking, a heated indoor pool, and pet-friendly options. The streaming entertainment on the TV and pet-friendly policy stand out as nice perks. The window in the room can be opened slightly to let in fresh air, which I found to be a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
For the price, Spark by Hilton offers a great value. The room was clean, functional, and had thoughtful modern touches like a wireless charger. While some of the common areas could use more attention, I had a positive experience overall. I'll definitely consider staying at other Spark locations in the future as they seem to offer a good balance between affordability and quality. read more