Hampton Inn Marshall — Hotel in Marshall Township

I didn't actually stay here, so it could be the nicest property on the planet - that I wouldn't know. I never made it past trying to make a reservation. °

A human answered the phone and promptly put me in a computer system queue. [[ I called 8 different lodging establishments this evening; they were the only company to employ a computer queue. ]] After 3 different menu options, then I had to enter my cell phone number (Why do they need my phone number if I don't even know if I'm staying there yet?), I reached a different person who was business-like and respectful but not particularly friendly. °

This property seemed to have a convention or somesuch going on in their convention center, and the person asked me if I was staying there for that function. I was not. I'd have to assume that the prices changed after that answer, as they did have some rooms available at $169/nite; but apparently, none of those rooms were eligible for any form of Veterans Rate (I am a member of the American Legion) or Governmental Rate (I'm a federal employee) - After getting shot down on those, I'll admit I completely forgot to ask about any Corporate rate - but I'd guess those rooms were sold out as well. °

But that's not the bad part - business is business and they can run theirs any way they want. What got my knickers in a twist (and prompted this review - I rarely write undesirable things about an establishment), then the operator informed me that I was already eligible for 500 Hampton Rewards points, and asked if I would like to stay on the line to "answer a few questions" (read: take a survey) to be eligible for 70% off my next stay. If I would have been able to use that discount on this stay, I might have actually done it - I was a bit desperate for a room. Many things going on in and around Battle Creek the weekend I needed lodging. I politely declined to take their survey. °

Instead, I called across the street to the Holiday Inn Express. They had no problem accepting my reservation with my Federal discount for... well... I don't know if it's kosher to post prices of competitors here, but let's just say it was at least 10% less than a bill adorned by (IMHO) our greatest stateman, Ben Franklin. And maybe their commercials are right - I'm no rocket surgeon, but I do feel a lot smarter now. :-) ° P.S. Heya Google: Ever heard of...

We got to the hotel at 11pm. Checked online before getting there. Rates were $139 (tax included) for the kingsize room. Jass at the front desk said the rate is $151, and they don't have a king just queen. I asked polite if she can get us a discount since it is almost midnight and she said best I can get you is 10%, which comes to $141 (btw that's not 10%) but I said ok. She did all the ID, card, paperwork, and everything, and when it comes to payment, it says $192 on the screen. I asked how come it went to $192, and she said $35 accidental fee (which I understand and it is refundable), but the rest was $157. She said that's with tax. I said online is $139 tax included, and I thought you were giving me the final rate. She was like, book it online and tear the paperwork right away. That was the rudest front desk person I ever encountered. It was 11pm, and I got my wife and my 16 months old baby in my car waiting for me to get the key and get them to the room for sleep, but I got online and booked the room online for $139 total. She, obviously ashamed now, was trying to explain to me how online is through a third company, and that's why it is cheaper. That was the stupidest answer I ever got. If it is through a third party, it is worst for the hotel couse now they have to pay that third party a commission for my booking. BTW rooms are very outdated and definitely not worth the price at all ! But that's something that you can see on the pictures online and up to you to decide, but the rudeness is something that should not come with an overpriced hotel. Plus, they have a huge sign by the entrance that says, "Making you happy makes us happy." Well, Jess, thank you so much for making my night. Sorry for the long review, but I felt I should share...

I did not sleep at all during my stay. On the first morning, I messaged the front desk (through the Hilton Honors app) about needing a different room due to slamming doors and loud stomping above me. A truck beeping outside my window at 5:15 AM, and there was constant banging on the shared wall with what I believe to be the breakfast kitchen; but I am not sure. I never received a response from the front desk, and after a day of exhaustion, I tried calling but got no answer. The tub drain dripped non-stop, and I found bugs in my bed. Frustrated, I decided to check out early. When I approached the front desk to check out, Jess, the attendant, noticed I was leaving a day early but did not ask why. She did not inquire about my stay, even though it was clear I was not satisfied. I later called the hotel to inform Jessica about the shower issue and to express my dissatisfaction with my stay overall. She said she would notify them about the shower and apologized for my experience, but she still did not ask for details about what went wrong. This was very disappointing customer service. I have been a loyal Hilton traveler for 30 years and I have never left a negative review. I believe this property is not terrible, I just had a very bad experience staying...