PA Erie Hampton Inn Erie South

[Booey]

I recently completed a three night stay (3/21-3/24/10) at the Hampton Inn Erie South (Old Oliver Rd). The stay was booked initially as a two night trip (3/22-3/23) with a one night add-on (3/21) at the beginning. This was a near perfect stay and I cannot say enough good things about the hotel and its staff.

Two days before arrival I emailed the hotel manager and asked if my Hilton Honors preferences could be applied to a Priceline booking (mind you, I paid just $40 a night for this stay), and mentioned my stay was a split reservation. Within minutes, the manager emailed me back and told me that my requests (room location - top floor, near elevator, non-smoking, and two bedded) would be honored and that I would also receive credit for a "stay" at the hotel towards my Honors rewards.

When we arrived at the hotel, the clerk greeted us without mention of Priceline. I received the room keys, asked if I would need to switch rooms or check back in for the second leg of the stay (no need), and was quickly processed without so much as a request for a credit card for incidentals.

The room was located exactly where I'd requested and was clean and quiet, despite the fact that the hotel had many occupants during my stay. Sounds didn't carry through. The fact that the hotel has a no pet policy, as well as caters to many business travelers probably contributed to the quiet. The bedding was very comfortable and the bathroom well maintained with ample towels, washcloths, hand towels, and supplies such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, etc. There was a large flat screen tv and a comfortable work desk.

All staff were extremely friendly, with clerks greeting us each time we went past the lobby. Our keys didn't work on the last day of our stay and a member of housekeeping kindly let us in the room and went down stairs to have new keys made up for us.

Two guest use computers were available in the large breakfast area. I used them for items that needed printing (I use my phone's internet, but, obviously, cannot print from it). The printer had an error once, but guest services had someone over in minutes to fix it.

There was a large, well lit, indoor pool that I did not use, but other guests seemed to enjoy it.

The fitness area is open 24 hours and includes two treadmills, a stationary bike, and an elliptical, all with attached televisions and available headphones. There is also a rack of free weights, weight bench, and another rack of core training supplies. This area is well stocked with towels and washcloths, and also has a water cooler with cups. I spent a lot of time using the machines and was very satisfied. I went during non-peak times (1-3 pm) and was the only one in the room each time.

A free continental breakfast was offered from 6-10 am, but was never set up later than 5:30 am. There were pastries, bagels, english muffins, muffins, oatmeal, juices, coffee, milk, a waffle station, fruit, cold cereal, and hot foods (such as scrambled eggs, hash browns, and turkey sausage links). The food was surprisingly good and I saved about $10 by eating there on the final day (will do this every day of my next trip).

Throughout the day free juices and coffee are offered, as well as apples and bananas. In the afternoon popcorn is available.

Couldn't have been happier with this stay and highly recommend this hotel! :)