Hilton Garden Inn Stony Brook

Getting here without a car worked out well since the train station is walkable, and the location is especially handy for visiting Stony Brook University. We finally stayed between Christmas and New Year. The room was on the small side, but clean and comfortable, and the little pool was well maintained. Breakfast isn't free, though adding it to the booking was worth it. I'd recommend the place and hope to return.

We found the hotel useful for touring campus during an admitted-student visit to SBU, though without a car the setting felt a bit isolated. The digital key check-in was great, and the room itself was comfortable and quiet. Breakfast was convenient and better quality than the free options elsewhere. But the drains were slow, and both of us woke up with back pain after sleeping on very uncomfortable beds. The mattresses probably need updating. Given the Hilton brand, that was surprising, and we didn't get much rest.

I come here a few nights each month, and the place is generally well kept. The people and food are a big part of why I enjoy returning. Lauryn at the front desk is friendly, welcoming, and helpful, while Patti at the bar is attentive and keeps things cheerful. Kai's food has exceeded what I expected. I've tried about half the menu by now, and every dish I've had from the kitchen has been excellent.

The staff were awesome, especially Pierrot, who was always smiling and helpful and made guests feel cared for. The lobby is comfortable, and the rooms are clean and fairly updated. Breakfast costs an extra $18 and is the usual Hilton Hampton/Garden Inn style, though the made-to-order waffles were a nice treat. The service was great. Our bathroom could use some work: the tub caulk needs replacing, the grout was stained and needs a scrub, and a problem with the faucet meant we only got warm, not hot, shower water. We would stay again, partly because there are good restaurants and coffee shops close by.