Hilton Garden Inn Austin Northwest / Arboretum

This Hilton is aimed at business travelers, with major corporations such as IBM and Apple within a 10-minute drive. The lobby is relaxed, quiet, and modern. It has a striking, two-sided gas fireplace that is framed by dark wood and tiling -- with several earth tones in small squares. One side has bookcases and a flat-screen TV, while the other has a large mirror that displays a “Welcome to the Garden" sign. A long table with several high-back chairs sits along one side. The small, granite-topped lobby bar is adjacent to the breakfast buffet area. Several cozy sitting areas are scattered throughout the roomy space, including a beige bench sofa that’s framed by two-story dark-wood columns that are partially covered by sheer curtains with shiny gold stripes. A cluster of modish pendant lights hand below a skylight. The look overall is tasteful with just a hint of retro quirk.

The Hilton Garden Inn is a 15- to 20-minute drive to downtown Austin’s convention center and Sixth Street entertainment district. It’s also less than a 10-minute drive to IBM, Apple, and the National Instruments Corporation, making the hotel convenient for business travelers. There are a couple of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, but guests will have to drive to find greater dining choices and entertainment. The Arboretum Mall is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the sprawling Domain retail complex is an eight-minute drive. The University of Texas can be reached in about a 15-minute drive. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 24 to 30 minutes away by car.

Upgraded in 2014 with new mattresses, the Hilton Garden Inn's 138 rooms are tastefully decorated, continuing the look from the common spaces. Lamps dotted with gold circles, button-tufted armchairs, and carpets in short black-and-brown stripes add a playfulness to the rooms decor. Wood furniture in a ribboned veneer -- including sloped headboards, dressers, and writing desks -- also bring a level of elegance to the spaces. Bedding is in simple bright white, and walls are adorned with midcentury-style abstract art and oval mirrors.

Both Standard and Deluxe rooms are spacious and have king beds or two double beds. Deluxe Rooms have separate living rooms and additional TVs. Bathrooms have roomy tan-granite vanities, beige tile floors, and shower/tub combos framed by common white tile. Neutrogena toiletries are provided. Other standard amenities include mini-fridges, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers, alarm clocks with MP3 connections, and free bottled water. Rooms are generally quiet and include free Wi-Fi. 

This hotel packs an attractive amenities package for a mid-range property. The Garden Grill & Bar offers a full hot breakfast buffet that is included in some packages. The bar serves drinks throughout the day. Free fruit-infused water, coffee, and tea are available in the lobby, and the 24/7 Pavilion Pantry sells snacks, frozen entrees, and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. The indoor pool and whirlpool are small, but a mechanized chair does offer easy water access for guests with mobility issues. The fitness center is also petite for a hotel this size and has only a handful of cardio machines, and some free weights. The hotel has 1,250 square feet of meeting space, and a printer and computer workstation serves as the business center. Free Wi-Fi also is available throughout the property. An ATM and free USA Today newspapers are available in the lobby, and the front desk has a safe deposit box for guests. Valet dry cleaning and laundry services are offered, and on-site parking is free.