HB Perfection - $ But Worth It
The first time I stayed here, I was wowed. I came with my boyfriend from SF to have him meet my mother for the first time. The hotel room was excellent, linens, view, quality everything, wonderful bed, traditional yet hip.
This was extremely great in contrast to a place we had made reservations for on the road, just up the street ... surf and sands or something like that, which we ran from in disgust ... the smells, the strangeness of it all ... beyond gross for over $100/night. While significantly higher priced, the Hilton was like being on a different planet (ours), definitely worth the $150 more. Now, whenever I go back, i don't even think of going anywhere else. It's so convenient and service oriented and consistent, you just can't beat it.
They even let us check in very early (more than once) which was exactly the kind of service we pay for. Checking in later would have really put a dent in our whole wknd plan.
The best part was brunch the next day ... we came for sunday brunch, but instead of having the ocean view like I expected when I made the reservation, we were put in a back banquet room ... which was not going to work for this VERY special occasion. It took a little doing and persistence on my part, but they moved us to a wonderful patio table (unfortunately, they started serving us at the back room - because once seated the service staff is totally on top of it - so it was a little awkward switching tables at this point - partly my/group dynamics fault, I should never have allowed us to sit down there) ...
My mother had lived in HB all her life and never experienced the Hilton, or such an elegant breakfast seaside. It was truly a special memory we will share for a very long time.
Not only was this a special occasion because my boyfriend was meeting mom for the first time, but I had recently met this biological mother only 2 yrs prior, so we have a lot of make up celebrating to do!!! I want every occasion to be something memorable.
I wanted it to be perfect and it really was.
Note to future brunch guests ... make sure they can accomodate your group in the main dining room ... it's just not the same being in a back windowless room. While the food is wonderful, the ambience of the main area with views of the ocean is what we're all there for.
Cheers to one of the classiest places I've discovered in HB. I wouldn't stay anywhere else. Just wish there was a frequent visitor discount.