Hotel berhampiran Swanton Plaza, Swanton

As a Hilton Honors Diamond member for many years, I enjoy staying in different properties across the Hilton portfolio. I also travel exclusively by Amtrak, and with St. Albans being the end of the line, having any Hilton family hotel so close to the station is a big plus for me. A long planned trip finally brought me to t his property earlier this week. While yes it's a bit pricey, we're also in a period of inflation and now recession so I dealt with it. Thinking of it as more points to earn so that I can stay elsewhere for free (or a re-visit here) made it much better. As always with Hilton properties, I did an online check-in the day before and chose my room. Hilton encourages members to skip the front desk and go directly to their rooms with the digital key. I figured on returning later to get my water and snack. However, as what I believe is a cost saving measure, upon entering my room with the digital key, I found that a plastic card is necessary if one wants electric power. So in the dark I left my luggage and returned downstairs to the desk. This was my only nit, that had I known of this I would have stopped at the front desk upon arrival. This defeats the purpose of the digital key, so perhaps the electricity could be re-worked to also activate with one's phone. Back at the desk I was greeted and I explained what had happened. The staff was very friendly and professional, and I was welcomed and my status was recognized. Back in my room now with lights and TV, I found there to be ample space for my belongings and a comfortable desk and chair to work on my computer. The bathroom was bright and also had good counter space for my toiletries. No issues hot water for my morning shower. I did have a good sleep and woke up refreshed. Breakfast was everything that can be expected from a Hampton Inn. I had plenty of scrambled eggs to sustain myself until a late afternoon meal on the train. Check-out was as professional as check-in, and when I mentioned I was departing on Amtrak, I was even reminded of its 9:15 AM departure time with a smile. Being near a train track, one can expect to hear train horns. While Amtrak is only there twice a day, freight trains do use the line as well so there might be other sounds. Overall, it was a wonderful stay, and should I take this trip again I would definitely stay at the property again.... and check-in in person.