Let me begin by saying that this property In the past was always my property of choice when booking a hotel in Tuscaloosa. My husband, however, has recently opted for another Hilton property - Hilton Garden Inn - in another part of the city. But being the fabulous husband that he is, he let me choose my now "former favorite" for our accommodations this past weekend. I have not stayed at this property since spring of 2010, and boy, was it really disappointing and, actually, quite sad to see the shockingly dilapidated condition of the hotel.
We started out with a handicapped room that was so worn and haggard-looking that we asked to be moved to a "better" room. The front desk attendant Amanda assured us that the next room would be the same, and she was absolutely spot on.
We were moved around the corner to another very sad, tattered, and frayed-looking room. The furniture was outdated and so badly worn that the finish was wearing away. The only picture on the wall was one on the outside wall, nothing over the bed, and absolutely no accessories to brighten up the space. Paint job in this room was so horrible that I would have to say that the painters either had very bad vision and/or were inebriated while they were working. The chair and ottoman in the room were FILTHY, with well-defined areas of dirt/stains on both. We initially couldn't get our TV to work, and Carolyn, with the Housekeeping Department, came in, and after calling on someone else, finally got that going. She said that they had been having problems with the televisions in the rooms. I expressed my shock to Carolyn at how this property had deteriorated so badly, to the point that I couldn't believe that Hilton would allow its name to be associated with it. Carolyn was quite eager to try to make our stay a better experience and asked what she could do to help. Though I really appreciated her concern and offer to assist, I expressed that the only thing that she could do to make that happen was for her and me to immediately begin the renovation that she said is scheduled to begin over the next several months. Unfortunately, the owners of this property have savored the profits before undertaking a several-years overdue renovation/renewal of the hotel's interior. I walked throughout the common areas in the hotel lobby, and the same worn furniture was there too.
My husband and I requested a room with a refrigerator. When we were moved to the second room, we still didn't have that convenience. Now, believe you me, I have traveled extensively, and I have NEVER had this to happen. Approximately 30 minutes later, the front-desk clerk had someone from maintenance bring in a pretty big refrigerator and microwave on a dolly to our room. Ronnie, the very nice maintenance man, had to rearrange the sparse, filty furniture in order to accommodate the new addition to our room.
Though it looks as if the bathroom has undergone some renovation (because there are no longer tubs in the room), it seems as if the owners decided to use a glass enclosure on the shower that is designed for a tub. They added the doors to the base of the shower, so the top of the enclosure is not tall enough. Therefore, a warning for men, if you're six feet or over, you must duck to get into the really pitiful excuse for what I perceive to be their "new" shower stall.
On a positive note, I will say that the bathroom was clean and the bed was comfortable. But again, it is SHOCKING to see a Hilton property that is in such a state of dilapidation and weary-looking. Suffice it to say, I will not be back until renovations/repairs are effected, and I would suggest anyone traveling to the area inquire before they book as to the state of the planned remodel.