Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma-Mall

This contemporary Hampton Inn places a premium on security, with key-card access required to enter all areas of the hotel including elevators, stairwells, and the interior courtyard. That seems to suit its guests, mostly business travelers but also military families visiting personnel at the nearby McChord Air Force Base. Interiors have a quiet and somewhat reserved atmosphere, despite the lively green and blue chairs decorating the cheerful lobby. High ceilings and large windows keep the space airy, and a TV over a gas fireplace invites guests to linger. A long communal table with high-back chairs anchors the space, and modern chandeliers hang just above it. But in warm weather, the interior courtyard becomes a more enticing place to relax and perhaps get a little sun on the loungers set out here. Many of the hotel’s rooms overlook this space, although more greenery here would certainly improve the view.

The Hampton Inn is located just off Interstate 5, about 15 minutes south (driving) from downtown Tacoma. Despite being within sight of the interstate, it’s a relatively quiet property. But, the mostly commercial neighborhood that surrounds it is unattractive, and it’s not a good area for walking even though a few restaurants are within five minutes on foot. But, there’s plenty to do within a short drive, including the Chips Casino Lakewood and Regal Cinemas Lakewood (both two minutes away). The Tacoma Mall and McChord Air Force Base are both 10-minute drives, and the Tacoma Dome is 12 minutes away by car. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is roughly 30 minutes driving. Mount Rainier National Park is a little over one hour away, and Olympic National Park is about 90 minutes by car. Parking is free in the hotel’s fenced-in lot. 

While generally clean and pulled-together, guest rooms at this Hampton Inn can feel a bit bland and tired. Soft earth-toned hues set the tone, including light beige walls and wall-to-wall carpets. Duvets are bright white, and the matching wood furniture has a dark amber finish, some of it topped with black granite. Striped drapes in green and russet add a small dash of much-needed color. On the plus side, amenities are solid, including coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, lap desks, and free Wi-Fi. Media plug-ins are also provided on the nightstands. Another bonus: Standard Rooms have ample space, with even the Double Queens including desks with office chairs, benches, and upholstered corner chairs. Larger, studio-style Suites offer added sleeper sofas and wet bars, too. Bathrooms can feel disappointingly generic with shower stalls (in Kings) or shower/tub combos (in Double Queens) framed by yellow acrylic tiling. They do include roomy granite vanities, however, plus hairdryers and Neutrogena toiletries. Overall, rooms are relatively quiet and some offer distant glimpses of majestic Mount Ranier. 

Amenities could be the biggest draw of this Hampton Inn. Fans of the chain will appreciate its popular free breakfast buffet that includes eggs, breakfast meats, and other hot dishes. It also offers to-go breakfast bags for guests on the run (a helpful bonus for business travelers). The 24/7 Suite Shop in the lobby sells sundries, snacks, soft drinks, and various microwaveable meals. Free coffee is available all day, too, although it's worth mentioning that there's no restaurant or bar on the premises for other meals or drinks.For corporate travelers, there are meeting facilities for up to 75 people as well as a business center with two computers and a printer in a dedicated space. Wi-Fi is free as well, and free newspapers are offered on weekdays. Those that need to get a shirt pressed will appreciate that valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available. The hotel has an on-site guest laundry room as well, but it only has one washer/dryer set. The hotel's fitness center is on the small side, but it holds free weights as well as two modern Precor treadmills, an elliptical, and a stationary bicycle that will get the job done. The heated indoor pool also runs small, but adequate for a quick dip. A whirlpool and showers are part of the pool area.