I've used the hotspot, though not on my new Pixel (yet).  I have it set up (changed the default SSID and password) but have not yet needed it.  It worked great on the Motorola Turbo.

One difference is the Pixel lets me choose to broadcast a 2.4 GHz signal OR 5 GHz signal.  I might have missed it but I don't recall that option being available on the Turbo.

Be aware that using the hotspot will use your plan data, and if yo are on a laptop, ensure that it is set to use the hotspot as a "metered" connection, reducing the background data usage that happens on most laptop and desktop computers.