No!
Written: Apr 30 '03 (Updated Apr 30 '03)
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Pros: One of only a couple of hotels in town.
Cons: TRAIN WHISTLES AT ALL HOURS.
The Bottom Line: I can't recommend it. But, as one of only two or three hotels in Clemson, parents and families will end up there. Ask for a room away from the lake.
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| salme's Full Review: Hampton Inn Clemson SC |
My husband and I are trying to become points members at one or two hotel chains, thereby earning free hotel stays and other perks. We've stayed at various hotels, from Marriot's high-end Renaissance to Hampton Inns all over the world. We've tried Hilton brands from Sydney to London, and, considering the competition, have generally decided that Hilton's points program offers more value.
Consider the Hilton Honors Programme
Consider "double dipping." That is, as a gold status member, you can earn both hotel points and airline miles. Gold status is also easier to achieve with Hilton, requiring only 36 nights (or 16 stays), as opposed to the 50 nights Marriott properties require. Perks include access to the Executive Floor. These rooms are nicer, geared to the executive traveler, and often include free internet access on in-room computers. The Executive Lounge offers free breakfast, snacks at lunch or tea-time, dinner hour happy hour with snacks, and free drinks day-round.
We decided that Hilton's program is the one to chase. We've always liked the Hilton. In fact, several of the Hiltons we've stayed in are favorites: Hilton Sydney, Hilton Metropole in London.... Hampton Inn, Hilton's lower-scale model (think Fairfield competition) is usually nice enough. Cost-effective, widespread, and handy to a lot of major cities, Hampton Inn is usually a good choice.
Hilton's Hampton
We stayed at the Hampton Inn Clemson so that my hubby Jon could give a colloquim talk at the University. We planned to stay just one night, and though we'd stayed at Clemson's other hotel, the Ramada, decided to pursue our Hilton Honors dream and stay at the Hampton Inn.
I have no issue with the Cost: $75.60 per night is very reasonable, though I must admit it was the AAA rate. They also offer government rates and other discounts, so be sure to check online.
Nor do I take issue with the room per se. It was clean, didn't smell of cigarette smoke, and had enough towels and toiletries for two of us. The mattress was a bit thin and uncomfortable, but not the worst I've slept in. Nice view of the lake, but that will disappear behind a condo complex in a few more months of construction. The King-size bed was clean, but they do not offer King pillows, only three standards.
The staff was friendly and polite, very Southern. Clemson is small town, after all. Fewer than 10,000 people inhabit the town, plus students.
The complimentary continental breakfast is served in the lounge across from the lobby. Nice spread of grits (instant), bisquits and gravy, scrambled eggs, fruit, juices, toast with jams, and Bagels with cream cheese for us Northerners. Pleasant enough, and included with the room. It's strictly self-serve, but worth noting that though Jon and I showed up toward the end of service (15 minutes to 10 pm), there was plenty of warm, tasty food still available.
My main problem with this particular hotel is the freight train that runs by the lake. More specifically, the trains that run at 3:30 am, 4:30 am, and 5:30 am. The train's whistle, which by law must blow as it approaches and passes Highway 123, annoyed us to no end.
Now, when I stayed at London's Marriott Renaissance Heathrow, directly across from the country's busiest airport, we heard nary a peep. Nada. Squat. The Rennaissance's double-glass and insulation protects its guests from ungodly noises at unearthly hours.
No such luck in Clemson's Hampton Inn. I strongly recommend against staying here, unless and until the hotel upgrades its soundproofing.
Who's got the Bill?
One other problem surfaced. More of an annoyance, really. The bill includes room rate, long distance phone calls, etc. They expressly state that local calls are free. My husband made several local calls, some for internet connection.
For express checkout, the hotel usually slips a bill under your door. They did not. Oh well, it's easy enough to go to the front desk. The lady checked us out, billed our credit card, then asked if we wanted "another copy" of the bill. My husband pointed out that we had yet to receive one copy. On printing out the bill, the desk clerk suddenly noticed that "Oh, you've been billed for local calls. That's not right. Let me correct that."
Now, this sounds lovely on the surface; experienced desk clerk notices and corrects mistake. On closer examination, however, you put the three things together and get suspicious: a. they never delivered a copy of our bill, b. she'd just been looking at our bill on her computer, and c. only offered to correct the problem once we requested a copy of the bill. If we hadn't asked for a copy, thereby having neither knowledge nor proof of the "mistake," we'd have paid more than informed.
My husband is always reminding me of Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice what can be easily explained by stupidity. Still, when this type of thing happens, I suspect greed. If they confuse hurried travelers just 10% of the time....
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
salme
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Location: University Park, MD
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 5 members
About Me:
Professional editor and freelance writer.
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