Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells

While many of the surrounding hotels offer amenities like activity pools and sandy shorelines, Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells sticks to the brand’s look and feel with refined furnishings, colorful floral carpets, and wing-backed chairs. Modern and clean: check. The lobby area relies on a varied earth-tone palette and brick walls to house clustered seating, including wicker chairs in dark brown. Overall the property may seem generic as this is part of a chain, but it stands out from so many other places in the area in a way that feels refreshing, especially for groups traveling without children.

The location is ideal for the traveler who likes to be in a quiet location while having quick access to a downtown area. Right off the Wisconsin Dells Parkway, one of the area’s main streets, the hotel is surrounded by a decent number of restaurants. It is adjacent to the world-famous Del-Bar Restaurant and across the street from Sprecher's Restaurant & Pub, which offers classic bar grub. And down the parkway is Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co., the Dells' only microbrewery.  

A 13-minute drive north will lead visitors to Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. Here visitors will find a trail down the bluff to a beautiful, secluded beach in the Upper Dells. In Mirror Lake State Park, just a few minutes south of the hotel, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats. Further south is Devil’s Lake State Park, where experienced hikers will find the harder Uplands and Ice Age trails.

The hotel was completely renovated in 2011, and mattresses are updated as of 2015. Guest rooms have one king-size bed in Standard and Deluxe categories or two queen-size beds. All units also have microwaves, mini-fridges, work desks, Keurig coffee machines, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Several rooms are hearing or mobility accessible as well. Bathrooms include hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and Neutrogena toiletries while varying in terms of cleanliness -- some rooms reportedly have signs of mildew and mold. Suites have separate sleeping and living room areas and sofa beds, but amenities are generally the same as in Standard Rooms. A property bonus: The King Bed Suite has a whirlpool tub and some units have private terraces. 

The Hilton Garden has a mid-size indoor pool and adjacent hot tub, along with patio tables and lounge chairs. A small fitness center includes select cardio machines and a variety of free weights, but the better fitness option here is the Stay Fit Kit, which allows guests to workout privately in the comfort of their own rooms. The kit includes a Pilates band, yoga mat, and hand weights. For the business traveler, there’s a 24-hour business center with a computer, printer, and FedEx supplies. The dining area is a welcome plus, especially because many of the surrounding hotels are condo-style and do not offer on-site eating options. Expect to pay for breakfast as part of a package. Free parking and Wi-Fi is also available here.