Hilton HHonors - Hamptons that have Bitten the dust

word was that if they didnt ship up they were to be out. when I went to book for PHX I noticed that the infamous HI along I-17 North bound wasnt listed. Exterior corridors- heck I didnt think that Motel 6 would have kept 'em. anyway called and its not only no longer a HI but didnt sound as if they are with any chain at all.
any others out there?

I cannot believe it, but the Hampton Inn in Hays, Kansas still seems to be open.

This property has exterior corridors, unless this property underwent some major construction and somehow now has interior corridors.

Anyway, it was one of the worst Hampton Inns at which I have ever stayed, but that was a few years ago...

I noticed recently that the Norfolk Airport Hampton Inn is now a HoJo or something equally cheap. It was an exterior corridor hotel.

word was that if they didnt ship up they were to be out. when I went to book for PHX I noticed that the infamous HI along I-17 North bound wasnt listed. Exterior corridors- heck I didnt think that Motel 6 would have kept 'em. anyway called and its not only no longer a HI but didnt sound as if they are with any chain at all.
any others out there?


Yah its gone - this was my favorite place to get cheap "stays" :(. Over the summer it could be had for 32 a nite. Wouldnt want to actually sleep in the place though ;)

I miss the Hampton Williamsburg Historic District, VA. It was within easy walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg. The others are further out. Sure it had exterior corridors, but was in a nice part of town and well-maintained.

I am making a prediction that the old Oxford, AL HI will bite the dust soon if it hasn't already. A brand new one was under construction one exit up the Interstate with a scheduled opening in December. Mourners will be few. Since it's only 20 miles from Talledega, it will remain open under some lesser moniker - possibly Hobo Inn or Hangdog Inn.

word was that if they didnt ship up they were to be out. when I went to book for PHX I noticed that the infamous HI along I-17 North bound wasnt listed. Exterior corridors- heck I didnt think that Motel 6 would have kept 'em. anyway called and its not only no longer a HI but didnt sound as if they are with any chain at all.
any others out there?

I think the fact that most of you are seeing some of the older properties flying competitors' brand flags is primarily due to the new "Make It Hampton" brand initiative. It is my understanding that if the ownership group of the individual properties did not want to or did not wish to renovate their location to be more in line with the newer Hampton locations, their license was not renewed. I stand to be corrected on this issue though.

The Hampton Inns brand recently turned 20 years old and it was decided to "renovate" the brand, so to speak. Result: Make It Hampton. This included the updated and upgraded breakfast, Purity Plus (shampoo, lotion,etc) amenities, curved shower rods, lap desks, etc.. Another benefit is consistency of the brand.

HitonGuy as nice as that is 'Make It Hampton', it did get rid of some shall I say seedy places. However it also brought a rate increase with it . So although I didnt complain too much of HIs in the past, I feel that they are simply Glorified MOTELS. And no way am I willing to pay upwards of $100 (as I found most to be charging lately) for a Motel. In some locals the HI was more $$ than a full service hotel or pretty close to it in rates. I guess it was nice being a Diamond for the past 5-6 yrs, but if the rates stay as is (I assume they will), then I doubt very much if Ill be Diamond come 3/06.
eg; needed a hotel for a night next week by the Orlando airport (bed and shower) HI was $129 Best Western $71. Where did you think I booked? There were places alittle less. But BW has a promo 3X on AA miles. So not only will I save $60+ with tx. But I get 750 AA miles rather then pay an extra $60 and get 100 miles. Had HI been in that same rate range I would have stayed there instead.

another outdoor hampton is the hampton in south roanoke VA....what a ****hole

HitonGuy as nice as that is 'Make It Hampton', it did get rid of some shall I say seedy places. However it also brought a rate increase with it .

Agreed. I really like the updated touches, I really do. But several I've looked at are up significantly (+$20-$30/night).

Re PHX, another "cheaper" option is the I-10 West location on Latham. But even that has had its rate jump recently!

The HI in Oakland, just off of Hegenburger, closed sometime last year. It was good for hotel hopping but was nothing special. The rates were generally okay, but nothing special for a Bay Area Hampton. Now, for a cheap mid-week HI fix during a hotel-hop trip I have to go to Hayward.

So although I didnt complain too much of HIs in the past, I feel that they are simply Glorified MOTELS. And no way am I willing to pay upwards of $100 (as I found most to be charging lately) for a Motel. In some locals the HI was more $$ than a full service hotel or pretty close to it in rates. I guess it was nice being a Diamond for the past 5-6 yrs, but if the rates stay as is (I assume they will), then I doubt very much if Ill be Diamond come 3/06.


The only real bargain at Hampton these days is an Opportunity award redemption for 7,500 HHonors points, which I value at around $45 - with no tax and a stay credit. I won't redeem a 20K+ point award there, or pay $100+ for a revenue stay. As at Embassy and Homewood, Diamonds/Golds staying at Hampton are paying extra to cover the free breakfast provided to all patrons including large families - even though Diamonds/Golds get comp breakfast at other Hilton Family brands. And the Hampton in-room amenity is minimal. This is why I prefer competitively-priced Hiltons and Doubletrees where those brands are options in a market.

The Hampton Inn in Burlington, NC is now a Comfort Inn. Property was redone two years ago and is not too bad.

First thing done to the property after changing the sign -- painting the outside to match the Comfort Inn color scheme.

There used to be a HI on South Circle Drive in Colorado Springs that got worn out and had definitely seen better days, but I drove by there the other day and it's re-branded as a Comfort Inn and is being re-habbed.

I wish the Dulles Airport property was part of this program. This property is worse than the average motel 6, and they still charge close to or more than $100/night.

word was that if they didnt ship up they were to be out. when I went to book for PHX I noticed that the infamous HI along I-17 North bound wasnt listed. Exterior corridors- heck I didnt think that Motel 6 would have kept 'em. anyway called and its not only no longer a HI but didnt sound as if they are with any chain at all.
any others out there?

I also noticed the I-17 Hampton wasn't listed anymore. Took jan_az's advice from another thread and avoided the place on my last trip to PHX (would have actually had to sleep there). Used to use the I-10/West Hampton that uastarflyer mentioned but also noted the big time run-up in rates. What gives? Priced it at $109/nt first weekend in April. I know it's spring break but stayed there last year at the same time for $53.10 (AAA). Only ten bucks more for the Hilton Suites downtown. Looked at some dates in June and the lowest rate was $89. I've stayed there in the summer for as low as $35 and never more than $50. I've stayed about 15 nights there at various times of the year over the past few years and never seen the place more than 1/3 full...can't imagine how they justify doubling their rates.

HI Colorado Springs South (across the street from DT) is now a Comfort Inn. http://tinyurl.com/4o5x8

. . . And no way am I willing to pay upwards of $100 (as I found most to be charging lately) for a Motel. In some locals the HI was more $$ than a full service hotel or pretty close to it in rates. . . .

My sentiments exactly - these guys got a little too ambitious if you ask me. I used to never stay anywhere else, but now I often have to look at other options in the sub-$100 category. Many government contracts that our company has just don't accomodate HI rates anymore.

I agree that Hampton Inn rates have been rocketing skyward. It used to be unusual for me to find a Hampton with rates over $100/night, but they are becoming much more prevalent.

I was thrilled when Hampton announced they were going to be "making over" their hotels over a year ago. The biggest, and most welcome, enhancement has been the hot breakfast items, but my experience has been that there is little consistency in whether properties have the hot breakfast and what items are actually available. (For me, eggs & bacon/sausage is great; frozen french toast is just more unneeded carbs.) Unfortunately, at many properties, the "make-over" has been nothing more than putting up a new shower curtain & rod, and replacing the clock/radio (which, much to my dismay, does not allow one to wake to music). I thought the enhancements were going to include new bedspreads, but I'm not sure all properties have replaced them....actually I'm certain that some properties haven't replaced the bedspreads. In any event, the changes don't justify the vast price increases that some properties are trying to push.

Since I book most of my travel months ahead of time, I can ususally find very good rates at Hampton Inn, but it is getting tougher. If the trend continues, I may be looking more at other brands and other reward programs.....and that is coming from someone who is going on 10 years straight as a Diamond member.

Worst stay: HI, Bossier City, Louisiana about 2 years ago. (Haven't stayed since) I didn't know that mattresses could be 1''-2" thick until I stayed at this fine establishment. Add the fact that it is right behind a very busy singles night club (loud late night trysts waking me all night) made me realize that maybe the mattresses didn't start out so thin when originally installed.

word was that if they didnt ship up they were to be out. when I went to book for PHX I noticed that the infamous HI along I-17 North bound wasnt listed. Exterior corridors- heck I didnt think that Motel 6 would have kept 'em. anyway called and its not only no longer a HI but didnt sound as if they are with any chain at all.
any others out there?

Stayed at that property once, and today got a postcard talking about its closure and offering double points at other Phoenix properties. Wonder if it's only because I stayed there, but the offer appears to be good for everyone. See this post in another thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3612213&postcount=10) for details of the offer.

Worst stay: HI, Bossier City, Louisiana about 2 years ago. (Haven't stayed since) I didn't know that mattresses could be 1''-2" thick until I stayed at this fine establishment. Add the fact that it is right behind a very busy singles night club (loud late night trysts waking me all night) made me realize that maybe the mattresses didn't start out so thin when originally installed.

It's examples like this that justify carrying a portable black light. 2" mattresses are usually used in high volume establishments(ie. whorehouses, by-the-hour motels)

Denver HI on Quebec St. off of I-70 also gone, now a Comfort Inn. I had an award stay there for this February, and back in December Hilton sent me two emails and left a phone message to tell me the rez had been cancelled - I call that good CS.

HitonGuy as nice as that is 'Make It Hampton', it did get rid of some shall I say seedy places. However it also brought a rate increase with it . So although I didnt complain too much of HIs in the past, I feel that they are simply Glorified MOTELS. And no way am I willing to pay upwards of $100 (as I found most to be charging lately) for a Motel. In some locals the HI was more $$ than a full service hotel or pretty close to it in rates. I guess it was nice being a Diamond for the past 5-6 yrs, but if the rates stay as is (I assume they will), then I doubt very much if Ill be Diamond come 3/06.
eg; needed a hotel for a night next week by the Orlando airport (bed and shower) HI was $129 Best Western $71. Where did you think I booked? There were places alittle less. But BW has a promo 3X on AA miles. So not only will I save $60+ with tx. But I get 750 AA miles rather then pay an extra $60 and get 100 miles. Had HI been in that same rate range I would have stayed there instead.

Yep, I have noticed increased rates for Hamptons recently. The cost of the Make It Hampton initiative was handed to the hotels' ownership groups who undoubtedly passed it on to the consumer. I must assume that they (ownership groups) theorize that the added benefits justify the consumer-cost. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen. However, it may also be noted that occupancy rates for Hampton Inns as well as the other Hilton brands are up across the board over last year so, it may take a little longer to really find out if the thinking is correct. For me, I will take a look at peak season numbers at the end of the 3rd quarter 2005 to make my mind up :-)

I noticed recently that the Norfolk Airport Hampton Inn is now a HoJo or something equally cheap. It was an exterior corridor hotel.

Man that place was hole!

In updating the Hilton family hotel index thread I am noticing quite a few hotels gone from the chain.

I am making a prediction that the old Oxford, AL HI will bite the dust soon if it hasn't already. A brand new one was under construction one exit up the Interstate with a scheduled opening in December. Mourners will be few. Since it's only 20 miles from Talledega, it will remain open under some lesser moniker - possibly Hobo Inn or Hangdog Inn.

I stayed at seems new Hampton in Oxford AL. Nice for the location, and was surprsied there are so many hotels next to and around the Hampton Inn here in which seems to be small town. Nice service, they emailed me after my stay to see how was it and also before my stay, no other Hampton has done that for me.

I stayed at seems new Hampton in Oxford AL. Nice for the location, and was surprsied there are so many hotels next to and around the Hampton Inn here in which seems to be small town. Nice service, they emailed me after my stay to see how was it and also before my stay, no other Hampton has done that for me.

Call me if you return. I work about 3 miles away.

Oxford is a small town, but the economy here remains strong. There has been a motel boom, but the Hampton >2 years old now remains the best option. There's a newer Courtyard, but it's right up against the Interstate and guests complain about road noise at night and lose sleep if they get a room on that side. The Hampton can be noisy on that side too, but not so much.

I think the old Hampton is now a Baymont. There are worse places for sure, but Hampton, Courtyard, Holiday Inn Express are probably top tier.

There are a number of outside entrance HI's still available in the south.

One on I 75 near Valdosta. These guys compensate with a manager's reception most weeknights, free beer and wine with heavy snacks. All new furniture, etc.
another one in Knoxville, Cypress Drive (They are building a new one behind the old one)
Scottsboro Alabama didn't make it. America's Best Value Hotel now.

Yep, I have noticed increased rates for Hamptons recently. The cost of the Make It Hampton initiative was handed to the hotels' ownership groups who undoubtedly passed it on to the consumer. I must assume that they (ownership groups) theorize that the added benefits justify the consumer-cost. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen. However, it may also be noted that occupancy rates for Hampton Inns as well as the other Hilton brands are up across the board over last year so, it may take a little longer to really find out if the thinking is correct. For me, I will take a look at peak season numbers at the end of the 3rd quarter 2005 to make my mind up :-) The question is how will hilton do now that the economy is going south?

The infamous Hays, Kansas Hampton mentioned upthread years ago is no longer a Hampton. Last time I drove through there (last October) it was a Baymont. There's a new-construction Hampton now across the main street.

The one across from MLI (Moline, Illinois)

:shudder:

Good riddance.

FWIW: the HI in Sulpher, LA needs to be closed!!!

I don't know how, but the Hampton Inn Chattanooga I-75 keeps holding on... it's 75% exterior coridor, old bedding product, shoddy WiFi, and still commands $80ish/night vs. $40/night at the nearby MicroTel which is very equivalent. An HGI popped up nearby recently (not sure if new-build or re-brand) so if this Hampton doesn't die, maybe it will atleast keep the HGI prices in check.

An HGI popped up nearby recently (not sure if new-build or re-brand) so if this Hampton doesn't die, maybe it will atleast keep the HGI prices in check.If you are referring to the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Chattanooga near the Tennessee Aquarium, then this property was newly-built from the ground up.

My vote for the "are you kidding me? It's still open?" Hampton is the one in New Stanton, PA (near two major interstates). Think its from the 1960's; old rooms, all opening to the outside. But if you do the outside walk to the check-in area, they have managed to keep the breakfest Hampton-typical.
(Note: last there in summer '06).

Editing this post; this place IS now closed!

My vote for the "are you kidding me? It's still open?" Hampton is the one in Sommerset, PA (near two major interstates). Think its from the 1960's; old rooms, all opening to the outside. But if you do the outside walk to the check-in area, they have managed to keep the breakfest Hampton-typical.
(Note: last there in summer '06).

I think I stayed there 11-12 years ago when I had to visit (my then) Division HQ in Somerset. It wasn't that bad at the time, but expectations were low. I don't recall that there was much else in the area. If they haven't done much with it in 10 years, it probably deserves to be bulldozed.

I wish Hampton San Diego-Sea World would bite the dust. It's by 2 strip clubs and is converted from who knows what kind of hotel.

I am glad to report that the Hampton Inn Southern Pines has been closed and replaced by a new one in Aberdeen. It was the pits, but the only Hilton Property easily accesible to where I needed to be. I was actually told by the desk clerk that being Diamond only meant that I stayed at Hilton properties alot.

Cadillac, MI just went independent. Pretty old hotel. 20 years?

Not too many options to earn and burn frequency points in that town.

Man that place was hole!

Agreed!!!