I recently took a last-minute trip to Orlando where I had to book a same day hotel for the night. When I looked at rates (both cash and points), everything where I wanted to stay was more than I wanted to spend, and the idea of a $359 rate at a Fairfield Inn didn’t appeal to me. Fortunately, I saw the Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center Area was available for less than half that, at $139. I’d never tried the brand before, and this was a great opportunity to do so.
Check in was quick and easy upon arrival at 11:30pm. Kudos to this economy property for acknowledging my Hilton Diamond status vs a recent Conrad stay that failed to do so. I was handed two bottles of water and a snack as a welcome amenity. On the other hand, the $10 per night charge for self-parking detracted from the hotel’s otherwise good value. Drinks and snacks were available for purchase from the front desk, and the lobby had plenty of seating, along with foosball and a pool table.
The room, itself, was clean with a simple but smart design, albeit smaller than your average hotel room. Hard surface flooring is always appreciated, as no one likes to guess what’s been left on the carpet by previous guests. All the basics were covered–a comfortable bed, a modern TV, a desk for workspace, space for luggage, and plenty of conveniently located charging points for devices.
The bathroom was small, but well kept. I can’t remember the last time I stayed in a Marriott hotel where the fixtures weren’t surrounded by bathroom residue and “gunk”. Bulk soap dispensers aren’t great, but I find them to be more acceptable in an economy vs a luxury brand, where they have no place at all.
The hotel provided a complimentary hot breakfast, which included pre-made cheese omelettes, sausage, pancakes (via an automatic conveyer belt pancake maker), oatmeal, cereal, and yogurt.
Overall, this Tru by Hilton offered great value for my last-minute stay. The rate was excellent when compared with other properties in the area, and I have no complaints with the product apart from the self parking charge and the 50% earn rate on Hilton Honors points at Tru properties.
I stayed at Tru in Las Vegas Nevada many times. I find the Tru Brand to be the economy brand for Hilton. Just like ALoft for Marriott. Rooms are clean but there’s something I just don’t like about the beds at Tru. Not really comfy…. But I enjoy your reviews