This was a last-second hotel stay as the last flight out of the night was canceled. I wasn’t able to utilize all services, but here is a quick look into the property with pertinent details.
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I wanted to offer a little context around this stay and review. After spending the day at a meeting and working in New York City, my departure out of Newark, NJ on United Airlines had been delayed several times and then ultimately canceled late in the evening. I wasn’t anticipating a stay in New Jersey initially, but circumstances forced that outcome, a common hazard of traveling.
As such, this was not a calculated, planned, nor intentional stay – it was a consequence of traveling during thin operations. Had I intended to stay in the hotel, this review would have likely involved more aspects of the property. However, I assume that for this specific hotel, many guests will find themselves spending a limited amount of time at the property and often unexpectedly following a flight cancellation.
Location
The longest mile and a half from Newark Liberty International Airport, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark Airport offers a free airport shuttle on the half-hour from 6 AM to midnight. It’s also accessible by car. Pickup for the shuttle service is at P4 on the AirTrain though drop-off is at the departure terminal for your flight.
I say that it’s the longest mile and a half because of the circuitous road routes the shuttle was forced to take around the airport. Even for avid walkers, I would not recommend reaching the hotel by foot, and taxis and rideshares will not be pleased with such a short run after waiting in a long line for a fare. The shuttle is the best option but if there aren’t enough seats, you’ll be waiting another 30 minutes for the next one so be advised.
Address: 128 Frontage Rd, Newark, NJ 07114, United States
Phone: +1 973-690-5500
Property
This full-service hotel features a bar and restaurant, an indoor pool (drained for renovations at the moment), and a fitness center. As a typical business hotel, it offers room service, free wifi for Hilton Honors members, and parking for a fee for those who have a car rental or drive their own.
Hilton recently switched its breakfast benefit to a flexible daily credit that can be used in the evening. While I normally aim to use these benefits, I arrived at the close of the Gateway City restaurant the night before and slept through the breakfast hours in the morning. I was given a room on the Executive Level which would have provided a continental breakfast regardless.
“Select Hilton Honors Members staying on the 12th floor will be able to start their day off right with complimentary Continental breakfast at our Newark hotel. The continental breakfast at our hotel in Newark is perfect for everyone. Join us Monday to Friday morning.” – Hilton
Starbucks operates a franchised location on-site.
Reflective tint on the windows and a mostly glass facade are showing their age (more on that shortly.) Some rooms feature an interior atrium view of the hotel, while others can catch planes arriving and departing Newark’s runways.
Guest Room
At the front desk, I was recognized for my Hilton Honors Diamond status. Available room choices for my stay were limited to two double beds or a king room, I chose the latter. I was given a preferential floor and though I would have been granted an early check-in and check-out time of 2:00 PM, I was only able to utilize the latter.
Upon entering the room I found a standard layout with updated room furnishings. The bathroom was to my right (as well as a closet.) For what it’s worth, the bed was comfortable, the desk was spacious and there were waters waiting for me in the room in addition to the pair of waters I received at the front desk.
In the light of day, this window was initially terrifying. After getting a closer look, I could see that the tint had an adverse reaction to the sun, no doubt attracting a lot of heat. Oddly, it was just this one pane but no doubt the hotel should swap this out, if for nothing more than match the rest of the refurbishment of the room.
Bathroom
The bathroom was updated, clean, but plain. I prefer no tub at all and a glass door if I’m being picky. There was a secondary elevated soap bar ledge that seemed unnecessary. There’s no real complaints about the bathroom but it could be better. I probably wouldn’t have chosen this hotel based on design or out of an abundance of choice, but in the prediacment I was in, I didn’t hold that luxury.
Value
During my particular stay, I had the choice of $152/night or 30,000 points though I have seen the rates as high as $202. That gives a valuation of 0.5-0.67¢/point which is above my target of 0.4¢/point so this is a good (though not great) value to spend points rather than cash. If your Hilton Honors balance is high, spend the points, but it’s not a steal either.
In short, the stay was brief and if I am stuck in Newark again, I would consider this property but I am not racing back either.
What do you think? Have you stayed at this property? Do you have a recommendation for a better property at the same approximate price range?
The Hotel is nice and yes the windows look like they were in a fire, the restaurant prices are costly and wait time was terrible.
Stayed here several times for early morning departures or late evening arrivals. Always enjoy a room overlooking the atrium. There’s no noise and the windows aren’t deformed.
Why I prefer the Marriott. Shuttle picks you up at the terminal.
Marissa, in this case, you are mistaken. Prior to my DoubleTree shuttle arriving at P4, the Renaissance, Courtyard, and Marriott shuttles all picked up guests at the same P4 stop.