Review DoubleTree Torino, probably the nicest biz Hilton hotel in Italy
Premise that will make all regulars at DoubleTree hotels happy, the cookie is back and it's always warm and [...]
TRN
Premise that will make all regulars of the DoubleTree hotels, the cookie is back and it is always warm and delicious.
In this article:
In all my recent sojourns I had been told that the cookie, the symbol of this chain, had been "paused" because of Covid, now instead it has been restored.
But let's come to the actual review. I had stayed at this hotel before and had very good memories for a long list of reasons. The first is definitely the location, in fact it was carved out of a piece of the old FIAT factory in Lingotto.
In the redevelopment of the area, which has seen the rehabilitation of part of the former manufacturing plants, protagonists of Italian industrial history, this hotel has taken, arguably, the best position.
Reservation
We will never tire of repeating that if you want to get the most out of the Hilton Honors loyalty program you must always book through official channels: app or website. Always being careful to Having activated the current promotion So as not to lose precious points on the road.
Specifically I have also become a fan of the X2 rate, which allows, regardless of any other promotions, to still earn double points during your stay. Reservations are generally flexible, especially at this time, but the X2 rate allows you to cancel without penalty until midnight the day before check-in.
Of course because of my Gold status I was able to get an upgrade to a nicer room and also enjoy free breakfast, a nice savings. One way to get free status, regardless of how many stays you make at Hilton hotels, is to be a Platinum American Express holder.
The Location
As mentioned, it is located in the Lingotto convention center area and is very easy to reach for those arriving from the south of Turin and the A6 and A21 highways. It is almost impossible to miss the giant sign right in front of the shopping area that houses Eataly and other commercial chains, among others.
The hotel also has a number of parking spaces and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Check-in and the room
Confusion is no longer a part of this world, and so even the hotel's front desk was deserted and manned by a single attendant. The lobby is very reminiscent of some New York City establishments since the ground floor is in fact only the front desk and elevators to access the upper floors.
From the panoramic elevator, there is an open view of the restaurant area that occupies the second floor and divides the two wings of the hotel that house the rooms.
My room was on the 4th floor, the same floor that houses the hotel's small fitness area.
Again divided in two and facing the huge windows. But it is not the classic fitness room being open to the hallway.
Let's say that it is perhaps the least convincing of all the solutions adopted in this hotel. However, for soccer lovers, you can train there by watching the stands of the historic Philadelphia Stadium.
Bright hallway with paintings on the walls telling the industrial history of the place where we are.
The room, sealed as per Hilton Clean Stay protocol, looks out toward the mountains, too bad the dreary day prevented views of the Alps.
In contrast, however, there is an incredible view of the symbolic site of the Italian industrial revolution: the ingot.
From my window there is an incredible view of the oval on the top floor of the former FIAT plant, the one where cars were tested before being delivered to customers.
There is also a beautiful view of the Giovanni Agnelli Pinacoteca structures designed by Renzo Piano.
The huge windows, from the floor to the very high ceiling, let in lots of light. Should you prefer a softer atmosphere, the curtains can be controlled with convenient buttons.
In the room there is a huge TV of more than 60″ and all the classic service found in hotels of this group.
Small corner bar with tea kettle, mini-bar with the two classic free bottles of water for Hilton Honors program members. A bathrobe and the obligatory slippers are also in the room. In the closet is an ironing board and iron, as well as a safe and ample storage space for one's clothing.
A huge bathroom with a beautiful walk-in shower. And a classic supply of personal care products.
Clean stay protocol even in rooms with seals on the remote control, statistically the most bacteria-ridden item in a hotel room before the room phone.
Of note, systems are installed in the room and other common areas to monitor air quality.
The restaurant
During this pandemic period, hotel restaurants not only remained open, but-at this stage of permitted outdoor-only dining-were also able to continue serving guests indoors.
The menu is varied and there is also a selection of dishes related to the local tradition. Service and cooking, however, did not convince me. My order was "forgotten" and a plate of ravioli took almost 40 minutes to serve me. The meat had been ordered rare and as seen in the photo was instead medium rare.
Breakfast changed due to Covid, so no buffet.
You order and are served by the staff, an average choice but certainly not comparable to the classic offerings of pre-pandemic Hilton hotels.
In conclusion
The hardware I believe is among the best hotels in the Hilton family in Italy, the attention to the customer at this time of pandemic is total and not taken for granted given that many hotels in the group are franchises, therefore not directly owned, and do not comply at 100% with the protocol designed by the parent company.
Perhaps early in the morning it would make sense to have two attendants to speed up the check-out process and avoid assemblages in front of the elevators where queues of customers form intent on requesting invoices and dealing with end-of-stay paperwork.
