Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo

The second time we stayed, my wife and I had the best Old Fashioned we've ever had at the hotel bar. Hats off to the bartender, whose name I've forgotten, for making a killer drink. We can't wait to come back. We also liked being able to park for free at check-in and walk one block to the shopping center, with lots of great stores, dining choices, and a fun arcade with bowling, a bar, and more. There are parks nearby, too, and it's a nice area for a stroll. The hotel sits among tech companies close to the waterfront, and the area is very quiet on weekends. We haven't stayed during the week. The property is clean and well kept, from the parking lot to the modern, nicely decorated rooms. Breakfast isn't included in the room rate, but the buffet has a good selection, including made-to-order omelets. It's inexpensive, probably because SFO is nearby and there's a lot of competition. We live about an hour and a half away, but like coming here for an easy mini-vacation. The rates are affordable, the stay is great, and Half Moon Bay and plenty of other things are close. We can have breakfast at the hotel and be at the beach in under a 30-minute drive. The outdoor pool may be heated, I'm not sure, but it was still cold on cool fall nights. My daughter braved it anyway. Pro tip: book breakfast along with your reservation and you can feed the room for a few dollars per person, compared with $12 at check-in or $24 the morning of. Don't quote me on those prices.

We were here for a team soccer trip. The rooms and lobby were clean, and the lobby was nicely decorated. The young man working nights was especially kind to the kids. When the kitchen staff wouldn't bring them a glass, he got them water, so thank you to him. Breakfast costs extra and really isn't worth the price. It was basic, nothing special, and the eggs were runny. In the morning, I asked the receptionist about breakfast because I thought it was included. She rudely told me it would be charged to the room. I probably wouldn't stay again. For that price, I can find another hotel.

The whole staff made us feel so important and cared for. They go above and beyond to make guests comfortable, and any room issue was handled immediately. The restaurant staff were awesome, and breakfast was delicious. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and extremely clean. I can't say enough about this hotel.

The area was quiet and felt safe, the staff were friendly, and the room was clean. Having a microwave and fridge in the room was a plus. I used digital check-in and picked what I thought was a corner room, 727, from the available floor plan. Unfortunately, it was right beside a laundry room. Whenever a machine ran, the whole room shook. We were in bed at 8 a.m. when it jolted us awake, and we thought it was an earthquake. Luckily, nobody ran the machines late at night. The floor plan is misleading because it doesn't show laundry rooms or housekeeping rooms. That kind of thing should be disclosed. Keep it in mind if you're selecting or assigned this room.