Sparking Thoughts – My First Stay at this Newish Hilton Brand

Spark by Hilton

I enjoy MtM Diamond meetups for oh-so-many reasons, one being the completion of overdue travel experiments.  I had not yet experienced a Spark by Hilton property, but the get-together brought up a practical requirement.  My flight arrived later Thursday evening, and I just needed a flophouse for several hours prior to Friday plans.  I booked the Spark San Antonio Airport location but maintained low expectations leading up to the stay.  No single part of it was remarkable, but the brand delivers just enough across a variety of areas where I would consider it again.  I’m getting into those different characteristics today.

The Brand Prices and Stacks Nicely

I chose to book this property with a combination of Hilton Honors points and money.  With a $50 Hilton Honors credit from a Hilton Amex Surpass card handy, I booked a reservation which came to 10k points and $49.91.  I also value the relatively flexible cancellation policy for such reservations.  And it could have been better.

I booked just under a week or so before the meetup.  Earlier, when I wasn’t quite ready to commit, I had noticed rates were even cheaper.  All-in cash rates were closer to $50 than $100.  Individuals with Hilton credits to burn (Hilton Surpass/Business or Business Platinum, for instance) could easily rationalize all-in cash rates without even touching their points.  Of course, rates vary by property, so again, manage your expectations.

Satisfying the Primary Airport Hotel Perk

The property advertises a complimentary airport shuttle available 4 am to until 11:59 pm.  Against my nature, I decided to see how this would pan out without any prior planning.  I arrived at SAT Thursday around 10 pm local time and called the hotel.  The automatic prompt advised to press 1 for hotel shuttle, and I was quickly routed to the front desk.  The rep confirmed the pickup location and said the shuttle would arrive “in at least ten minutes.”  That last part wasn’t exactly reassuring, but I rolled with it.  The cheerful driver arrived eight minutes later, and we were at the hotel about five later.

Some may find such competence unremarkable.  But I especially appreciate it, considering I’ve routinely received inferior airport shuttle service from supposed full-service brands.

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A Perfectly-Fine Room

In booking my stay, I knew what I was getting into room-wise.  I saw what appeared to be Ikea-grade furniture, including a desk chair more appropriate for a lawn.  I didn’t expect much from the beds, either.  However, I was pleasantly surprised at the comfort level – right up there with a normal Hilton, even.  If only Marriott’s Fairfield properties had similar beds.

The room offered ample, all-functioning lighting and a bathroom comparable or better than recent Hampton Inn experiences.  All surfaces and furniture throughout the room felt sturdier than their chintzy appearance online.

A Minimal, Not-Bad Breakfast

I knew not to expect much from breakfast at Spark by Hilton, but the brand was clear to communicate such info, anyway.  In advance of the visit, the hotel emailed about the freshly-brewed Folgers coffee and bagel bar.

In person, breads and grains certainly took center stage.  Beyond bagels, visitors have access to cereal and a variety of oatmeal options, plus a bit of fruit.  A rather-prominent yogurt machine joined the party, as well.  I poured OJ from the communal pitcher, because of course that’s fresher than any beverage coming from a machine….

This is basically a Hampton Inn breakfast minus the egg and meat options – items I’m not exactly clamoring for, anyway.  Also missing from Spark by Hilton are the DIY waffle makers, but also the pajamaed loiterers who come along with them.  The more I write here, the more I’m starting to slot Spark above Hampton!

Spark by Hilton – Conclusion

Of course, this experience could be tremendously anecdotal.  As a conversion brand, I expect much deviation between Spark spots.  I’ll need to do my homework on specific Spark by Hilton properties.  But I’m confident I’ll find viable, infrequent needs for Spark by Hilton in the future, particularly for utilitarian requirements like airport and road trip stays.  At this point, Spark is tempting me to look past Hampton a bit.  I’ll happily accept that dilemma.

Have you stayed at a Spark by Hilton property?  How was your experience?