This property has an overall rating of 2.5 stars based on 700+ reviews on another major review site, which is exactly what it deserves in my opinion. The last time I stayed here about 8 years ago, I gave it 3 stars. For my most recent stay it gets 2 and if I'm being honest, I'm surprised that both the Hilton and DoubleTree brands allow their names to be associated with this property. The best thing I can say is that the check-in departure processes were quick, simple and the employees were outgoing and friendly. The warm cookie upon arrival is also always a bonus. Everything from there was downhill.
When booking this property, one has the option to reserve a standard room, which is normally in one of the "villas", which are basically older-style motel rooms housed in one of several out buildings, where the entrance doors to the rooms open up into the outdoor walkways and parking lot. Last time I stayed in one of those, I could hear traffic noise, and was jarred awake by people running past and talking, and hotel staff rolling carts past the room late into the night and beginning very early in the morning. One can also pay a bit more to reserve a 'tower room" which are supposedly nicer, upgraded hotel rooms in a proper hotel tower, but my room, at least, wasn't in a great state. Their was oil from the heads of former occupants of that room on the headboard, the desk chair had paint peeling from it, there were stains on the walls, paint peeling from the bath tub, and the shower was very slow to drain. The TV had a decent variety of channels, but there was no channel guide or hotel information as most every modern hotel TV has featured for at least a decade. Rather, at this Doubletree, the TV remote just had a power, channel up/down and volume buttons. One can easily tell this is an older property that's simply not been maintained or cleaned well, and they basically put lots of lipstick on a proverbial pig in an effort to try and make it look updated - but even that happened some time ago.
The real kicker is that guests are charged a $25/day "resort fee" which covers things most patrons will never use, such as shuttles to the parks, trolley rides, discounts on gift shop purchases and mini golf. If you wish to park your car here, they charge an additional $30 for that privilege. Last time I stayed here, at least they included the cost of parking in the resort fee.
If you must stay here, request a tower room. If you have the option of staying anywhere else, even if you need to pay a bit extra to do so, I'd strongly suggest it.
