London's Hidden Gem: Uncover the DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario!
London's Hidden Gem: DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario - My Unfiltered Take (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, folks, let's talk Ontario, California. Not the other Ontario, the one with the snow and the maple syrup. This is California Ontario, and nestled amidst the hustle and bustle, is a DoubleTree by Hilton that calls itself a "hidden gem." And you know what? I'm here to tell you, after a recent stay that was… well, an experience, that they might just be onto something. Buckle up, because this review is gonna be messy, honest, and probably a little bit all over the place – just like my travel style.
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…")
So, pulling up – let's be honest, Ontario isn't exactly known for its stunning architecture. But the DoubleTree, with its unassuming exterior, kind of blends in, which… I kinda liked? It's not pretentious. It's friendly. Big plus: it's super accessible. We're talking elevators galore, ramps where you need 'em, and facilities for disabled guests that actually seemed… well, thought out. Wheelchair accessibility is a massive win, and something I always appreciate seeing. The exterior corridor felt a bit… well, like an exterior corridor. Maybe I'm just spoiled?
The Tech Stuff (Or, My Wi-Fi Woes… and Wins!)
Internet: The DoubleTree brags about free Wi-Fi in all rooms. THANK GOODNESS. Because let me tell you, a modern traveler needs their internet. The Wi-Fi in my room was solid, no complaints. It worked. I could stream. I could doomscroll. Victory! The Internet [LAN] I didn't even bother with. Who uses LAN cables in 2024? Unless you're a gamer with serious lag issues, forget it. Wi-Fi in public areas was also good, enough to check emails and pretend I was a productive adult.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized, But Not Sterile (Thank Goodness!)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the pandemic. The DoubleTree, bless their hearts, takes its cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays… the whole shebang. It felt clean, but not hospital-clean. And that's a good thing, in my opinion. I don't want to feel like I'm checking into a biohazard lab. The cashless payment service was convenient, and the hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Feeling safe is important, folks.
The Room: More Than Just a Bed (Thank God, Because I Needed It!)
My room? Comfortable. Not luxurious, not a palace, but damn comfortable. Air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in California), and the blackout curtains were a godsend. I needed those! The bed itself was pure bliss. I love a good bed, and the DoubleTree delivered.
Anecdote Alert: I swear, I’ve taken on a marathon of anxiety about bedsheets, so I almost died of happiness that I had to take a nap on the extra long bed! I'm not tall, but I never had the feeling of not being able to stretch out! More than just that, it was a soft mattress, too. I actually slept better than I have in months. The bathtub was a nice touch (bubble bath, anyone?), and I appreciated the coffee/tea maker. Essential for kicking off those California mornings. There was even a refrigerator, which, for a snacker like myself, is a necessity! The in-room safe box was also a nice addition for security, the alarm clock, and the hair dryer. All in all, room was pretty good, with a nice window that opens.
A Deep Dive Into the DoubleTree Food Scene (And, Yes, I Ate Everything)
Alright, food is where things get interesting. Restaurants, plural, are a good start! One of the best parts of any hotel stay for me personally is the food. The Buffet in restaurant made me giggle - it wasn't the biggest buffet I've seen, but the variety was what I enjoyed the most. I grabbed a plate and kept on sampling. Good coffee, I also didn’t have to go very far to get a Coffee shop, which I enjoyed. Now, about the bar: great, and what it seemed like the whole area was doing! I was able to try every Happy Hour and have a Poolside bar later on.
Anecdote Alert: I ordered Room service [24-hour] at 3 A.M. and I was thankful for the service, the food was still quite good. The Breakfast [buffet] was decent, a solid start to the day. Okay, this part gets a little mixed. The menu offered both Western cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant, which I enjoyed. I do think more options would have been nice.
Spa, Gym, and Relaxation: Did I Relax? (Spoiler: Kinda)
The hotel has the typical amenities: The Fitness center, and the Gym/fitness were up to standard, nothing too crazy. The spa/sauna was nice, the swimming pool was surprisingly nice! I went to the Steamroom and the Foot bath. I didn't get a Massage or a Body scrub. I'm not that fancy.
Everything Else: Services, Conveniences, and the Quirks
The Front desk [24-hour] was awesome, and the Concierge was helpful. Cash withdrawal was easy, which is a lifesaver for me. The Gift/souvenir shop was… well, it was there. The Laundry service helped me out big time after my travels!
Finally, For The Kids: Babysitting? (Maybe?)
Yes, the DoubleTree is Family/child friendly, and offers Babysitting service! I would have used it if I’d brought a kid, but I did not. You also get Kids meal.
The Verdict: Is This Gem Worth Shining?
Look, the DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario isn't perfect. It's not the Four Seasons. It's not a Michelin-starred experience. BUT, it's comfortable, convenient, clean, and well-equipped for today's traveler. The accessibility is fantastic. The staff are friendly. And the food… well, the food is worth exploring. Overall, a solid choice for business or leisure, and a good base for exploring Southern California.
So, would I recommend it? Absolutely. Is it a hidden gem? Maybe. But it's definitely a good, solid, and reliable option. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Special Offer – Because You Deserve a Break (And a Good Night's Sleep!)
Are you ready to experience the DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario? Here's a deal to sweeten the pot!
Book your stay now and receive:
- 15% off your room rate: Use code "ONTARIOESCAPE"
- Free Breakfast for Two: Enjoy a delicious start to your day.
- Complimentary Late Check-Out: Sleep in a little longer and avoid the morning rush!
Don't miss out! Book your escape to the DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario today!
Escape to Paradise: India's Eco-Luxury Hotel Gandharva Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a trip around the DoubleTree by Hilton in London, Ontario. This ain't your cookie-cutter, perfectly polished itinerary. This is gonna be… well, me. Let's see if it's even possible to make a hotel stay feel messy and human. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival and A Pizza Pilgrimage (and the Great Pillow Incident)
2:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Skepticism (and a Touch of Joy)
Stepping into the DoubleTree… Okay, first impressions. It looks nice, I guess. Lobby's a bit corporate-y generic, but hey, at least the air conditioning is working. Thank god. The London heat can be brutal. And the double tree experience - a chocolate chip cookie, classic! That cookie, though. Seriously, those cookies are like a tiny, sweet promise of something good. I'm already a sucker for any hotel that bribes me with a baked good.
2:30 PM - Checked In (And the Pillow Debacle Begins)
Okay, room. Standard. Clean, which is the main thing. But OH. MY. GOD. The pillows. I grabbed one, gave it a squish. Suspiciously flat. Switched to the other pillow. Worse. This is a problem, people. I'm a pillow snob. I'm going to call the front desk. I'm sorry, but I need a decent pillow or I'll be cranky. My sleep is important.
3:00 PM - Pillow SOS (and a Slightly Awkward Encounter)
Called the front desk. "Ma'am, we'll get you some extra pillows right away!" Bless them. Honestly, any hotel that takes my pillow complaints seriously is a win in my book. While waiting, I went to the elevator. And guess who I bumped into? A guy in a Toronto Maple Leafs shirt, looking vaguely disappointed. "Rough night?" I asked, probably a bit too cheerily. Turns out he'd lost all his money at the casino down the street. Oof. Solidarity, friend.
4:00 PM - Pizza Quest! (and the Unexpected Delight)
Pizza. My solace. I had done my homework, and I was determined. This is where the itinerary gets a little… less structured. I heard about a pizza place a few blocks away, Crave Kitchen & Bar, that supposedly serves up the best slices in town. Armed with Google Maps and a rumbling stomach, I ventured out. Honestly, the walk wasn't that exciting. But then… the pizza. Oh, sweet, cheesy, saucy glory. It was perfect. Seriously, guys, order the pepperoni. You won't regret it.
7:00 PM - Back to the Hotel (and the Pillow Triumph)
Success! Pillows acquired! They were… acceptable. Better than the originals, anyway. I'm not going to say they solved world peace, but I did sleep.
8:00 PM - Room Service Shenanigans (and the Late-Night Snack Attack)
Decided to order room service. (I'm on vacation, okay? Judgment is not wanted.) The menu's pretty standard - burgers, salads, the usual. But there was a chocolate lava cake on offer. Need I say more? It arrived, slightly squashed and lukewarm, but I devoured it anyway. Hey, it's the thought that counts, right?
Day 2: Exploring (Sort Of!), Spa Day (Maybe), and the Recurring Cookie
9:00 AM - Breakfast Bliss (Or, the Scramble for Scrambled Eggs)
Down to the hotel's breakfast buffet. Chaos. Glorious, slightly-burnt-bacon-filled chaos. The scrambled eggs were… questionable. I tried the toast. Ate a lot of fruit. It was fine. But the coffee wasn't half bad.
10:00 AM - Attempted Excursion (and the Great Google Maps Fail)
I had grand plans! Hit up some local attractions, maybe a museum. My adventurous side was on overdrive… until I looked at Google Maps. It was a hot day. The museums were a decent walk… I may have nixed the excursion. Let's be honest, I mostly stayed in the cool air conditioning reading a book. Success!
1:00 PM - Spa Day (In My Mind)
The hotel had a small spa. I’d considered it. But then I saw the prices. And remembered I'm broke. So, I had a "spa day" in my mind. I read a magazine, fantasized about massages, and drank tap Water (classy, I know) in my room.
4:00 PM - Cookie Redemption (and a Moment of Pure Joy)
Back in the lobby, for a cookie (again!) The woman behind the counter smiled. "Back for another one?" she asked. "Guilty," I confessed, grinning. One bite, pure happiness. Small things, you know?
7:00 PM - Dinner (and Karaoke Dreams)
Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Nothing to write home about. The service was good. The food was… edible. But I’m beginning to think the real entertainment would be to sneak down to the lobby and start singing karaoke… No… don't do it…
9:00 PM - Bedtime (and Pillow Evaluation)
Went back to my room. The pillows. Still not perfect. But I was beat. Maybe a slightly better night’s sleep. Maybe.
Day 3: Departure and Final Thoughts (and the Cookie Haul)
8:00 AM - Final Breakfast (and a Last Look at the Eggs)
Last day. Back to the buffet. The eggs still looked the same. I stuck to yogurt.
9:00 AM - Packing Chaos (and the Search for Lost Items)
Packing. The dreaded task. Where did that charger go? Oh look, another sock that never got a partner, and a random pen. Typical.
10:00 AM - Checkout (and the Cookie Bonanza)
Checked out. On the way out, I slyly asked for extra cookies to take with me. The nice lady at the front desk chuckled. I walked out with a stash of chocolate chip goodness, feeling slightly less sad about leaving.
10:30 AM - Departure (and the Verdict)
So, the DoubleTree by Hilton. Not a perfect hotel experience. Not a disaster either. It was… a place. It had its flaws (those damn pillows!), its highlights (pizza!), and its moments of utter, slightly-disappointed contentment. Would I go back? Maybe. Primarily for the cookies, of course. And the air conditioning. And if they promise to improve the pillows. But most of all? For a taste of a life a little ordinary.
Okay, spill the tea! Is the DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario *really* a "hidden gem," or is it just another hotel with cookies?
Alright, alright, hold your horses! "Hidden gem" is a strong phrase, I'll admit. It's not like it's got a secret portal to Narnia or anything. But... it *is* surprisingly decent, especially for the price point. Look, I've stayed in some *awful* hotels – the kind that make you question your life choices and leave you itching for days. This ain't one of those. The cookies are a nice touch, sure, but it's more than just the sugary welcome. It's the *vibe*. It's... comfortable. And in Ontario, comfort is a virtue. Let's just say, for the price... it punches above its weight, okay?
What sets this DoubleTree apart? Why should I choose it over, say, the Motel 6... (shudders)?
Oh, man, the Motel 6. Don't even get me started. Okay, so, this DoubleTree… well, it's clean, for starters. That's huge! And the staff? Actually *friendly*. Not the robotic, forced-smile kind. I had a minor issue with my key card (user error, probably, I'm notoriously bad with those things) and the guy at the front desk was genuinely helpful. He didn't roll his eyes, which is a win in my book. Plus, the pool area… I'll get to that, but it's surprisingly chill. It's not the Ritz, but you're not eating off the floor either. That's the deciding factor!
The Pool! I'm hearing whispers... is it as good as the hype? Don't lie to me!
Okay, the pool. Alright, alright, I'll confess... IT'S NOT THE OCEAN. But it *is* a solid pool. Here's the story: I was exhausted, completely drained after a horrendous flight (turbulence, screaming baby, the works). I just wanted to... melt. So I headed to the pool. The water was a perfect temperature – not freezing, not lukewarm – just right. And the sun! Oh, the California sun. I spent a solid hour just floating, staring at the sky, letting all my stress wash away. There was *one* small kid splashing… but, you know what? It was fine. It was *almost* peaceful. And honestly, after the hell I'd been through, almost peaceful was a miracle. Definitely, the pool is its secret weapon.
Let's talk location. Is it actually 'near everything', or is that the usual hotel hyperbole?
"Near everything" is always a loaded term, right? The DoubleTree is... *relatively* convenient. It's not smack-dab in the middle of, say, Disneyland (which, let's face it, is probably the *only* reason most people are in Ontario, and I wouldn't blame them! )... but it's close to the airport (super important, especially if you've arrived from the hell that I just described). There are restaurants nearby – not gourmet Michelin star stuff, but perfectly acceptable chain restaurants. I walked to a decent Mexican place one night (and desperately needed a margarita, which they delivered beautifully). So, yeah, "near everything" is stretching it, but a reasonable base for your Ontario adventures. Depends on your adventures, of course.
The rooms! What's the scoop? Are they like, 'clean sheets and a bed', or are they actually comfortable?
The rooms... okay, they're not palaces. My room was... well, it was a room. Clean, which is a huge plus. The bed? Comfortable enough. I slept. That's what matters! The decor is… functional. Not particularly inspiring, but not offensive either. The air conditioning worked, which is essential in California (and saved my bacon, let me tell you). The bathroom was clean. There was a TV. Honestly, after the flight fiasco, all I needed was a shower and a bed. It provided both. It's not the Four Seasons, but it's not a cockroach-infested nightmare. It's good.
Breakfast. Free? Worth it? Or should I just grab a gas station burrito?
Breakfast is... *included*! Which is always a win, yeah? It's your typical hotel breakfast buffet. Scrambled eggs that might, or might not, be made from powder. Sausage that's… edible. Cereal, toast, fruit (probably from a can, but hey, it's fruit). The coffee's weak, but you can always grab a double espresso somewhere else. Honestly, after my usual morning meltdown, a free breakfast is fine. It's convenient and it filled the hole. Depends on your expectations, but gas station burritos are potentially risky. I'd stick with the hotel, unless you're feeling REALLY brave.
Dealing with the crowds in California is a nightmare. Are the hotels too?
Okay, crowds in California are my personal nemesis. I loathe them. Fortunately, the DoubleTree in Ontario, while not empty, avoids the Disneyland-level chaos, which is a huge bonus. The general atmosphere is calm, and the staff handle the volume of people well. I didn't have to fight for a spot at breakfast. I actually remember seeing my reflection more often than I saw too many other people. Plus, honestly, the lack of screaming children is a serious perk. It's a hotel, not a mosh pit.
Any weird quirks or things I should know *before* booking? Tell me the TRUTH!
Okay, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth... here's the lowdown. Parking can be a bit… iffy. It's not *horrendous*, but it's not free, and sometimes it takes a little hunting. Not a deal-breaker, but pack your patience. The elevators can be slow, especially during peak times. I got trapped in one once. So, get used to the stairs. Some rooms might get a bit of highway noise. Ask for a room on the back if you're sensitive to that. And finally... the pool. Go. Seriously. Just go.
