OverviewThe Hilton Saint John is the only waterfront hotel in Saint John, New Brunswick and it is connected by a pedway to several destinations. Those include the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre, the Brunswick Square shopping centre, Harbour Station, and City Market.
This property is both 100% non-smoking and pet-friendly (subject to a $50 refundable deposit). The hotel has 197 rooms with views of downtown Saint John and the harbour.
Standard guest rooms include bathrooms with granite counter tops, air conditioning, alarm-clock radios, 32" LCD televisions, coffee makers, hair dryers, microwaves, mini-fridges and wireless Internet access ($12.95 per day). Executive rooms include the same amenities as the standard guest rooms, but guests also receive a complimentary breakfast (at the on-site York Bistro Pub) and complimentary wireless high-speed Internet.
On-site amenities at this hotel include a heated indoor salt water swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a business centre which offers faxing, printing, photo copying, express mail service, and audio/visual equipment for rent.
Self-parking is available in the Hilton's heated underground parking garage for $20/day and it includes unlimited in-and-out privileges.
Room service is available 24-hours daily and the on-site York Bistro Pub, which includes a seasonal terrace patio overlooking the harbour, is open from 6:30am - 12:00am.
The downtown Saint John city centre and Harbour Station Arena is 650m from this hotel. The City Market is 750m away while the Brunswick Square Shopping Centre is 550m from the hotel. The Reversing Falls attraction is 3.8km from this hotel and the Saint John Airport (YSJ) is 16.5km away (distances: Google Maps).
Verified by a Front Desk Agent on May 1, 2012: On-site restaurant hours are as follows: York Bistro Pub (6:30am - 12:00am) and the Turn of the Tide restaurant listed on the website is no longer open. In-room Internet is wireless and it costs $12.95 per day.
The GoodThe most complimented aspects of this hotel were the friendly customer service and the convenient location.
Most guests agreed that the hotel staff were helpful and accommodating and one reviewer described the service as "superb". Another guest, who arrived in the afternoon but was jet-lagged, was impressed that he was still served breakfast, something the hotel's manager instructed the kitchen staff to prepare even after normal breakfast hours. Several guests also described the check-in process as efficient.
Many reviewers considered the location convenient for walking to nearby restaurants and downtown Saint John attractions. The pedway system that was connected to the hotel also received compliments by guests who stayed at this property during the winter months.
Many guests were also happy with the harbour views and city views from their guest rooms. Reviewers also commonly described their rooms as clean and spacious and a few guests specifically mentioned that their beds were comfortable.
Other value added features among reviewers included the modern and well equipped fitness centre, the quality of the complimentary breakfast (for executive room guests), and the heated parking garage (during winter months).
The Bad
Many reviewers stated that this property was beginning to look downtrodden and that it was in need of upgrades. A few guests specifically mentioned that the in-room heating/cooling equipment was noisy and did not maintain a consistent temperature.
The bathrooms were also a concern for a few guests who described the plumbing and fixtures as old. One guest described the water in his bathroom as rust coloured. Several reviewers also stated that the decor throughout the hotel was dated.
Reviewers who used the hotel pool found it to be small and the pool area in general was considered dilapidated. A few guests also made note that the hot tub was no longer in service and this added to the run-down appearance of the pool area.
Many guests were also unhappy with the fees for parking. A couple of reviewers noted that parking on the street was more affordable.
A few guests were disappointed by the lack of soundproofing in the guest rooms and one guest stated that she was disturbed by barking dogs in an adjacent room. A couple of guests had concerns about the cleanliness of the elevators and the fitness centre. A few reviewers also thought the hotel could have done a better job monitoring children who were running through the halls and creating a disturbance for other guests.
Expedia.ca gave this hotel an average score of 4.1 out of 5.0, with 84% of 43 guests recommending the property.
Hotels.com gave this hotel an average score of 4.0 out of 5.0, based on 36 reviews.
TripAdvisor.ca ranked this hotel #7 out of 21 properties in Saint John, from 96 guest reviews.
Front Desk Agent on May 1, 2012: On-site restaurant hours are as follows: York Bistro Pub (6:30am - 12:00am) and the Turn of the Tide restaurant listed on the website is no longer open. In-room Internet is wireless and it costs $12.95 per day.
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Analyzed by Tammy B.
Writing chose Tammy from the moment she could hold a pencil. The stories may have changed through the years, from creative fiction to television news reporting, but Tammy's passion for words (and fondness for pencils) continues on.
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