Hilton Garden Inn Ridgefield Park

This hotel offers a convenient base for exploring the New York City area, with its signature feature being direct bus access to Manhattan, making it ideal for sightseers and leisure travelers looking to visit the city without staying directly within it. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff and the overall cleanliness of the property, appreciating its strategic location. The hotel is also well-suited for business travelers seeking a comfortable stay with good connectivity, and its pet-friendly policy makes it a viable option for those traveling with animals. For families, the on-site amenities and proximity to attractions like the American Dream mall are appealing. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of the hot tub and clarify breakfast inclusion policies before your stay.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities, though guest experiences are mixed. An indoor pool is available, but some guests noted strong chlorine odors or issues with cleanliness and a lack of towels in the pool area. The fitness center is present, though some found its equipment limited, primarily offering cardio machines without a bench. A significant recurring issue is the hot tub, which many guests reported as being out of order, cold, or not functioning during their stay, leading to considerable disappointment. While free Wi-Fi is offered, some guests experienced connectivity problems or weak signals in their rooms. On a positive note, free parking is widely appreciated. However, ice machines on various floors were frequently reported as broken, requiring guests to seek ice from the front desk. In-room amenities typically include microwaves and mini-fridges, adding convenience for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be clean, spacious, and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. However, a notable number of reviews highlighted significant issues, including mold in bathrooms, rust on fixtures, water damage on walls, peeling paint, and stained carpets, suggesting some areas are dated and in need of refurbishment. Room odors, ranging from musty to cigarette smoke or even urine in hallways, were also reported. While some praised the comfortable beds, others found them to be lumpy, hard, or squeaky, leading to restless nights. A widespread complaint concerns the bathroom water, with many guests experiencing a lack of hot water, only lukewarm water, or very low water pressure, and some even noting shower heads that were loose or falling off. Noise levels from the adjacent highway are a consistent concern, with guests reporting constant and loud traffic sounds that are not adequately blocked by the windows.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, primarily focused on breakfast, receive mixed reviews. Most guests found the breakfast to be good, with some describing it as fantastic or delicious, offering a decent variety of options including made-to-order meals, eggs, bacon, bagels, and pastries. However, a significant number of guests expressed frustration over the cost of breakfast, often finding it expensive or discovering that it was not included in their reservation despite expectations. Issues with the quality of certain items, such as undrinkable coffee or stale pastries, were also mentioned. The on-site restaurant is noted to have limited offerings, with many guests pointing out that dinner service is no longer available. The dining area is sometimes described as more of a cafeteria or bar setup rather than a full-service restaurant.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw for many, offering excellent accessibility to key destinations. Its proximity to New York City is highly valued, with a bus stop conveniently located directly in front of the hotel providing direct routes to Times Square and Manhattan. This makes it an attractive option for those wishing to explore the city without the higher costs of staying within it. The hotel is also a short drive from the American Dream mall and has a movie theater across its parking lot. Free parking is a significant advantage for guests traveling by car. However, the immediate surrounding area is described as somewhat isolated, with a lack of walkable restaurants or stores. The hotel's position near a multi-lane parkway means that highway noise can be a noticeable factor in the rooms.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives high praise, with most guests commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many reviews highlight the exceptional customer service provided by the front desk team, who are often described as welcoming and attentive. However, the check-in process is a frequent point of contention, with numerous guests reporting significant delays due to rooms not being ready, often attributed to laundry issues, leading to long waits and frustration upon arrival. While some guests found housekeeping to be responsive, others reported issues with rooms not being cleaned daily unless specifically requested, or a lack of towels being replenished. Despite these operational challenges, the staff's efforts to resolve issues and provide a positive experience are often acknowledged, though some guests experienced unresponsiveness or dismissive attitudes when problems arose.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that impact their stay. The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, though a deposit may be required. A recurring issue is the hotel's handling of deposits, with some guests reporting delays or difficulties in receiving their refunds. A significant number of guests experienced prolonged check-in delays due to unforeseen laundry issues, which also contributed to a shortage of towels and rooms not being ready on time. Some guests reported instances of the fire alarm going off unexpectedly. Furthermore, several reviews noted that ice machines were frequently out of order on various floors, and that water bottles are not provided complimentary in rooms. Some guests also mentioned the absence of safes in rooms and that the televisions are not smart TVs, limiting streaming options.