Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville

“Great deal for 110 per night after taxes from Hotels.com”

I was amazed that I got this hotel for about 110 per night after discounts and taxes from hotels.com. After having a fun bull ride, I checked in the hotel around 4ish. It was a bit busy due to a softball team staying as well, but a friendly agent was able to help me. There was a minor hiccup with t… more

I was amazed that I got this hotel for about 110 per night after discounts and taxes from hotels.com. After having a fun bull ride, I checked in the hotel around 4ish. It was a bit busy due to a softball team staying as well, but a friendly agent was able to help me. There was a minor hiccup with the reservation due to third party booking, but it was resolved and I was able to get a room at the top floor (709). Even though my dad had Hilton honors, we couldn't get points or benefits due to booking through third party. I was still given two bottles of water though, which was a nice gesture. The room was spacious for a single person and comfortable with a king bed. The bed was a bit firm, but still very comfortable with 4 nice pillows, and a thick blanket. The TV was pretty large and had a good amount of channels. The office area had a nice desk and there were ample amount of plugs near the desk and bed to charge your phone. The AC control was a touch screen, and luckily I was able to turn it down to 72f and have a comfortable temp for my room. I didn't recall seeing a clock, fridge, or microwave. However, there was a closet, iron, and safe as well. The in room coffee was very good and enjoyable. The room lit up nicely at night. There wasn't much of a view from the window. The bathroom was clean and also spacious, but looked a bit old and tired. The door was a bit hard to close. The shower had excellent pressure and temperature, and the Crabtree bath amenities were fine. I did take the small soap home with me. Towels were nothing special, but did it's job. The lobby looked a bit sophisticated, but that's because it's near the university. The convention area can be a bit noisy, but it's also spacious. The pool is pretty large and has a small outdoor seating area too. I used the gym a bit to practice my riding using the exercise ball. It had your typical equipment and was spacious too. The elevators were pretty old as the ding, but still works nicely. The main restaurant, Shula's is quite expensive. So I didn't eat there. However, I did have a drink and breakfast at the No Name Lounge. The omelette was fluffy and wonderful for 14 bucks, and the old fashioned was a steal for 8 during happy hour. I also tried an egg and turkey sausage sandwich for 5 dollars at the cafe, and it tasted slightly better then the frozen breakfast ones you get at the market. The staff is friendly, but can get a bit tired sometimes. I really enjoyed Zach's and his colleagues from the front desk. They also went above and beyond to extend my checkout by an hour when I requested it. I also loved the service from the staff at the No Name Lounge. Other staff while still friendly and helpful, seemed a bit burned it or tired. I don't fault them or the hotel as they can get so many guests to handle, and they were still nice and helpful as they can. Parking is best of all free and quite ample, and no extra hotel fees either. For 110 per night after discounts and taxes were a very good rate for this hotel, even though I couldn't get benefits. The hotel is nothing fancy and in the older side, but still clean and comfortable. It's still a Hilton and in great quality. It's a great hotel for college ceremonies and other conventions. Even though I am still loyal to Marriott chains, I will still consider in staying at the Hilton again if I get another great deal.

less