I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Salinas on April 14, 2025, with my two disabled children and our fully trained service dog. From the moment we arrived, the experience was uncomfortable—not because of the facility, but because of the front desk staff’s shocking lack of professionalism and basic human decency.
Every time we walked through the lobby or hallway, the woman at the front desk stared us down—long, unbroken stares that were clearly meant to intimidate or judge. Not once, not twice, but every single time. It was unsettling and completely unacceptable, especially when you’re already managing travel with disabled children and a service animal.
When I calmly brought up how her behavior made me feel, instead of showing any empathy or professionalism, she immediately became defensive. She didn’t apologize or try to listen—she dismissed my concerns entirely. And when I asked for her name so I could properly report the issue, she refused to give it.
Let that sink in: a front desk employee at a Hilton-owned property refused to identify herself after being called out for offensive and inappropriate conduct.
This is more than bad customer service—it’s a failure in basic humanity. People with disabilities and those traveling with service animals should never be made to feel judged, scrutinized, or unwelcome.
Avoid this location. There are many other hotels in the area where guests are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This place is not one of them