The hype
The location and amenities are unbeatable for Appleton, but the property shows some wear and tear despite recent renovations.
Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
$113-$250/ night
Book this if You want to be in the heart of downtown Appleton with direct access to the Fox Cities Exhibition Center and a legendary Packers-themed steakhouse.
Why People Love It
- Vince Lombardi's Steakhouse and its museum-like Packers memorabilia
- Prime downtown location steps from the Performing Arts Center
- Huge indoor pool and spacious 24-hour fitness center
Quick Take: It's a massive, convenient downtown hub, but hidden parking fees and inconsistent room temperatures might test your patience.
Reviewed by @dannsing1: I always love coming back to the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley. The rooms are incredibly comfortable, and you just can't beat being right on the main drag. Walking to dinner is a breeze, and grabbing my morning coffee at the lobby Starbucks is the best.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Cleanliness is hit-or-miss—some rooms are spotless, while others have reported mold in bathrooms and musty odors.
- You're attending an event at the attached Fox Cities Exhibition Center
- You're a Packers fan wanting to dine at Vince Lombardi's Steakhouse
- You want to walk to downtown Appleton's bars, museums, and coffee shops
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Some guests praise the daily housekeeping and fresh remodels, while others report missed spots and coffee stains.
- Bathroom hygiene: Inconsistent. While many are clean and modern, there are notable complaints about hair in showers and mold on ceilings.
- Maintenance: Struggles with older infrastructure. Reports of peeling paint, broken AC units, and rooms feeling humid.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean and comfortable, though some guests noted worn towels.
- Odors & scents: Mixed bag. Some rooms smell fresh post-renovation, but a few guests reported foul or musty odors in older sections.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street traffic on College Avenue
- Loud AC units in some rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Self-parking is $10/night in the adjacent city garage, but the skywalk connection has a small escalator that's tricky with heavy bags.
- Breakfast is not free; expect to pay $5-$25 for the buffet at Harvest Kitchen & Pantry.
- The hotel enforces a strict noise policy, and violations can result in a fine equal to one night's stay.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine: Exterior rooms facing College Avenue can get loud with street traffic.
- A swimsuit: The indoor pool is huge and great for laps, even though there's no hot tub.
- Light sleepwear: Some guests report the AC struggles to keep rooms cool during warmer months.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Interior rooms facing the lobby for a darker, quieter night's sleep
- Newly renovated rooms with modern steamers and bedside USB ports
Rooms to avoid
- Exterior rooms on lower floors facing the street due to road noise
- Rooms far from the elevators if you have mobility issues (it's a massive property)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'd love to request a recently renovated interior room facing the lobby to ensure a quiet, dark environment for sleeping. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there free parking?
No, self-parking is $10/night in an adjacent city-owned garage with in/out privileges.
Does the hotel have a pool and hot tub?
It has a huge indoor pool, but unfortunately, there is no hot tub.
Is breakfast included?
No, full breakfast is available for a fee (around $5-$25) at the on-site Harvest Kitchen & Pantry.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs and cats up to 30 lbs are allowed for a $75 fee per stay (max 2 pets).
Does the hotel offer an airport shuttle?
Yes, there is a complimentary 24-hour shuttle to Appleton International Airport (ATW).
How close is the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center?
It's literally a 2-minute walk across the street.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Drop your heavy luggage at the front entrance before parking in the garage to avoid dragging it up the skywalk escalator.
- ✨
You don't need to leave the hotel for a great Packers experience—Vince Lombardi's Steakhouse has over 400 pieces of memorabilia.
- ✨
Check out the Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar for their state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel is directly attached to the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, making it a massive maze of a property.
💡There is a full-service Starbucks right inside the lobby.
💡The fitness center is surprisingly spacious and much better equipped than your average hotel gym.
💡The hotel enforces a strict noise policy—violations can result in a fine equal to one night's stay.
💡Despite the huge indoor pool, there is no hot tub on the property.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Appleton Paper Valley is located and what's nearby.