A good place to rest up!!
Written: Oct 03 '02 (Updated Mar 26 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Just twenty minutes from two National Parks
Cons: Located on very busy intersection.
The Bottom Line: Though the place is on a busy road, it is clean, and offers a good night rest and a pool for the kids.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Hampton Inn Florida City |
This past April and again in July my wife and I vacationed in the Florida Keys. We flew into Miami Airport from NY, rented a car, and drove south, a bit less than an hour, to the end of the Florida Turnpike and arrived at Florida City's Hampton Inn.
This isn't a very large hotel. It is situated on a very busy street. This is positive and negative about this. The hotel does not have a restaurant but there are many inexpensive chain restaurants and the like nearby. Both times we were there we were not looking for fine dining so I can't give much advise there. Maybe the front desk could steer you straight.
Another great point about the hotel is that it less than a half hour car ride west to the Everglades National Park entrance. This is a must see for all. We spent one day there each time.
In the other direction heading east you will come to the shore and Biscayne National Underwater Park. This is another beautiful place to spend some time. Take a glass bottom boat ride, do some snorkeling, or just take out a canoe in search of sea Manitis.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Florida city just for these two National parks. They are both worth giving time too.
The second time we came down was with our kids. So we booked two rooms then. We asked for rooms near the pool. The hotel has two levels and limited rooms near the pool. I did request them at reservation time weeks earlier.
We arrived at about one in the afternoon. You can pull up under a protected area. The lobby is not all that large and is also used as a breakfast area and a lounge with a tv. The second time we were there they were just finishing some renovation to make the area a bit more accessible and more spacious. Though we did not see the finished product it looked like it would work out well.
They had one room ready for us near the pool as requested. The other was not ready and we were told that they did not have a king bed that we requested. A manager got involved and somehow a room with a king bed and right at the pool appeared at the screen. I did mention that we are Hilton Honors Members, which I have been for a couple of years, and that seemed to open doors. I do suggest you join any of the "clubs" all the chain hotels offer. Oh yes, Hampton Inn is one of the hotels under the Hilton umbrella. Our stay at this Hampton and ones in Ilamorada and Key West were all paid for with points. That was an eight day holiday! I did do reviews on both those Hampton inns last month. One was very favorable and the other I would never go back to. Both were much larger facilities than this one.
The two rooms that were just a few doors from each other were bright and cheerful with very large and bold printed comforters and pictures. They were on the ground floor obviously. You do have to go through a gate to get to the pool. It was just a few steps from each room and the pool is a nice size, never got crowded, and was clean. This is in a court type of area so it keeps you from seeing and hearing the local traffic. There is no life guard. The pool was open from ten till seven at that time of year. Though we did not have a problem I suppose it could get a bit noisy in the pool area.
The rooms were both roomy and clean. Both were non smoking and my wifes ever sensitive nose detected no problems. Each room had a small table with two chairs. A tv was on a shelf and it offered cable and "pay" films. there were plenty of lights in the room including reading lights for both sides of our king bed. The bed was very firm but comfortable.
There was an open closet with and iron and board. The rooms both had vanities outside the bathroom itself. They had some hair lotion, cream rinse and soap on the counter. Also squeezed in on this counter was a coffee maker, cups, glasses, and an ice bucket.
Inside the small bathroom itself was a bath with a shower head and a toilet. You have just enough room to towel off.
Hamptons do give you plenty of towels and wash clothes etc. If you need more, like we do with four kids in one room, just call housekeeping. They sent it over right away and also the extra pillow my wife always likes.
I just don't remember after two stays as to whether they had room safes or not. I lean to not think so. Sorry.
Another reason we like the Hampton Inns is because they serve a continental breakfast. Usually from about 6:30 or seven till 9:30 or ten. They do post the hours. It is slightly different in other locations. For our family this is an economical way to start the day. Cereals, yogert, English Muffins, and pastries are the bulk of the fare. They offer fresh fruit, fruit juices, and coffee and tea.
It always seems to satisfy us on our way out.
Check out was smooth and I took the "USA Today" they gave us everyday. I am not sure if everybody gets one at their room or just Hilton Honors members. They do have more copies at the desk for the taking.
I would tell you to try any Hampton but I have found they do differ from location to location. This one is good.
other reviews by popsrocks
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http://www.epinions.com/content_78785056388
Everglades National park
http://www.epinions.com/content_75027549828
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http://www.epinions.com/content_77241290372
National Park System
http://www.epinions.com/content_2908004484
Passport to National Parks
http://www.epinions.com/content_76095131268
Recommended:
Yes
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