DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Airport

This hotel offers a convenient urban stay, particularly notable for its airport shuttle service and the welcoming touch of warm cookies upon arrival. It caters well to airport travelers seeking proximity to the terminal and families looking for amenities like an indoor pool. While many guests commend the friendly staff and their efforts to provide good service, there are significant concerns regarding the overall cleanliness and dated condition of the rooms. Noise levels from other guests and events are a recurring issue, and parking challenges are frequently highlighted as a major inconvenience. Despite some positive remarks about dining options, feedback is mixed, often citing high prices and inconsistent quality. To ensure a smoother experience, guests are advised to confirm parking arrangements in advance and be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular indoor pool that is often enjoyed by families, though some guests have noted it can be crowded or that the water quality is occasionally cloudy, and wish for longer operating hours. A fitness center is available and generally well-regarded for being adequately equipped. While Wi-Fi is provided, some visitors experienced connectivity issues. The lobby areas are described as beautiful, modern, and spacious, offering comfortable spaces for relaxation, but can become quite noisy due to large groups. Vending machines are present for snacks and drinks, though some are reported to be out of order or overpriced. The hotel also provides well-equipped meeting rooms and conference facilities, which are appreciated by business travelers for their functionality and the accommodating staff.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly varied. Many guests report that rooms are dated, showing signs of wear with chipped paint, peeling wallpaper, and stained carpets. Issues with bathroom conditions, including rust, mold, peeling tubs, and poor drainage, are frequently mentioned, along with a general musty smell. Some guests even reported finding roaches. Conversely, many praise the comfortable beds and soft pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. However, common in-room amenities like a microwave and mini-fridge are often absent or require an additional fee, and TVs are described as old with limited functionality. A significant concern is noise levels from adjacent rooms and hallways, with thin walls allowing sounds from parties, shouting, and children to easily disturb sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed reviews. Breakfast is consistently described as overpriced, typically costing around $25 per person, with many guests feeling the limited variety and quality do not justify the cost, comparing it unfavorably to complimentary breakfasts at other hotels. Some guests reported issues with breakfast vouchers and slow service. The on-site restaurant and bar also receive varied feedback; while some praise specific dishes like wings or salmon, others find the food quality to be low, overpriced, and sometimes served cold or microwaved. Service at the restaurant and bar can be inconsistent, with some staff being less attentive. Room service is mentioned as being difficult to access or unavailable at times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is primarily convenient for airport travelers, being very close to the terminal. A free airport shuttle service is offered, which is a significant draw, but its reliability is a major point of contention. Guests frequently report long wait times (up to an hour or more), shuttle being full, and issues with finding the correct pickup points, often leading them to opt for expensive taxis or ride-shares. Parking is a widespread issue, described as overpriced ($25-30 per night) and not guaranteed, with lots often full, leading to illegal parking and difficulties exiting. The surrounding area is noted as being isolated, with no walkable restaurants, shops, or attractions, requiring transportation for any needs outside the hotel.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel elicit highly mixed reactions. Many guests commend the friendly staff at the front desk, highlighting their professionalism, attentiveness, and willingness to accommodate requests such as room changes or early check-in, especially during stressful travel situations. However, a substantial number of reviews describe staff as rude, unprofessional, and distracted, leading to long lines at check-in and unresponsiveness to phone calls. Housekeeping service is frequently criticized for lack of daily cleaning, not emptying bins, or failing to replace towels and amenities. While maintenance is generally responsive to in-room issues, the overall consistency of service across different departments, including restaurant and shuttle staff, varies significantly.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel frequently hosts large groups and events, particularly on weekends, which can significantly impact the overall guest experience through increased noise levels and congestion in common areas. A security deposit, often around $75 per night, is typically required upon check-in, which can sometimes lead to confusion or unexpected charges. Despite some modern updates to the lobby, many areas of the hotel are described as outdated and in need of renovation. Common in-room amenities such as a microwave and mini-fridge are often not standard and may incur additional fees. Furthermore, complimentary bottled water is not provided, and guests often find the cost of water and other vending machine items to be high.