DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime downtown location on the historic walking mall, offering unparalleled access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Its signature feature is the exceptional staff hospitality, consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel is an excellent fit for business travelers attending conferences or training, sightseers eager to explore the city on foot, and couples seeking a convenient and comfortable base for a romantic getaway. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the comfort of its accommodations. To enhance your experience, consider confirming the operational status of the pool and hot tub if these amenities are crucial to your stay, and be aware that while parking is available, its layout can be a bit challenging to navigate.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance guest stays, including an indoor pool and hot tub, though some guests reported these were occasionally closed for maintenance or appeared unkempt. A fitness center is available and generally described as well-appointed and adequate for workouts. Most guests find the free Wi-Fi convenient, though a few noted it could be slow or erratic, with some reporting extra charges for streaming. A highly appreciated amenity is the free laundry service, which guests found very clean and useful. The hotel also features a lobby store or mini-mart that is well-stocked and open for convenience. Some rooms include a small balcony, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air and views.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel for its clean rooms and consistently praise the comfortable beds and quality bedding, often describing them as exceptionally restful. Rooms are generally considered spacious, and many appreciate the presence of USB ports for charging devices. However, some guests reported issues with bathroom conditions, noting outdated fixtures, low water pressure, or instances of mold on shower curtains. A few reviews mentioned concerns regarding overall cleanliness, citing unemptied trash, unreplenished coffee supplies, or finding hairs and unidentifiable items in rooms. Noise levels were occasionally a concern, with some guests reporting sounds from closing doors, rattling sliding doors due to wind, or issues with the air conditioning unit's functionality or noise.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive considerable attention, particularly the breakfast. Many guests rave about the breakfast variety and quality, especially the made-to-order options like omelets, describing it as fantastic and a highlight of their stay. While the breakfast is highly rated, it is often noted that it comes at an additional cost, which some guests found to be overpriced for a buffet. The on-site restaurant, Bella Roma, is frequently praised for its excellent and gourmet dinner offerings, with many guests enjoying their meals there. A signature and much-loved touch is the warm cookie provided upon arrival, which consistently receives positive feedback.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in downtown Helena is overwhelmingly praised as a major advantage. Guests appreciate being directly on the walking mall or Last Chance Gulch, providing immediate access to a plethora of shops, restaurants, and breweries. Its proximity to key attractions like the state capitol and various local landmarks makes it ideal for exploring the city on foot. The hotel also offers a convenient airport shuttle service. While parking is available and often free, some guests found the lot to be small, tricky to navigate, or lacking in security, though it is generally located conveniently across the street.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight the staff's willingness to "go above and beyond," providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process is generally described as easy and quick, though a few guests reported longer waits or initial confusion. While overall service is highly rated, there were isolated reports of issues with housekeeping, including rooms not being cleaned daily, trash not being emptied, or coffee supplies not being replenished. Some guests also expressed concern about privacy, citing instances where rooms were entered despite a "do not disturb" sign.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has a policy regarding in-town residents, with some reporting difficulty booking a room if they live locally. There were also a few instances where guests noted that the hot tub and pool were closed for maintenance, which was not always communicated beforehand. The hotel is an older property that has undergone nice updates to its rooms, though some bathrooms retain an older aesthetic. A military discount is offered, which is appreciated by service members. While the hotel does not offer valet parking, free parking is available nearby. Some guests mentioned that the rewards program benefits were not always clearly communicated or applied.