Graduate Knoxville

Just stay somewhere else ....

Common areas clean & well kept. Standard Hilton Garden Inn layout means everything is where you expect it. Liked the on property restaurant and bar. As a tradition, we always have one night where we bring pizza in on the patio and sit with family & talk for a few hours, and the staff was very accommodating for that as usual. The guys in valet deserve an honorable mention for friendliness and service.

The 5 things we didn't like visit were important enough to give a low rating. First, I had a completely wrong expectation on my cost when using points for the room. Hilton Honors is similar to competitors, but when I booked with another chain, it was clear what my costs are going to be. Second, housekeeping was terrible. Out of 4 days, got 1 right. No service 1 day; no towels another; no coffee cups or shampoo another. Maids working adjoining rooms let the doors slam continually, making an afternoon nap impossible. Performance got worse after I said something at the front desk. Bad service & bad supervision. Third, most walkable restaurants closed for good or remodel; 1 sit-down pub food, 2 pizza, 1 mex, and no breakfast except drive through. Four, no pool, no hot tub. Finally, it's hard to even get access to the property; it's through the valet parking lot and it's not going to get much better even when nearby construction is complete. Simply can't recommend.

OK, but nothing special, better off downtown or in west Knoxville

* Friendliness and competence of staff

* Mandatory valet w nightly parking charge * King Room cramped, uncomfortable sitting chair, & no foot stool * No pool/hot tub * No bathtub (only room w bath is Queen Double) * Access off Cumberland Ave (coupled w staff's complete lack of information on construction or local stores & restaurants * No ice cream in pantry

Staff Poorly Trained

The housekeeping staff were the most pleasant, welcoming and engaging staff.

The valet staff and front desk staff need guest interaction training. The valet staff do not provide a warm welcome and need training on looking at guests when speaking rather than looking past guests. The front desk staff need to be trained on providing a warm welcome. A simple smile and "Welcome to the Hilton Garden Inn. How may I help?" Having stayed at many Hilton properties throughout the world, the Knoxvilee Hilton Garden Inn/University and Knoxville Downtown Hilton properties appear to have the worst management and many poorly trained staff.