May, 2006

Rating : 9 out of 10

Tariff : $149 night for a "Suite"

Location and Property

The location is very convenient as it is right at the intersection of Highways 101 and 46 at the southern end of Paso Robles. It is easy to enter and exit and has a giant shopping center next door with coffee, a variety store, a home center, clothing shops and other smaller stores. For the "real town," it is only a 5 minute drive up South Vine Street to get to the downtown/city park area of Paso Robles, which is very attractive for shopping, strolling, and dining. The hotel itself is new and, therefore, very clean. It was three stories with an outdoor pool and hot tub located in the back. There was plenty of parking in the front and on the side of the building. Patrons could enter from several doors using their key cards for convenience. The lobby is modest and the adjacent dining/sitting area is open and attractive. A large gas fireplace at one end makes the room seem like a pleasant place to lounge.

Service

The front desk staff were friendly and helpful, but we didn't need much help as the room and amenities were fine. Our room was kept neat and clean. Before we arrived, however, they were less than helpful over the phone. They were booked for the night, but the woman I spoke with was curt and unapologetic when I tried to request a particular location for our room.

Food

The breakfast buffet was self serve with one or two hot items daily. But there were staff to refill trays or help if needed. There was fresh fruit, either fruit salad or whole apples and bananas. Small yogurts, three choices of cereal, plus bagels, muffins, biscuits. One morning the hot items were scrambled eggs and biscuits with sausage gravy (yum!) and the next morning there were Belgian waffles with sausage patties. There were several coffee choices, teas, cocoa packets, juices, and all the necessary condiments. Not as upscale as some hotel chains, but a far cry above some cold danish and coffee.

Rooms

It was mildly annoying to find that a "suite" room was really just one large room. (The definition of suite is a series of connected rooms used as a living unit.) The room as well as the bathroom were indeed modern and spacious, but it lacked the privacy of a two room suite. We had internet access at a small desk, which came in handy. We couldn't figure out the climate control system, but our windows opened so we could enjoy the evening breeze.

Additional comments

We particularly appreciated the pet-friendly policy, as our pug, Napoleon, often travels with us.

Hampton Inn & Suites
212 Alexa Court
Paso Robles, CA 93446
805-226-9988