I was a passerby visiting D.C. and decided to stay here for a night. Overall, it was fine, but the experience left a lot to be desired. This should have been a comfortable, easy stopover, but it turned into a list of frustrations. Solid 2 out of 5.
THE BAD:
#1. Construction: The property looked more like a construction zone than a hotel. The parking lot was filled with massive shipping containers and blocked access points. Guests could not use side or rear entrances, leaving only the front door available. For a brand like Hilton, this setup felt careless and unwelcoming. Parking felt like navigating an obstacle course, and it is clear from other reviews that this is not a new issue.
#2. Parking fees: After fighting through that cluttered lot, the first thing I saw was an “ALL PARKING PAID BY PHONE” sign. $16.50 for one night. No validation, no courtesy discount, not even an apology for the construction inconvenience. For a single overnight stay, that price is steep, especially given the lack of direct access and overall confusion about where guests were even supposed to park. It felt like a nickel and dime situation.
#3. Security deposit: This was the most unexpected part. A $100 security deposit, on top of the nightly rate and parking fee. I have stayed in countless hotels across the country and have never once had to pay a security deposit like this. Maybe it is specific to this location, but it feels excessive and out of step with Hilton standards.
#4. Noise: The room itself looked nice, and it was clean, but soundproofing was nonexistent. The hall echoed with doors slamming all night long. I suspect the doors lack soft close mechanisms, which made every closing sound like a car door next to your head. The road noise was minimal, but the constant door slamming made it hard to rest. For a place meant to recharge travelers, that is a serious problem.
#5. Housekeeping follow up: I left an item behind after checkout and called the next day. The man who answered the phone was polite and said housekeeping would reach out once they were on site. I waited. No call. Days later, still nothing. Mistakes happen, but the lack of follow up was disappointing. It makes it feel like guest concerns stop mattering the moment you check out.
THE GOOD:
#1. Staff: Everyone I spoke with was kind and professional. The front desk gentleman during check in was courteous, patient, and answered every question clearly. In a stay that had a lot of frustration, he was the one bright spot that reminded me of what Hilton service usually feels like.
#2. Cleanliness: The cleanliness of the hotel was excellent. The lobby, hallways, and our room were spotless. You could tell the cleaning team takes pride in what they do, which honestly made the rest of the experience sting a bit more, because the housekeeping communication afterward did not reflect that same care.
#3. Kid friendly design: As a parent, I really appreciated that the room seemed thoughtfully set up for families. Rounded corners, high outlets, safe furniture placement, and a layout that let kids move around without worry. That attention to detail deserves credit.
Unfortunately, the negatives outweighed the positives by a wide margin. Between the construction, surprise fees, and lack of peace and quiet, it just did not deliver what I expected from a Hilton Garden Inn. The brand usually represents consistency and comfort, but this location missed the mark.
I might stay again someday if they finish renovations and get the basics ironed out, but until then, I cannot recommend it. Two stars out of five.
KC
Keith Crumley
Nov 4, 2025
Upon arrival, the front desk agent named Becky needs some training. We are diamond members and always receive A credit towards Breakfast or Dinner at the hotel. Becky never heard about this credit and said she’s never, nor has the hotel ever, given anyone a credit. So we called the Hilton diamond desk and they called Becky and told her that diamond members ALWAYS receive a credit! Other than this problem, all the other employees are very friendly and helpful! A must shout out to Gigi, the evening bartender/ cook! Super friendly and makes Excellent food! We miss her dearly!
Only other suggestion I have is about the tv. Normally, when you walk into your room and turn the TV on, it automatically goes to the weather station or an advertisement for Hilton honors. In this case it constantly comes on with the same, very political news station. It felt like it’s being pushed onto you!