Spark by Hilton Norfolk — Hotel in Norfolk

This was my initial stay at a Sparks hotel, chosen based on its 4.2 overall rating on Booking.com. Unfortunately, my experience did not align with the expectations set by that rating. Although I originally booked for July 4th, the reservation was altered to July 5th after confirmation. Consequently, I was unable to attend the fireworks show, which was the primary reason for organizing the Norfolk/Virginia Beach weekend trip. Secondly, our appointment indicated a 4:00 pm check-in. Despite arriving at 5:30 pm, our rooms were not ready. When I asked about the military discount, the receptionist or manager did not provide assistance. Although two King bedrooms were reserved, they were unavailable upon arrival and two Queen rooms were offered instead; however, these were also not immediately ready, resulting in additional waiting time. Compensation was not offered since the reservation was made through a third-party application. Upon requesting information about a refund for the delay, I was informed that refunds could not be provided, but my colleague, who manages a similar business, engaged with staff regarding procedure and assisted in addressing the matter. After accepting two queen rooms following a rebate, both proved uncomfortably humid with a stale odor that required staff assistance. One air conditioning unit also failed overnight, making our stay at Sparks Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia unsatisfactory. My adjacent room presented some security concerns, as I was unable to lock the deadbolt. Apart from this issue, the room was satisfactory but did not reflect the quality standards expected from Hilton or newer brands like TRU Hotel. As a Hilton member, I was dissatisfied with both the facilities and management, especially in relation to staff attentiveness and customer service. These factors contributed to my overall low rating of the hotel. Overall: It is recommended that management increase attentiveness to all clients, with particular consideration for military personnel and veterans. Guest membership status, including Hilton membership, should be consistently verified. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure room accuracy and uphold high standards of cleanliness, while further enhancing the quality of...

Quick Summary: If you're looking for a "no frills of any kind" place to stay overnight that's clean, safe, mostly friendly, and near the airport, this is for you. If you need to stay for a while, you'll need to drive for every meal except the continental breakfast, and you'll need to find a laundromat for laundry service. If you're here for business on the other side of the tunnel, prepare to be in traffic for at least an hour to and from.

Rooms: The rooms are small but clean. There are no drawers, only shelves (so your items are all out there for your viewing pleasure and everyone else's). There's no microwave in the room, but you can go down by the desk to use theirs. There is a fridge in the room, but it's half the size of a mini fridge. It's enough to keep cold drinks in. Please note, unlike other Hilton properties, there's no laundry, no business center, no food/restaurant, and zero amenities.

Service: However! The rooms are clean, and most of the staff are very nice. (There are a couple of ladies working the desk that are not very personable or friendly. One watches videos on her phone the entire time and never bothers to address anyone unless she absolutely has to, and then she seems quite annoyed anyone would dare interrupt her while she's watching videos AT WORK.)

But one woman who works the desk is amazing. She works A LOT, is bilingual, and super sweet and helpful for things to do, good places to eat, and really seems to enjoy the people. The housekeeping staff are also very friendly and really make sure you're comfortable and not in need of anything. They are amazing!

Location: The hotel is close to the airport, but if you're here for business, the military bases, the college, and so on, it's a long, long ride across the tunnel to the city.

Safety: The hotel seems to be safe, in a safe area, and doesn't seem to have any crime or related...

This was my worst hotel experience ever. There was a woman screaming and slamming her door because “it wouldn’t lock” all the way up to 130 in the morning. And I mean slamming I felt the vibration in my room, I finally couldn’t take it anymore so I opened my door to look and see, the receptionist was telling her she was disturbing other guests, the woman looked at me apologized and then went back to counting and slamming her door. This went on for at least until 2 at that point I just turned my tv up put a pillow over my head and tried to go to sleep. At 9 when I went to check out I was going to complain about my experience. I walked up to the front desk and the girl who was sitting there was watching videos on her phone. I said I would like to check out she says without looking up from her phone just put the cards in the basket. Obviously she was already not in the best of moods and I don’t respond well to people disrespecting me so I decided it would be best for the both of us if I went ahead and just made a review and I will be calling Hilton and complaining also since I am a...