My observations:
Cons
The hotel is in need of refurbishing, which I understand is on the way. The rooms are fine, just a little worn down. One suggestion on the re-do is add more outlets...there are very few in the room and the ones that are present are difficult to get to.
Pros
-Service is warm, genuine and friendly at every turn. We were there for ND weekend (the ND football team stays here the night before a game), so you can imagine it was pretty hectic. You wouldn't have known it from the employees.
-Front desk check in was efficient and friendly. Recognized diamond status and explained the benefits.
-Room was clean and decent sized. Beds were comfortable with a ton of pillows.
-Executive lounge was crowded as you would imagine, but the staff was on top of it. Great fresh fruit offerings (pineapple, strawberries watermelon, cantaloupe and blueberries). 4 different kinds of cereal, multiple juices, multiple milk choices, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, bagels, english muffins and starbucks coffee.^
-our boys were wearing their Air Force gear and people were giving them a good natured ribbing...the lounge attendant (Laurie I believe her name was) came by with two HUGE ND chocolate bars (after asking permission) to try and buy their allegiance...very cute and a nice touch!
-As a side note, I heard two different employees interacting with guests who were discussing the move from Marriott to Hilton. Typically when I hear this, it's griping and complaining about this and that. Both employees noted positives about the change and said things were going well so far.
-Irish Pub restaurant was a nice respite from the crowds of the ND campus. Food was standard bar irish bar fare and was reasonably priced and tasty. Service was efficient and friendly.
-Outside the restaurant several ND players were hanging out, taking pictures and signing autographs...what a thrill for the young ND fans.
Overall the hotel was great, and when the refurb is done, it will be outstanding. Glad to see this hotel join the Hilton family!^^^