The Capitol Hotel Downtown, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The hotel offers a unique stay, primarily appealing to sightseers and music lovers due to its central location within easy walking distance of downtown attractions. While many guests appreciate the convenience and the dedicated valet service, a recurring theme is the property's motel-style layout, with rooms accessed via exterior corridors, which can be a surprise for those expecting a traditional hotel. This design contributes to a mixed perception, as some find it charmingly refurbished, while others feel the online pictures are deceiving. The staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, often making up for any perceived shortcomings in the building's older structure. To enhance your stay, be prepared for an uphill walk when returning from Broadway and manage expectations regarding the building's unique configuration.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's unique layout features exterior corridors for room access, which some guests find surprising, likening it more to a motel. The lobby is detached from the main room areas, requiring guests to walk outside to access the elevator that leads to the upper floors. While a fitness center is available, it is located in a separate building, which some guests found inconvenient. Guests generally find the Wi-Fi to be functional, though some report it can be spotty or unreliable. For added convenience, ice machines and vending machines are provided on various floors. The overall impression of the facilities is that they are functional but reflect the building's older structure, with some areas appearing dated despite recent renovations.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed but generally leans positive. Many reviews highlight the rooms as clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and high-quality linens contributing to a restful sleep. However, the room size is frequently described as small or cramped, making maneuvering difficult for multiple guests or those with significant luggage. A significant concern for many is the noise level, with thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms, hallways, and street traffic to be easily heard, impacting sleep quality. Some guests also noted issues with bathroom doors, often sliding barn-style doors that do not fully close, compromising privacy. While some rooms include a mini refrigerator, other common amenities like microwaves are typically absent. The air conditioning units are noted for being powerful, though some found them noisy or inefficient in airflow.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers an included breakfast that receives generally positive, though sometimes mixed, reviews. Many guests appreciate the convenience and the fact that a hot breakfast is provided, often featuring options like eggs, bacon, and sausage. The breakfast variety is described as standard American fare, with some noting it can be repetitive if staying for multiple days. A common point of feedback is the use of single-use plastic plates and cutlery, which some guests found inconvenient and environmentally concerning. The breakfast area is consistently praised for being clean and well-stocked, with attentive staff ensuring items are replenished. Additionally, the hotel features an on-site bar that guests found convenient for evening drinks, and a pizza place located directly in front of the hotel is frequently mentioned as a popular and convenient option for late-night meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering excellent walking distance to popular attractions like Broadway, downtown entertainment venues, and the Capitol. Guests appreciate being close enough to the action without being in the most congested areas, allowing for a relatively quiet stay despite urban surroundings. However, many note the uphill walk when returning to the hotel from Broadway, which can be challenging for some. Valet-only parking is a significant aspect of the hotel's accessibility, with guests frequently mentioning its convenience, though the associated cost is a recurring point of discussion. While the valet team is largely praised for their efficiency and helpfulness, some guests experienced delays or issues with car retrieval. The hotel's proximity to public transportation options, including bus stations, is also noted as a benefit for exploring the city.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of the guest experience. Reviewers frequently praise their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service across all departments. The valet team is particularly commended for their efficiency, professionalism, and warm demeanor, often going above and beyond to assist guests with luggage and car retrieval. The front desk staff is noted for their welcoming attitude and willingness to address concerns, contributing to a smooth check-in process. Housekeeping is also recognized for maintaining clean rooms and providing fresh towels daily. The bar staff receives appreciation for their engaging personalities and good service. Overall, guests feel that the staff's dedication to providing excellent service significantly enhances their stay, often compensating for any perceived shortcomings of the property itself.

Additional Information
A key piece of information for prospective guests is the hotel's motel-style design, characterized by exterior room access and open-air corridors, which differs significantly from a traditional hotel layout. This design choice means guests step directly into the elements when leaving their rooms, and some found it contributed to noise from the hallways. Despite this, the hotel implements security measures, including key card access for elevators and the presence of a security guard, which helps guests feel safe. Another recurring detail is the use of single-use plastic for breakfast service, which some guests found to be a notable aspect of their dining experience. While not universally negative, this detail is mentioned as a point of observation for those conscious of environmental impact.