Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo

This simple business hotel maintains the level of quality expected of a Hilton Garden Inn. Interiors are contemporary but chain-like, with striped carpets in orange and brown hues, plain off-white tiled floors, and yellow seating in the lobby. A few touches, though, make the property appealing, including wall-to-wall windows, a gas fireplace near the front desk, and bright pops of green, yellow, and chocolate-brown in the lobby. The outdoors is particularly pleasant here. A small courtyard with a pool, whirlpool, and handful of loungers is a great spot to unwind when the weather is nice, while wrought-iron benches and chairs offer plenty of space to relax on cooler days. 

Although there is nothing quite outstanding about this Hilton Garden Inn, it is still one of the most attractive options in San Mateo, with all the basics covered (comfortable rooms, a good restaurant, free on-site parking, a gym) and perks such as free shuttle service to the airport. However, it is also one of the priciest properties in town. The Best Western Coyote Point Inn is a solid alternative for travelers on a tighter budget, offering simple, clean rooms, an outdoor whirlpool, and a fitness room -- but no pool. Typically with lower rates, the Stone Villa Inn San Mateo – San Francisco SFO is more modern and stylish, and is closer to the San Mateo County Event Center. Business travelers spending longer periods in the area may want to compare rates at Extended Stay America – San Francisco – San Mateo – SFO, which features basic studios with kitchenettes and laundry facilities for guests.  

Located in a safe area of San Mateo, Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo is just off the 92 freeway, close to several major shopping centers. A handful of restaurants are within walking distance, though most attractions require a car, including Bridgepoint Shopping Center, Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park, and Coyote Point Museum, all less than a 10-minute drive away. For golf lovers, Poplar Golf Course is less than 10 minutes away. Palo Alto and San Francisco are each less than a half-hour drive away, while Oakland can be reached in about 40 minutes. The hotel offers free shuttle service to San Francisco International Airport from early in the morning until late at night, and the drive takes about 15 minutes. Free outdoor parking is available on-site. 

Rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo are typical for the chain, but overall warm in their design. Though they’re not stylish or overly elegant by a long stretch, mustard-colored accent walls combine with classic dark-wood furniture and plush armchairs to create rather homey spaces. Spacious desks with ergonomic chairs offer lots of space for those in town for work, and big closets with drawers allow longer-stay guests to unpack comfortably. Some guests have complained of maintenance issues, and many rooms could use an update, but most are in good shape.

All rooms are outfitted with a good array of amenities, including mini-fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs with free HBO and other cable channels. Keurig coffeemakers are stocked with a few coffee and tea capsules -- replaced on request. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property, while remote printing is provided free of charge 24 hours per day. Bathrooms are simple and a tad plain, with granite counters, bland off-white floor tiles, and shallow shower/tub combos with plastic curtains. Hairdryers and Neutrogena toiletries are provided in all rooms. 

Garden Grille & Bar is the hotel’s only restaurant, serving up a decent international and local menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although breakfast is not included in the standard rate, there is free Starbucks coffee at the restaurant every morning. Additionally, room service is provided until after dinner, and there is a 24-hour market with vending machines, microwavable meals, hot drinks, snacks, and basic over-the-counter medication. 

The courtyard is pleasant and sunny, and features a small pool, a whirlpool, and some seating. The gym is equipped with a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights and flat-screen TVs. The hotel features several flexible meeting rooms -- including one for up to 150 attendees -- and a 24-hour business center with free printing services. There is also a small laundry room with coin-operated washer/dryers for guest use. Pets are not allowed.