First of all this Hilton is a good choice but lacks in my opinion in some service things. I know that Hilton’s in North- and Centralamerica are different in these terms from other Hilton’s in Europe or Asia. You might just recognize the difference when you’re used to other. But you’ll read later what I mean. I had originally booked the Hilton Garden Inn but they canceled my reservation 10 days before arrival and told me that are not reopening yet. No alternative offered, nothing. So I asked the Hilton if they offer rescue rates what they did. Still double the price I would have paid but that was worth it! The hotel is quite new, facing the ocean front of Balboa Avenue. If you want to use public transport, the bus system operates frequently with stops just in front. The metro station is around 800meters away from the hotel. When you arrive at the hotel, you need to take the elevators from the ground floor to the seconds ground floor where the checkin is located. There is no signage but someone told me who recognized that I struggle a bit. At checkin I was told that my room was upgraded because of being a Diamond members with Hilton. And I need to say that this upgrade was awesome. I hoped for a suite but this was even better. On each floor there is one room standing a bit forward...First of all this Hilton is a good choice but lacks in my opinion in some service things. I know that Hilton’s in North- and Centralamerica are different in these terms from other Hilton’s in Europe or Asia. You might just recognize the difference when you’re used to other. But you’ll read later what I mean.

I had originally booked the Hilton Garden Inn but they canceled my reservation 10 days before arrival and told me that are not reopening yet. No alternative offered, nothing. So I asked the Hilton if they offer rescue rates what they did. Still double the price I would have paid but that was worth it!

The hotel is quite new, facing the ocean front of Balboa Avenue. If you want to use public transport, the bus system operates frequently with stops just in front. The metro station is around 800meters away from the hotel. When you arrive at the hotel, you need to take the elevators from the ground floor to the seconds ground floor where the checkin is located. There is no signage but someone told me who recognized that I struggle a bit.

At checkin I was told that my room was upgraded because of being a Diamond members with Hilton. And I need to say that this upgrade was awesome. I hoped for a suite but this was even better. On each floor there is one room standing a bit forward from the others and having windows into three directions. A great view and I enjoyed sitting on the sofa with a beer and watching the ships waiting for the Panama Canal crossing.
Further I was informed about the COVID restrictions with night curfew and amended services in the hotel. Then I was handed two bottle of water and received information that the executive lounge is closed. Even at this point, I only receive the water at checkin in this part of the world. Other Hilton’s always place it in the room with a nice welcome amenity.

Room service, I was informed at checkin that the room will be cleaned only on request. I do understand these rules but if I stay 5 nights, why do you only supply one small bottle of Shampoo and one soap? Of course I need to request then to get more and at this time automatically request the room to be done as well.

Breakfast was not offered in the restaurant as it was closed, rather then a small coffee. There were five small tables and you were able to choose from the different items. Either then eat it at the table or take it to your room. The choice was pretty much ok and I didn’t get tired of the different choices.

The gym was large with good devices and the pool had a good size. There were a lot of lounge chairs at the pool. The pool itself is more for cooling down then swimming because on one side are the stairs and on the other there isn’t really a wall to push back and turn directions.

What bothers me the most was the Executive Lounge closure. I was told at checkin about it and I asked if there is any replacement service. I was told no there isn’t. I then told them that other hotels keep either the lounge open with served items, move the lounge to a smaller area, or allow people to choose from the bar, or offer a free minibar. I just stayed the night before in Istanbul and they brought your drinks up to the room. The lady at checkin said that she would need to ask her manager but I never got a response on that. And this is the reason why the hotel doesn’t get the full five points. In my opinion, this could be done differently.

Overall, I liked the stay and the hotel. Would stay here again.More