Fairfield Inn & Suites Hickory

This hotel is widely recognized for its modern renovations and exceptional cleanliness, making it a standout choice for many guests. Its signature feature is the consistently praised, hot and fresh breakfast, which adds significant value to the stay. The hotel is ideal for business travelers seeking quiet and convenient accommodations, families who appreciate spacious and clean rooms with good breakfast options, and road trippers looking for a comfortable and safe overnight stop with easy interstate access. Guests frequently commend the attentive and friendly staff. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room not facing the interstate for optimal quietness, and if you prefer firmer pillows, it may be advisable to bring your own.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and convenience. Most guests appreciate the presence of a swimming pool, though some reviews indicate it can be out of order or that the water temperature and clarity are not always ideal. A well-equipped fitness center is available for those wishing to maintain their workout routine. While Wi-Fi is generally reliable, a few guests reported issues with connectivity in specific rooms. The elevators were noted by some as being slow. Rooms are equipped with modern TVs that include streaming apps, and the A/C systems generally function well, though some guests experienced issues with humidity or inconsistent temperature control. The availability of wine for purchase is a convenient touch.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms is frequently highlighted as a major positive, with many guests describing them as spotless and well-maintained. However, some isolated reports mentioned issues such as residual hair in the shower, stained walls, or unpleasant odors, indicating occasional inconsistencies. Bed comfort receives mixed feedback; while many guests found the beds very comfortable, a notable number reported them as too soft or uncomfortable, leading to restless nights. The pillows are a common point of contention, often described as too few, soft, or flat, with some guests recommending bringing personal pillows. Water pressure in the showers is consistently noted as being weaker than desired. Most rooms are quiet, though those facing the interstate may experience some street noise. The bathrooms are generally modern, with many featuring convenient walk-in showers, though some older tubs were noted as difficult to access.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service at the hotel receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, consistently described as hot, fresh, and delicious. Guests appreciate the wide breakfast variety, which typically includes hot options like eggs and sausage, as well as waffles, oatmeal, cereals, fruits, bagels, and pastries. The inclusion of chocolate milk is a popular feature, particularly for families. The coffee is also well-regarded. The breakfast area is noted for having ample seating, creating a comfortable atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meal. While the hotel does not feature a full-service restaurant or bar, its proximity to various dining establishments is often highlighted as a convenience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and convenient location, particularly for travelers utilizing the interstate. It offers easy freeway access, making it a practical choice for those on road trips or visiting the area for work. Guests appreciate its close proximity to a variety of restaurants and its short distance to downtown, allowing for easy exploration of local attractions and dining options. The area surrounding the hotel is generally perceived as safe, and there is ample parking available on-site, providing peace of mind for guests traveling with vehicles. Its strategic position makes it a highly accessible base for both short and extended stays.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend the front desk personnel for their warm welcome and efficient check-in process. Many reviews highlight specific individuals who went above and beyond to assist guests, making their stay more comfortable and enjoyable. The housekeeping team is also noted for their diligence in maintaining clean and tidy rooms. While the service is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests encountered specific issues, such as difficulties with a discount promised at check-in or a rigid policy regarding extra pillows, which some found surprising for a hotel of this caliber.

Additional Information
A recurring issue for some guests, particularly those booking with rewards program points, is the hotel's tendency to be oversold, leading to last-minute reassignments to other properties. Guests should be aware that the hotel operates under a franchise policy that may limit certain amenities, such as the provision of extra pillows, which some found surprising. The description of a "suite" by some guests indicated it was more akin to a standard room with a pull-out couch rather than a separate bedroom. Additionally, some guests reported issues with the card machine requiring a physical copy of their card for incidentals, which caused discomfort, and challenges in receiving promised discounts when booked through third-party sites.