Hampton Inn Helena

This hotel serves as a practical and often pleasant stop for road trippers and a suitable base for families, frequently highlighted for its friendly and accommodating staff and a complimentary breakfast that receives consistent praise. Its spacious and recently updated rooms contribute to a generally comfortable stay, making it a reliable choice for those seeking convenience and good service. While the hotel is often commended for its overall cleanliness, a significant and recurring point of disappointment for many, especially families with children, is the frequent and unannounced closure of the pool and hot tub. To enhance your stay, it is highly recommended to contact the hotel directly before arrival to confirm the operational status of all amenities, particularly the pool, and to consider requesting a room away from the main road to minimize potential noise disturbances. The hotel's pet-friendly policy is also a key feature, catering to guests traveling with their animals.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's recreational facilities, particularly the pool and hot tub, are a major point of contention, as numerous guests report them being closed for maintenance without prior notification, leading to significant disappointment, especially for families. The fitness room is available but described by some as small and lacking essential items like water and sanitizer. Connectivity can be an issue, as Wi-Fi access sometimes requires a Hilton rewards membership or form completion, and some guests experienced difficulty connecting. Furthermore, the elevator is frequently reported as being out of service, causing inconvenience for guests, particularly those on upper floors. Other amenities like ice machines and vending machines have also been noted as non-functional or depleted. While the hotel is listed as having a bar/restaurant, guests confirm this is not the case. The pet area is available but considered small by some.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests commend the hotel for its very clean and pristine rooms, often noting a pleasant smell upon entry. However, a notable number of reviews describe significant cleanliness issues, including dirty carpets, wet towels, hair and dirt on sheets, and even stains on bedding, indicating inconsistencies in housekeeping standards. Regarding comfort, the beds receive mixed reviews; while many found them comfortable and conducive to a good sleep, others reported them as hard as a rock or too soft, with pillows often described as unsupportive. Rooms are generally spacious and appear updated, featuring excellent showers and good toiletries. Noise is a frequent concern, with many guests experiencing road noise from the nearby highway and loud A/C units, impacting sleep quality. Some rooms also lack basic amenities like bathroom fans or have issues with clogged sinks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as "really good" and "excellent" with a good amount of options. Many appreciate the variety, including a popular waffle bar with various toppings, eggs, sausage, and oatmeal. The coffee is also frequently commended for its quality and constant availability. The eating area is generally noted as pleasant and well-maintained. While the overall sentiment for breakfast is positive, some guests have reported issues with the food not being warm enough or a lack of certain items like fresh fruit or yogurt, particularly when the breakfast area is busy. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the breakfast is widely considered a significant highlight of the stay, providing a satisfying start to the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient for travelers, offering easy access to the I15 highway and being close to the airport. It is situated near various amenities, including restaurants, a Walmart Supercentre, and a gas station, making it a practical stop for those on the road. However, its placement in a commercial and industrial area means it is not particularly walkable for accessing services beyond immediate necessities. Parking is typically ample and well-lit, though some guests have noted issues with limited spaces during peak times or sloped parking areas. A significant drawback of the location is the prevalent road noise from the adjacent highway and truck stop, which can be disruptive, especially for rooms facing these areas.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, helpfulness, professionalism, and accommodating nature. Many reviews highlight the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to assist guests, from quick check-in processes to addressing specific requests. The housekeeping staff is generally praised for maintaining cleanliness, though some guests reported isolated incidents of rooms not being cleaned or towels running out. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few guests have reported negative experiences, describing some front desk interactions as unfriendly or unhelpful, particularly when dealing with issues like the closed pool or room discrepancies. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's pet policy, which, while accommodating for those traveling with animals, includes a notable pet fee that some guests found high or were not fully informed about prior to arrival. There have also been mentions of a security deposit required at check-in, which was not always clearly disclosed and sometimes led to delays in refund processing, causing frustration. Accessing Wi-Fi may require guests to be a rewards member or complete a form, which some found inconvenient. The hotel's elevator is frequently reported as being out of service, posing a significant challenge for guests with luggage or mobility issues, especially those assigned to upper floors, and this issue is often not communicated in advance. Furthermore, some guests noted issues with the laundry facilities, specifically non-working dryers, and a lack of essential items in the fitness room.