Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Georgetown Area

The restaurant, Chef Geoff's, is really good, and check-in was easy. The staff were helpful and friendly. Parking is valet only. Room 213 was generally nice, but I’d ask for another room if you’re offered it. The heater fan won’t shut off, and when I slept on the window side of the bed, it mostly blew cold air right over my face.

My room was spotless, and housekeeping responded well to special requests. The hotel is handy for getting around, with lots of restaurants within walking distance and just a short drive to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. The onsite restaurant is independently run, and its food was much better than the usual Garden Grille. Valet parking costs $60, but I parked overnight in a garage a block away for $15. I highly recommend the hotel.

I lost time and dealt with a lot of hassle, then left for the Embassy Suites around the corner. It cost a little more, but was noticeably cleaner, better maintained, and much better managed. My stay here was far below Hilton standards, and I hope Hilton corporate steps in to fix the ongoing problems. I checked in around 3pm and discovered on my own that there was no hot water. Nobody mentioned the outage at check-in. I only learned it affected the whole building after I called the front desk to ask why my room had no hot water. By 9pm there was still no fix or timeline, just “hopefully.” Guests kept being checked in without being told. Staff said they hadn’t received guidance on what to tell people or options to relocate them, and nobody offered alternatives or vouchers. My room was also missing a hair dryer and luggage rack. I contacted General Manager Jose Gallegos by email and phone, but got no response either way. That only reinforced my impression of the poor management reflected in the guest experience.

I was surprised by the quality for this price, it’s not something I’ve experienced at a U.S. hotel before. The hotel was conveniently close to the airport and within walking distance of both the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. Several restaurants were easy to reach on foot too. I stayed for a few days over the holiday weekend, and my room was cleaned daily. I’d definitely book here again if I return to Washington.