Hampton Inn Groton

The hotel's prime location near the Naval base and major attractions like Mystic and Foxwoods makes it a standout choice for visitors to the Groton area. It is particularly well-suited for families exploring the region, business travelers on work-related visits, and leisure travelers seeking convenient access to local sights and entertainment. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall cleanliness, the consistently friendly staff, and the satisfying complimentary breakfast. However, recurring feedback highlights significant concerns regarding the pool's temperature and condition, as well as the bathroom door design, which many find lacks privacy. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be prepared for potential issues with the pool and consider the unique layout of the bathroom doors.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several facilities to enhance guest stays, though some receive mixed reviews. The indoor pool is a notable feature, but many guests report the water is consistently too cold, with some even noting it appeared green or was out of service during their visit, leading to disappointment, especially for families. The fitness center is generally well-regarded, described as nice and well-equipped, though a few guests wished it were larger. Connectivity is supported by free Wi-Fi, though some experienced occasional disconnections. Guests appreciate the convenience of a 24/7 coffee and tea station in the lobby, offering a good selection of beverages. Rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave, which are highly valued. However, the elevators are a frequent source of complaint, often described as noisy, shaky, slow, or even broken, causing significant inconvenience. Some guests also found the limited TV channels and the need to sign into personal streaming services to be a drawback.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be very clean and spacious, with some praising the comfortable beds and pillows for a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues with overall room condition, describing them as dated or in need of updating, with observations of stained carpets, dirty couches, and even instances of bed bugs or other insects. The bathroom design is a major point of contention, with the sliding barn doors widely criticized for providing no privacy due to large gaps and lack of locks. Other bathroom concerns include loose faucets, low toilets, lopsided showers, and a lack of exhaust fans. Noise is another recurring problem, with many guests reporting thin walls and disturbances from hallway noise, slamming doors, and the elevator, impacting sleep quality. Some rooms also had issues with AC functionality or unpleasant odors.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a highlight for most guests, frequently described as great, wonderful, and plentiful, offering a good variety of options. Many appreciate the freshness of the food and the availability of a waffle maker. The coffee is also generally well-received. However, some guests expressed disappointment with certain aspects, noting that hot food items like sausage patties and scrambled eggs could be cold or processed, and occasionally described as bland or rubbery. There were also comments about the breakfast area being small with limited seating, and that items were not consistently restocked, especially later in the morning. Some found the juices to be diluted or the fruit selection limited. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the breakfast remains largely positive, with many finding it a convenient and satisfying start to their day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised as a significant advantage, offering great convenience for various activities. It is ideally situated with easy access to major highways, making travel straightforward. Guests frequently highlight its proximity to the Naval base, which is particularly beneficial for those visiting family or for work-related stays. The hotel is also well-positioned for exploring popular tourist destinations, being a short drive from Mystic, including the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum, as well as Foxwoods Resort Casino. Many appreciate being within easy walking distance or a short drive to various dining options and retail stores. The parking facilities are generally considered good and safe, adding to the overall convenience for guests traveling by car. This central and accessible position makes it a preferred choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally receive high praise, with many guests commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. The check-in process is often described as quick and easy, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Guests frequently highlight individual staff members for going above and beyond to assist with requests, resolve issues, and provide a welcoming atmosphere. The housekeeping staff is noted for maintaining clean rooms, though some guests expressed frustration with the hotel's policy of no daily housekeeping for multi-night stays, which they felt was inconvenient. While the overall sentiment towards the staff is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated incidents mentioned staff being unresponsive to maintenance requests or exhibiting a lack of attentiveness. Despite these minor issues, the dedication of the staff to providing attentive service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that may impact their stay. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by those traveling with animals. A significant and recurring issue is the condition of the elevators, with multiple reports of them being noisy, shaky, or out of service, sometimes requiring guests to use the stairs. There have also been instances of fire alarms going off unexpectedly, causing disruption. Some guests noted that the hotel was undergoing renovations, with visible cables and removed ceiling tiles, which was not always disclosed prior to booking. For those needing accessible rooms, there have been concerns about the maintenance of features like shower seats and the hotel's responsiveness to these issues. Guests should also note that complimentary water bottles are not provided, and there are occasional complaints about the limited TV channel selection and the need to use personal streaming accounts.