marci

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with hilton properties in Alabama - specifically the Huntsville area.

If you don't, can anyone recommend a website which has a (fairly) comprehensive list of hotel reviews?

Thanks,

marci

Arcolaio99

Do a search for Huntsville and you will find a thread or two. It took me 20 secs and I had all the answers you were looking for. If I kne whow I would of inserted the link. Not trying to be a wiseguy with this post.

Marq

Marci:

Stayed at the Hampton Inn on University. They are in process of remodeling so room was like new. Was sold out. Asked for Diamond override, rate was $1 less than govt rate I was going to pay.

There is a Hilton. Don't know shape, not convenient to the hitech area of town.

marc

jmd001

There is a Hilton in the Downtown area, just across the street from the Von Braun Convention Center ... but that is about the only thing to which it is convenient. The hotel itself is OK, but certainly nothing special, perhaps even a little threadbare. As a Gold, have generally been put on the top floor and always given access to it (the lounge, that is). Reasonable to good snacks and breakfast from the lounge. Haven't stayed there since I made Diamond, that I remember.

Since Downtown is rarely where I need to be, have recently taken to staying at the Hampton Inn by the airport (Madison) or the one on University. Both are pretty standard HIs, and I have always been treated well at each.

BTW, if you are looking for an excellent restaurant, I highly recommend Paul's Bar and Grill (http://www.paulisbarandgrill.com). Very much off the beaten path, and reasonably casual (hey, it's HSV), but GREAT food ... with same day reservations hard to get. However, if you are alone, you can generally snag a seat the bar and eat there. That's all I have ever done. Or they have two or three "no reservation (just wait)" tables.



[This message has been edited by jmd001 (edited 06-18-2003).]

marci

Hi all,

Thanks so much for the replies.

1. I appreciate the reminder to do a forum search. I did so, and found some great advice...

2. Which has led me to choose to stay at the Hampton Inn Madison. Thanks all for your suggestions and, yes, I will definitely check out the Paul... restaurant there.

Re platinum status, I am but a lowly gold member on her way to becoming a basic member fast. I am a leisure traveler only and got gold membership on a fluke.


I called Hampton Inn Madison and they did not even know what the term "point stretcher" meant (!) and I'm not sure if they'll understand the concept of VIP room upgrades...

Thanks again,

Marci

goldmedallionflyer

[QUOTE]Originally posted by marci:
2. Which has led me to choose to stay at the Hampton Inn Madison. Thanks all for your suggestions and, yes, I will definitely check out the Paul... restaurant there.[\quote]

Good choice, and probably the best HH property in town. I have always been received well by the front staff, and have usually been 'upgraded' to a room with a fridge and micro - since there are no suites at this prop, it's as good as an upgrade gets. The rooms are usually quite clean and quiet.

The HI is not in the best neighborhood, and the rooms are accessed from an outside balcony. The Hilton downtown is OK, but you'll be in the middle of a ghost town after 9:00P

For meals, be sure to visit the Greenbrier Restaurant in the original location if you want a good local atmosphere and home cooking. To get there, head towards Decatur on I565 and take the exit by the watertower. Take a right and drive about 4 miles and the place is there on your right. Don't be fooled into settling for the Greenbrier restaurant that's by the interstate - go to the real thing.

As a former HSV resident, let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.

GMF

jmd001

Opps. The restaurant I referred to above is Pauli's (with an "i"!) ... and I strongly concur with the Greenbrier recommendation.

marci

Thanks all...

I have just enough Hilton points to get a free three night stay at the Madison.

And yes, I'm already on top of Pauli's.

I am auctioning for $50 a gift certificate from them for $1.00!

jmd001

Marci--

A $50 gift certificate to Pauli's for $1??? Where do I send my money??!!!

marci

visit www.restaurant.com

Click on "visit our eBay Auctions".

Click on Alabama and peruse the listings. Pauli's is located in Madison, Alabama.

All bidding starts at $1.00, but as more people discover this gem, the price can reach $15.00 on average now. I just got one for $10, though...

The key is to watch without bidding. Then bid with about two minutes left on the auction. You must join eBay first...

marci

Also,

Whne I first wrote that post, I was the high bidder at $1.00. But about a day into the auction, someone bid as much as $9.00 - which is how I ended up paying $10.00.

Also, just because some of them say "buy it now for $24.95" does not mean that you cannot bid on them for $1.00. The buy it now function is just a way to override other people's bidding.

But I would never pay $24 for a $50 certificate to Pauli's. That's way too much.

jmd001

Thanks for the auction info.

However, upon reading the fine print for the certificates, I believe it says "for parties of 2 or more" (I generally am by myself when traveling to HSV) and "only for food" (with their excellent wine selection, my bar bill generally exceeds my food bill).

Motion122

I will have a 4 night stay in Huntsville, Alabama. One Hilton and two Hampton Inn's came up on Hilton.com Any comments and feedbacks on these properties will be appreciated.

RightD

Unfortunately, the Hilton in Huntsville is an older property (and to be converted into a Holiday Inn in the not too distant future) and neither of the two Hamptons (South Parkway and University Drive) is much to write home about.

If a HH property is a must you might want to check out the Hampton Inn in Madison. It is just off of I-565 (near Research Park and Redstone) and convenient to the airport and shopping.

Good luck,
- RightD

BamaVol

I have stayed in the past year at the Hampton on South Parkway. It is OK, nothing too special, nothing bad. I recall a spacious room, wired internet and lots of free local newspapers. My stay was prior to HI systemwide changes so breakfast was continental. Ask for a room in the front as the rear faces a highway. There is a Radisson next door. I have stayed there and it is better, but no HH points and I have no status in their program.