Lounges can be entirely hit or miss. I would rate locations like Hilton Sacramento Arden West and Hilton Minneapolis as “doing the bare minimum, overcrowded, and junky.” In contrast, the Hilton Santa Fe Plaza is a class act, with a spotless, well-appointed lounge. The Curio hotels in St. Louis and Minneapolis also have outstanding lounges.

I love the lounge concept, but I wouldn’t lament Hilton closing tired, crappy lounges. Unfortunately what they should be doing is asking “How can we enhance the product to attract more business?” The contrast in evening reception and breakfast quality between lounges of the Minneapolis Hilton and Curio means that I’ll be staying in the Curio regardless of price difference. And I’ll be in Sacramento this week, and my nights are going to an HGI because I know I will get a much better breakfast than what the Hilton puts out in the lounge.