Looking for a quick overnight stay around Scranton, Pennsylvania, I found Spark by Hilton in Clarks Summit. Spark, at the lower tier of the Hilton hotel family, may be at the budget end of hotels, but comfort and style are not compromised. This particular Spark, in the midst of other hotels, gas stations, and eateries off I-476, was once a Comfort Inn.
Spark by Hilton is Stylish and Modern
The change to Spark happened two years ago. This means that the hotel’s furniture and decor are fresh, modern, and stylish. Yellow and purple are widely used as complementary colors, which means each makes the other shade brighter. In the lobby, the golden yellow armchairs are rocking chairs, and the sleek tables and benches are places to hang out. In the morning, this is an extra space for people enjoying the continental breakfast. To find out more about Lackawanna County and things to do in northeastern Pennsylvania, there are visitors’ guides for browsing. Scranton is just minutes away. Hiking, kayaking, and canoeing are outdoor activities that are also close by.
Because of its location, the Spark by Hilton is an affordable place from which to explore. While you’re there, much is in place to create a pleasant overnight or two.
Guest Rooms Carry an Upbeat Vibe
At the check-in desk, a sign says, “We’re proud to offer delightfully practical stays where every guest can shine…” This friendly, upbeat messaging continued to my two-queen room where the flat screen TV touted my name and status as a Hilton Honors member.
A luggage rack and an open cubicle-style closet provided space for me to tuck luggage and hang up my coat without forgetting my belongings. This is where you’ll find the iron and the ironing board. There are also stylish coat rack hooks on the wall near the room’s doors. Perhaps with children in mind, the hooks are placed low enough for kids to reach.
Like the rest of the hotel, the colors of the room’s abstract art are bright and cheery. I also liked the bright blue accent wall. Light fixtures are modern and well place including one on the sleek desk. Although there isn’t a coffee maker or microwave, coffee and tea are available in the lobby. There is a refrigerator in a cubicle shelf that also serves as a space for the TV, extra towels, and cups.
The person who checked me in vouched for the bed’s comfort. I agree. I slept well thanks to the right amount of firm mattress, lovely sheets and the cozy comforter.
Handicapped Accessibility and Sustainability
My room was handicapped accessible, which means the bathroom’s walk-in shower had a fold-down chair and grab bars. Although my dad passed away a few years ago, I remember traveling with him when he had mobility issues. This room was close to the lobby and front door. For people traveling with someone who has difficulty walking, this particular Spark hotel is a good fit.
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are in bottles affixed to the shower wall. There’s also a bottle of body lotion affixed to the wall near the bathroom sink. Although I miss those little bottles of shampoo, the large bottles are environmentally friendly.
Spark by Hilton Breakfast
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The continental breakfast served in a room off the lobby does not skimp on quality. I noticed four cold breakfast cereals, including granola and Raisin Bran. Dried cranberries, chopped pecans, dried cherries, and almond slivers can be added as toppings either to cereal or yogurt. In a nod to sustainability, yogurt is served similar to a soft ice cream dispenser. Instead of single-serve plastic yogurt containers, this is another nod to sustainability.
A variety of bagels, bread, ready-made waffles, and pancakes are available to toast. For those wanting a heartier meal, the lobby kiosk has breakfast sandwiches for sale that guests can heat up in the microwave.
More Spark by Hilton Hotel Details
In addition to double queen rooms, there are king rooms. Both come in accessibility versions. I paid less than $100 for my room through Hotels.com. Also, there are special rates on the Spark by Hilton website. Wi-Fi is free, and TVs have streaming. For those traveling with pets with a maximum weight of 50 pounds, this is a pet-friendly hotel for a $50 fee. Parking is free.
Check rates for Spark by Hilton Clarks Summit (Scranton area) online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
