We stayed here for 3 nights over the Labor Day week-end. The location is very good, close to the BART coming in from the airport and close enough to Bus and Cable Car lines. There are several restaurants in the vicinity also, but unfortunately none that I would recommend- pricey to start and then not tops on the list anyway. (One additional exasperating note: a breakfast diner called LOri's, recommended by the doorman for its supposed reasonable prices, is half a block away, but not so reasonable.) For those that get into Starbucks, there's one conveniently situated in the hotel lobby, but that brings me to another flaw.
The registration and front desk look like what you'd see at an airport. If you are lucky enough to hit the right time, you'll be able to get to a clerk quickly. We weren't when we checked in. In later moments, however, there was access to the desk and the concierge. When we did deal with staff, they were very polite and most were helpful as well. The crowds milling around in the lobby nonetheless had no time limit.The room design and decor seem to encourage a crowded atmosphere.
Our actual room was relatively small in Tower 3. We were given one with a king but when we asked for 2 beds, we were accommodated. But then there's the view-NOT- because even though we were were on the 10th floor, we faced the other tower. There was a mini bar, but it was locked!!! I called down, and the operator said that the mini-bars had been removed a year before, but that I could rent a portable one (Huh??) for $15.00! Worst of all, however, was the bathroom. The vanity and sink would have been ample for a pet dog, but not two people who had a few toiletries and needed to use a wash basin. The shower would have been ok had the pressure which blasted out of the lower faucet been transferred to the shower head which it was not. There was also a bulb out in one of the lights over the sink. Although when we asked that it be replaced, the staff once again was compliant (but why was it in that state to begin with??). Among the other better notes, whether it was because of the clientele or the sound proofing, at least the room was quiet.
Overall, the location of the hotel was excellent (that's why we selected it) and the area was safe. For a Hilton Hotel, though, we expected more. The view, the crowded lobby, and the unimpressive room amenities, especially the cramped inadequate bathroom, were strong negatives. Our resulting summary of Not bad translates into an average score.
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