“Disappointing Doubletree”
The best word to describe this hotel is "dowdy". It looks like they haven't remodeled in 20 years or more and the whole place looked the worse for wear. The public areas were acceptable but outdated. The one full-service restaurant was very pricey and not very good. I had the buffet breakfast which was totally standard or substandard (sad, bruised fruit in the fruit bowl, three pathetic-looking yogurts in the ice, greasy, sliced potatoes substituting for home fries, almost non-working toaster took forever). Also, the menu was inaccurate - didn't list English Muffins or Continental Buffet. Had to ask the waiter about them. Finally, service was poor - took 15 minutes to get a waffle made by the kitchen and there was almost nobody in the place.
The room had shabby furniture - beat-up side table, old TV set with minimal channels. Also, very annoying locally-inserted ads on LodgeNet, either froze or roasted in the room, uncomfortable double beds sagged in the middle.
The pool and exercise facilities seemed ok. The hotel has an adjoining health club and hotel guests can use the exercise equipment at no cost, which was nice. Also, the pool area featured a dry sauna and fully-equipped locker rooms to allow clothes changes at the pool.
Next time, I'd stay at the nearby Drury Inn or Homewood Suites instead and skip this place. Hilton can and should do better.
Area recommendations
Chesterfield, MO is primarily residential and offices, with major retail and restaurants nearby. Instead of Chesterfield, if you can swing it, stay closer to St. Louis proper - there's much more going on there. Aside from the obvious major attractions such as the riverfront, the Gateway Arch, Forest Park (and its museums), Cardinals baseball and Rams football, there are many great neighborhood to check out for their local retail and restaurants. In particular, check out the U. City Loop, the Central West End, Soulard, Laclede's Landing for nightlife and restaurants. Also if you can make the time, check out the St. Louis Museum - very wonderful and weird museum!
Family-friendly activities
St. Louis Zoo, Science Center, Art Museum, and Municipal Opera in Forest Park are all great! Also, ride to the top of the Arch - kids love it. If it's a nice day, go down to the edge of the Mississippi and throw rocks or sticks into the river!!
Comment from the hotel's management
Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to provide us feedback through Expedia. I wish to express my sincere apology for the lack of accommodating service and accommodations you have received especially related to the overall furnishings and restaurant. I assure you that this is not indicative of the level of service and quality we strive to provide to each of our very valued customers.
Clearly we have failed to provide you with the quality and service you have come to expect and deserve with Doubletree by Hilton. Your comments and experiences at our property have been reviewed with the entire management team of the Hotel. Also I want you to know that over the next several months we will be updating the entire hotel which will address such as public area and guest room as you noted.
Please know that your feedback is extremely valuable to us. Feedback such as yours assists us in improving our service and property on a daily basis. It is our hope that you will give us another opportunity to serve you.
Once again, please accept my sincere apology for any and all inconvenience and discomfort we caused you. Finally, if I may be of any further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
, Hotel Management
Posted Dec 6 2011
