DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center — Hotel in Spokane

I left a review of this hotel six years ago and here are the highlights of that review:

Warm cookies at the front desk are a nice touch. Shuttle to and from the airport is super convenient. Heating/cooling system from the 70s. No "fan" option, so if you're a fan (no pun intended) of white noise, you're either in a tropical windstorm or it's Mohave Desert quiet.

Here's my updated review from my most recent stay:

Views from the rooms, particularly on the higher floors, are fantastic, either of Riverfront park and the Spokane River or downtown Spokane. The rooms themselves are clean, the location of the hotel couldn’t be better (in Riverfront Park), and the beds are comfortable. So what’s not to like?

If you’re not a Hilton Honors member (I am), internet access is $8/day. Didn’t up-charges for internet go out with dial-up modems? There is no microwave in the room but there is a mini-fridge (their way of "encouraging" you to eat at their overpriced restaurants?). The tv remote turns the tv on/off and the volume up/down, but you literally have to scroll through all 100 channels to see what’s on (I'm not kidding), and no premium movie channels are offered (their way to get you to pay for internet access -- or to become an HH member?). The bottled waters are $2.50 (free if you're a member), and parking is $22/day.

So because there’s no complementary breakfast, if you don't want to go out for b-fast, you’re stuck with Shutters Café. Why “stuck”? Because a modestly sized waffle runs you $12. No bacon, not even powdered sugar sprinkled on top. Just a plan old waffle, all by its lonely self, on your plate, at a cost to them of less than $1 (that's what I call a margin). You could order the “Texas” waffle for $14... you know, those waffles that are “Texas” big? More like Rhode Island big. If I were from Texas, I'd be insulted. And they're not even that good. Or you can just part with $20 and get the buffet, which is what most sane people do. A carafe of coffee is $4. So any way you cut it, breakfast for two will run you north of $50.

But here's where it gets fun. There's a $50 charge for late check-out (not if you're a Hilton Member, or course). But -- get this -- there's also a $50 for early check-out! Yes, you read that right: early check-out. So if you choose to leave early, they charge you $50? Huh?!? They should rename this place "Hotel California (and if I have to explain that reference, you don't deserve to know).

So at the end of the day, though you may get a decent rate of $163/night for two people, be prepared to pay about $25 in taxes, $22/night for parking, $8/day for internet, $50 for breakfast for two, and $5 for two bottled waters, for a grand total of about $275/night. This hotel redefines “nickeling and dimeing you to death.”

And just one more thing. While I was at breakfast enjoying my $12 Rhode Island waffle, I received a text from hotel management with this message (word for word):

“Welcome valued Hilton Honors Member. As a Member, here are a few of the benefits you can expect at our Hotel: Complimentary Internet. If you are driving, when you arrive at the hotel please park in Registration up front. Self parking is $22 per day. There’s no Complimentary Breakfast option. Shutter’s restaurant offers some breakfast option of a menu for purchase. Let us know if you need anything!”

Aside from the grammatical mistakes like internet that gives you a compliment and a breakfast that doesn’t, the message informs me that some of the “few” benefits as an HH member are “no Complimentary Breakfast option” and "$22/day parking." And they want to know if I need anything? How about complementary breakfast and free parking for starters, and microwaves in the room, a thermostat from this century and, while we're at it, a text that actually explains the benefits of being a Hilton Honors member, like free late check-out, free in-room water, and free Internet. Hello marketing team?

With those changes, I just...

Normally I don’t write reviews at places I haven’t stayed but staying at this hotel has come to damn near impossible. I was hoping to get the problem resolved before I wrote a review but it’s been 3 months and still nothing.

My now husband and I booked a room for Friday and Saturday nights back in August for our wedding night. Our friend was going to stay the night Friday night so she had a place in town to sleep. My new husband and I would stay Saturday night after our wedding. She ended up staying somewhere else, so my husband went in person to cancel the Friday night stay as no one would be checking in but we’ll check in Saturday night. He even ordered a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to celebrate our new MARRIAGE.

So, we get married in cda. Have a great time. Show up to the Hilton in downtown Spokane, still in our tux and wedding gown, only for them to tell us since we didn’t check in on Friday our whole reservation got cancelled and they were completely booked on rooms and couldn’t get us in any room. Our wedding night and celebrating as a new married couple was completely ruined.

The girl at the front looked like she felt extremely bad, almost about to cry. She was super sweet and offered us their warm delicious cookies (I’ll give the necessary 1 star to their cookies).

I emailed Hilton services and got to deal with Danae, director of front office services around August 16 (we were married August 12). She said I would get a certificate for a complimentary suite to make up for the cancellation and free breakfast as well as our points refunded for the stay. That sounded fair to me. I gave her my address for the certificate. I emailed again August 28 because I still had not received anything. She said it might take a few weeks to receive it and offered to book something through her now. My husbands and my schedules are very opposite, our wedding day and the day after we’re the only days we had off together. So trying to book this again was difficult working around our schedules. After a lot of scheduling issues I just decided to wait until the holiday break (I’m a full time student in the nursing program).

Realizing the time that he passed, I emailed Danae again September 13 because I STILL had not received the gift certificate. She said she’d been out of the office and would look into it when she got back. Emailed again September 21st as I had not heard anything back from her or received the certificate. At this point I was getting irritated with this situation. I did finally receive the certificate.

Fast forward to October 26, I emailed Danae about making a reservation for December. No reply. Emailed again October 30. No reply. Called her direct line and left a message I think October 31. No reply.

I emailed again and CC’d my husband to deal with this as I said I’m a full time student and working and have better things to deal with. She FINALLY emails me back stating she did not receive my previous emails. I thought it was weird that she received that one but not the previous two and also wondered why she didn’t return my call. After dealing with this for 3 MONTHS it’s no surprise that our room got cancelled. This issue has still not been resolved and at this point I don’t think it will. I will never recommend this place to anyone. And I’ve never even stayed here.

Thank you double tree, for ruining our wedding night, and our celebration our new married life together.

Edit: I’m surprised to hear they have availability on the days we requested. I will update my review once we stay, about the hotel itself instead of just...

My stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center was nothing short of exceptional, it exceeded my expectations in every respect. Its central location, unparalleled service, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking the best of Spokane.

From the moment you step into the hotel, the friendly staff welcomes you with the warmest hospitality. The check-in process was seamless and quick, a delightful start to my stay. Every staff member I encountered seemed genuinely interested in ensuring my comfort and satisfaction. Their attentive, kind, and professional service truly makes you feel special.

The central location of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is a huge advantage for any traveler. It's nestled right in the heart of the city, making it a breeze to explore Spokane's numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops. Being able to stroll to nearby sights and enjoy the lively ambiance of the city was a huge perk of staying here.

However, the standout feature for me was undoubtedly the breathtaking scenery. The hotel boasts impressive views of the Spokane River and city skyline. The beautifully designed rooms come with large windows that serve as a frame for these spectacular vistas. The sight of the city illuminated at night and the serene river flowing by in the morning are images that have stayed with me.

The room itself was modern, clean, and well-equipped. Comfortable beds, a spacious bathroom, and the overall ambiance of the room made it a haven of relaxation after a day of exploring the city. The cleanliness standards were top-notch and the room service prompt and efficient.

The dining options at the hotel were also commendable. The on-site restaurant served a variety of delicious dishes, and the breakfast spread was a delightful way to start each day.

In conclusion, my stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center was a 5-star experience through and through. It perfectly combines the convenience of a central location with friendly service and magnificent views. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Spokane, whether for business or leisure, as it is indeed the epitome of...