Hampton Inn Richmond - Airport

This hotel's signature feature is its exceptional proximity to the airport, offering a highly convenient shuttle service that makes it an ideal choice for early morning flight travelers and business travelers seeking quick access to their flights. While many guests appreciate the hotel's cleanliness and comfortable beds, some highlight significant issues with room maintenance and staff responsiveness, particularly regarding reservation management. The hotel aims to cater to families with its amenities, though some find certain facilities like the pool to be a letdown. To ensure a smooth stay, guests are advised to confirm their specific room type and the availability of desired amenities, as well as to be prepared for an additional incidental fee and a daily parking charge upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a highly valued airport shuttle service, which many guests find convenient and reliable for early morning departures. However, feedback on other facilities is mixed. The indoor pool is a point of contention, frequently described as unheated or cold, and some guests reported it being closed for repairs or having maintenance issues. Similarly, the fitness center receives criticism for poorly maintained or inaccurate equipment, with some guests finding it closed or unusable. While Wi-Fi is available, several reviews indicate it is weak, unreliable, and slow, impacting guest connectivity. Guests appreciate the numerous outlets for charging electronics in rooms. Some mention issues with televisions not changing channels or having no service. The elevator has been noted by some as being unclean, and vending machines are sometimes out of stock, requiring guests to seek snacks elsewhere.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest experiences regarding cleanliness and room comfort vary significantly. Many guests praise the rooms for being clean and having comfortable beds with soft pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a notable number of reviews report issues such as ants or other bugs, hair on towels, and general dirtiness in the bathroom and on floors. The overall room condition is often described as dated, with some mentioning shabby curtains, popcorn ceilings, and worn furniture, despite some recent, albeit shoddy, renovations. Noise levels are a recurring concern, with complaints about noisy air conditioning units, a "wind tunnel" sound, and occasional fire alarms, though some guests found the rooms quiet despite airport proximity. The bathroom also draws criticism for mildew smells, broken shower doors, low water pressure, and toilets not securely bolted. In-room amenities like the refrigerator and phone sometimes malfunction, and some guests noted a lack of tissues.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast at the hotel generally receives positive remarks, with many guests appreciating its variety and quality, often noting it as better than typical hotel offerings. Popular items include waffles and hot entrees, and the coffee is frequently praised. However, there are consistent reports of the breakfast area experiencing issues, such as food running out quickly, especially during busy periods, and items like yogurt, milk, or eggs being unavailable. Some guests found the hot food to be cold or dry, and the coffee occasionally lukewarm. The breakfast service sometimes opens late, leading to frustration for guests with early schedules. The hotel also provides a 24-hour hot beverage station in the lobby, which is a convenient amenity for guests at any time of day. While the breakfast is a highlight for many, its inconsistent availability and quality can detract from the overall dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, being exceptionally close to the airport and offering convenient access to major interstates. This makes it an ideal stop for travelers needing quick access to flights or those passing through the area. Guests appreciate its proximity to various restaurants, a shopping plaza, and a nearby convenience store, providing easy options for meals and necessities. While the hotel is situated near the airport, many guests report that airplane noise is minimal and does not significantly disturb their stay. However, parking is a significant point of contention; it is not free for guests, incurring a daily charge, and some reviews express frustration over the lack of valet service and the perceived high cost for what is essentially a parking space. Despite some concerns about the immediate surrounding area, the hotel itself is generally considered safe and secure.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably polarized. Many guests commend the friendly staff for their helpfulness, professionalism, and attentiveness, particularly highlighting positive interactions during check-in and with shuttle drivers. Some staff members are praised for their willingness to assist with requests and provide a welcoming atmosphere. However, a significant number of reviews detail highly negative experiences, particularly concerning reservation cancellations due to overbooking, with guests reporting last-minute cancellations and a lack of solutions or empathy from management. Issues with housekeeping are also noted, including rooms not being cleaned, lost items not being returned, or staff entering rooms without request. The check-in process can be problematic, with reports of long waits, staff being preoccupied, and unexpected charges. Overall, while some guests experience excellent service, others encounter considerable frustration due to perceived unhelpfulness and poor problem resolution.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that impact their stay. The hotel implements a $100 incidental hold upon check-in, which many guests find excessive for a short stay and note is not clearly advertised during booking. This policy has caused frustration, especially when staff are perceived as unwilling or unable to waive or lower the fee. While the hotel is pet-friendly, some guests found it challenging to locate suitable outdoor areas for pets. For loyal members, issues with rewards program benefits have been reported, with some Diamond members expressing disappointment over a lack of recognition or expected perks. The property itself is frequently described as an older hotel with dated decor, despite some attempts at renovation, suggesting it may not meet the expectations of guests accustomed to more modern accommodations. Additionally, some guests noted a lack of basic amenities like plungers in rooms, leading to inconvenience.