Evicted for false reasons. Profanity by staff. Request for review of surveillance ignored. See review below:
Long-time HiltonHonors members, loved Hampton Inns, stayed at many. Hampton Inn Helena was horrible.
Here for gym camp at Gym406, Hampton Inn was host hotel. General manager (GM) Makenna seemed annoyed at our group, glaring at us as we walked thru lobby, agitated at teens. Kids noticed she was staring, I advised them to stay out of her way. We absolutely got the feeling she didn’t want us there, tried our best to avoid her.
First night, kids printed pictures of Spongebob on lobby printer, placed papers on coach’s car, a usual thing they do with coach. Printed many sheets, which we paid for. Also put papers on 2 other cars (which is not appropriate. I didn’t know they’d put a paper on other cars).
Two days passed, heard nothing from staff. Kids spent days/evenings at camp events. Day 3, Makenna said boys can't be unsupervised, I agreed.
Fourth morning, desk staff LauriAnn said guest complained about 1 paper on his car. Soon after, Makenna called & said we must leave, citing “complaints” and papers in pool. I asked for info (specifics, pictures/video, why I wasn’t made aware of complaints before). She repeated vague statements like “there were complaints”..no details, documentation, witnesses, video...I asked for info again, she threatened to call police. I asked to speak to a supervisor...she refused to provide info, said supervisor Serena would not believe me anyway so it was no use to try.
I asked about damage done (vandalism means damage w/malicious intent)....she replied there was “potential for damage” from ink bleeding (this was a laser printer, doesn't bleed.) When asked how this is vandalism, she said it's “considered” vandalism. Calling paper on a windshield vandalism is ridiculous. Would it be vandalism if a flyer is placed on a windshield at grocery store? I was again threatened with police.
Upon checkout, LauriAnn used profanity at group, which other guests witnessed & would be on surveillance video. I asked for staff names...they reluctantly gave first names. When asked for last names, Makenna said something like “that’s confidential.” (when I filed complaint with Hilton, her last name was given without me even asking..another example of statements made by Makenna which had no basis in fact.)
Others were present at pool, attested that there were no papers thrown. I reached out to parents who were in common areas...asked if they saw kids being disruptive..everyone said nothing was concerning whatsoever.
We emailed Makenna, requested documentation, pictures, video, and addressed profanity by LauriAnn. She denied profanity despite witnesses...didn’t address requests for details & proof of damages/complaints. We again asked what was damaged...no answer. I have copies of all emails.
I complained to Hilton and got 15,000 Honors points compensation for “staff unprofessionalism”(a fraction of a night's stay). We requested investigation & review of surveillance, & had witnesses willing to give statements. With no investigation or video review, Hilton said this was not the image that Hilton wants to present, but the GM’s decision stands...apparently standard practice...Hampton Inns are franchisees, so Hilton’s customer is Hampton Inn, not guests. It's disconcerting that GM can create claims at will with no proof, and Hilton will not be accountable or investigate complaints at their hotels. We’ve canceled our HiltonHonors account and will never stay at another Hilton, advising friends & family to do same.
We disputed credit charges & got full refund. At the very least, this Hampton Inn didn't get our money.
Note this: I have nothing to gain by anyone believing this review. I have my money back, just want to warn others. Hampton Inn wants your business and so will attempt to discredit me. Any response below that includes details of why we were evicted can be considered completely made-up, as this hotel repeatedly would not provide any such details to me. Stay somewhere else.