Avoid this hotel~!!! I booked here - at $220/night I might add.. because a client was across the sreet. They put me on the "mythical" executive floor - that's the "executive" floor that isn't the executive floor.. have to go to another floor for that... tiny room - one phone in room, and it not a two-line phone.. Tiny room - lots of things didn't work - ice maker on floor, lamp, etc.. told them at midnight I'd need another room for next night.. checked next morning at 6, they said to check back at 9, called in at 9 - too bad, they say. I say, fine.. no pblm w/ staff =- just the room and that I'll be checking out at noon. They tried to gig me for an early cancellation fee! Needless to say, I had to inform mgr that I wasn't inclined to pay for being dissatisfied - after tense conversation he "waived" the penalty fee. Went down two exits to the Doubletree Costa Mesa - cheaper, MUCH nicer hotel and room - nicer staff... Stay here if you're in the area and avoid the nasty airport Hiton.
Two nights later I'm at Del Mar Hilton - nice hotel but again, only a one-line phone - although there were at least two phones in the room - but this hotel has a real water pressure problem..

Tonight I'm at TorreyPines Hilton and it's terrific! High speed internet access - big room - incredibly customer-oriented staff - best experience in a long time and a big welcome after a solid week of travel.

Hope these tidbits help someone else...

Apparently others had similar experience.. see my thread on Hilton's forum..

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/000604.html

Thanks for the advice - this is why this website is so useful. helps me avoid ripoffs - sorry about your experience though.

I would add the Monterey (CA) Hilton as another to avoid. There was nothing terribly wrong here, but for $175/night you can find much better in the area - especially the Hyatt right around the corner or the Monterey Plaza on Cannery Row overlooking the water.

I spent last Friday and Saturday evening (July 7 & 8) at the SNA Hilton.

Checked in at 9:00 p.m., and there were about 10 cars in the parking lot. The lobby was empty. Asked about a HH Gold upgrade. Was told, no there were no rooms available for upgrade. Asked if the hotel upgraded HH Gold members. Was told that occasionally they did, but this wasn't going to be one of those special occasions.

I agree with svpii, and won't be staying there in the future.

(as of this reply I believe that I've joined the vaunted ranks of a FT Evangelist)


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Robert Johnson
danville 1K