Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America

The hotel's most notable feature is its strategic location, offering exceptional convenience for both airport travelers and shoppers visiting the Mall of America, thanks to its reliable shuttle service. This makes it an ideal choice for families seeking easy access to entertainment and business travelers requiring proximity to the airport. Guests frequently highlight the overall cleanliness and room comfort as key aspects, though experiences can vary. The on-site dining options also receive positive mentions, contributing to a convenient stay. To ensure a smooth visit, prospective guests should be mindful of potential extra charges for parking and breakfast, which are not always included, and it is advisable to confirm shuttle schedules in advance, especially for late-night arrivals or early departures, to avoid any inconvenience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a comprehensive range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance guest convenience. A key feature is the shuttle service, providing transportation to both the airport and the Mall of America, which many guests find highly beneficial, despite some reports of occasional delays or limited operating hours. For recreation, an indoor pool is available, often described as warm and suitable for families, though a few guests noted cleanliness concerns or a lack of towels. A well-equipped fitness center is also on-site, offering various options for exercise. In-room amenities typically include a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, adding to the comfort of the stay. However, some guests experienced issues with elevators being slow, loud, or in need of repair, and there were occasional reports of non-functioning ice machines. Concerns were also raised regarding emergency exit doors being bolted shut, which is a serious safety issue. Wi-Fi is provided, but its speed and accessibility sometimes vary.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest experiences regarding cleanliness and room comfort present a mixed picture. While many visitors commend the rooms for being clean, spotless, and well-maintained, some areas, particularly hallways and certain rooms, are described as dated, worn, or in need of deeper cleaning, with occasional reports of dirty surfaces or unpleasant odors. Room comfort generally receives positive remarks for comfortable beds and adequate furnishings, though some guests found rooms to be cramped, with hard beds, or worn furniture. A significant and recurring concern is the performance of the air conditioning and heating systems; numerous guests reported units not cooling effectively, leading to uncomfortably warm rooms, or heating failures resulting in cold environments. Noise levels are typically considered quiet by many, benefiting from good sound buffering, but disturbances from loud vents, rattling AC units, or external sounds were noted by others. Issues in the bathroom include frequent complaints about a lack of hot water, low water pressure, or toilets that do not flush properly.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant and bar are frequently praised, with many guests highlighting the quality and taste of the food, describing it as delicious and offering a good menu with diverse options, including popular dishes like ribs and salads. The bar atmosphere and service also receive positive mentions, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. However, feedback on breakfast is consistently mixed; a significant number of guests express disappointment that it is not complimentary, often finding it expensive for its perceived value, with limited selections, cold items, or early closing times. While some guests found the breakfast offerings to be good or worth the cost, others felt it was sub-par. The availability of coffee is also a point of contention, with some guests reporting it to be scarce or charged for, despite in-room coffee makers being provided. There are also mentions of the restaurant not always being open during mid-afternoon hours or being closed without prior notice.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location is a significant draw, offering exceptional convenience due to its close proximity to both the airport and the Mall of America. This makes it an ideal base for airport travelers seeking an overnight stay and for shoppers or families visiting the mall, which is often within walking distance. The accessibility is further enhanced by the hotel's shuttle service to these key destinations. Additionally, guests appreciate the easy access to other nearby attractions, including IKEA and a variety of restaurants. However, a major point of dissatisfaction revolves around parking, which is almost universally reported as an additional, often unexpected, fee ranging from $10 to $25 per day. Many guests express frustration over this charge, noting that it is frequently not clearly disclosed during booking and is sometimes managed by a third-party vendor, leading to unexpected costs and occasional difficulties in finding available spaces.

Staff & Service
Staff friendliness and helpfulness receive varied feedback, creating a mixed impression of service quality. Many guests commend the staff for being welcoming, attentive, and going above and beyond, particularly at the front desk and in the restaurant/bar, contributing to a positive experience. Conversely, a notable number of guests reported negative interactions, describing some staff members as unpleasant, rude, unhelpful, or indifferent, especially during check-in or when addressing issues. The check-in process is often described as quick and easy, but some guests encountered problems with reservations, digital keys, or being assigned incorrect rooms. While many shuttle drivers are praised for their politeness and efficiency, there are instances of missed pickups, long waits, or lack of assistance with luggage. Housekeeping services also draw varied comments, with some rooms being spotless, while others reported infrequent cleaning, lack of fresh towels, or even unauthorized entry. Recurring issues include missed wake-up calls, difficulties resolving maintenance problems like AC or hot water, and challenges with refunding deposits or addressing overcharges.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that bottled water in rooms is typically charged for, even if not consumed, leading to unexpected fees upon checkout. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though some guests noted challenges in locating suitable outdoor areas for pets. While the lobby and certain rooms appear updated, many guests observe that the hotel is an older property with dated and worn common areas, including hallways and elevators, suggesting a need for more comprehensive renovations. There are reports of payment issues, including the hotel not accepting certain bank cards or difficulties with online booking platforms leading to unexpected charges and complications with refunds. Some guests experienced significant safety concerns, such as emergency exit doors being bolted shut, which is a serious fire hazard. The hotel's approach to Hilton Honors members sometimes leads to disappointment, with members feeling that expected benefits are not consistently provided or that they are still subject to charges for services like parking and breakfast.