matthewr613
Google
As a Hilton Diamond member I often search out for hotels within the Hilton family of brands when I'm visiting a city and this location was recently converted into a Hilton (it was previously a Crowne Plaza, so this is meant as an intentional re-branding to a nicer brand.) It is clear that the owners/management have spent a lot of money remodeling the hotel--the rooms look refreshed, modern, and pleasant--same with the common areas. Probably the number one asset of this hotel is the gorgeous views out over the city of Queretaro from the rooms that face the "city side" (which is most of them), especially during the nighttime. ||Unfortunately, there is significant need for improvement as well--the rooms that face the city side get a lot of sunlight during most of the day--which ordinarily would be a great thing. However, the air conditioning system is too weak to keep up with the sunlight, even with the curtains completely shut and the air conditioning set to it's strongest level--the solar radiation basically cooks the room in a true "greenhouse effect" that makes it pretty unbearable. I had to complain and was thankfully moved--I appreciated the professionalism of the staff, particularly Juan Pablo, in helping me to find another room that wasn't so hot--although the room I ended up in was facing the parking lot side of the hotel so no more beautiful views. But if the choice was between a room that was 80+ degrees F. during most of the day or a room that was cool but had no views--then I'd go with the room with no views. ||As I mentioned the hotel is also a recent conversion to the Hilton family of hotels. I'm assuming that is why they're far from generous with recognizing Diamond Hilton members. Specifically, no upgrade was offered--despite the hotel being almost completely empty. They give you a little dessert which was cute but....they certainly could have easily offered an upgrade to a junior suite given there were so few guests. It would certainly show to Hilton Honors guests that they are recognized and appreciated--and that would definitely encourage them to want to return. The other area that the hotel failed in regarding Hilton Honors' recognition was in requesting a late checkout. I asked for 2:00--was told by the young lady at the front desk that 1:30 PM was the best she could do. Really? 30 minutes?? And your hotel is almost empty? Again, not a huge deal and most of the staff is VERY friendly but still--that's definitely not the kind of approach that a hotel wants to have if they're looking to show that they want guests to return and to spread the word that the hotel is a great place for Hilton loyalists. I think the issue is that the front desk staff, like this young lady, are not empowered by the management to make these types of decisions--and I did not push on it. It shouldn't have to be something that you have to get in an argument about. I will say that they do offer a free shuttle--if it's available--to the airport, and I was able to use that which was great. The shuttle driver (Joao) was so friendly, so courteous and kind--I'd almost return to the hotel just to chat with him again!||All in all this is a hotel that has a lot going for it--gorgeous views, nice renovation, friendly staff. But they're going to need to replace their air conditioning system (it's probably original from 2010 or 2009 when the hotel opened) and certainly work to be less "cheap" when it comes to Hilton Honors elite recognition. I'd return.