Top 10 Indian Orchard Hotels

Given the reputation of the 21C Hotels, we were expecting a much nicer, much more comfortable experience. I do want to say that the hotel staff was very friendly and very nice although other than check-in, we did not really have a reason to interact with them. The oddest thing about this hotel is that there is no place to park! You cannot drive up to the front entrance to unload luggage. There is a city parking structure behind the hotel but there is no direct entrance from the parking into the hotel so one has to walk around the block just to get back to the front door. One of the staff came out to help with our luggage (while we were parked on the street) and the poor guy had to literally lift the luggage cart from the street onto the sidewalk because there isn’t even a sloping handicap portion of the curb to roll the luggage cart. The management needs to re-vamp its website to state clearly that when you book a “bed and breakfast” package you are not really getting that—-breakfast is not served Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and the grab and go breakfast—which is available to anyone staying there—consists of some apples and granola bars. Not impressive. Breakfast is served on Thursday and Friday with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The website should state exactly what one is getting and it does not. The hotel, despite its few art installations, is cold and austere looking and feeling. Our room was oddly shaped and badly designed with random floor lamps which provided almost no light and a large entry hall with no lights at all. There was one very uncomfortable chair and one table placed next to a chaise lounge which was pushed up against a cold floor to ceiling group of windows. There were no comfortable chairs in which to sit to do computer work at the table. And the beds were also uncomfortable with lumpy hard pillows. The hotel looked clean and our room and bathroom were clean and we truly appreciated the mask mandate. We had planned to stay a few nights, but because the beds were so uncomfortable and the room so dark, we checked out the next day and went to another hotel.

The hotel is very clean and the room was huge. However, I gave a lower rating because we reserved a room on the Executive Level and paid more specifically for this level. The description of the specific suite states “this suite provides access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and beverages and Manager’s Reception.” It also states “Turndown service is provided nightly.” We went to the Executive Lounge at 6:00 pm and the door was locked. I went to the front desk and was told the room had been closed for 3 years. When I asked about the amenities of the Executive Lounge I was given 6 drink tickets (1/night for 2 nights for 3 people) and tickets for free breakfast at the restaurant. We went to the bar to use the drink tickets but there were no snacks, no beverages and only 1 free house wine or beer/person. That is absolutely not the same as an Executive Lounge! Additionally, there was no turndown service, as advertised! If we had known this was the situation, we certainly would not have paid a higher price for a room on the Executive Level! This is the definition of false advertising!

Very good hotel. Clean. Good breakfast. Great location. So why the three stars? I called the front desk to see why my room hadn’t had housekeeping service. I was connected to the “virtual assistant in training.” After a long day it’s pleasant to engage in a robotic circular conversation. Finally connected to the front desk. I was asked “if I scheduled housekeeping.” When I responded that I thought that a given, I was informed that”Embassy Suites gives service every fifth day unless requested.” There was a mention of Covid initiating the change. As a Diamond member I questioned this was a Hilton policy. Then the story changed and it was “this properties policy.” I understand that service industries have a real staffing problem currently. It’s a tad insulting to be told Covid is the cause of not getting maid service. If the hotel was upfront and discussed at check-in, I would have been receptive to their staffing issues. Additionally, the hotel website touts a “complimentary5 mile shuttle van.” When I inquired I was told that was discontinued because of Covid.” I suggested the website be corrected. I did get some coffee and towels finally.

I looked at Trip Advisor reviews and noticed that the General Manager Stephanie Irvine responded to all comments, positive or otherwise. That tipped the scales for me when comparing other hotels. I knew if we stayed at Homewood Suites and if anything went wrong, she would make it right. Everything went great and we also got to say hello to Stephanie during our stay. I was also pleasantly surprised the digital room key worked each time we entered our room. That hasn't happened at other Hilton hotels. Breakfast was good, everything was clean, and we were able to easily get additional towels and supplies when we needed. Big thumbs up to Homewood Suites by Hilton Bentonville-Rogers!