Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands

The hotel offers a practical and often praised stay for guests, with its signature feature being its free, covered parking and convenient access to major highways, making it an ideal choice for those traveling by car. It particularly caters well to concert-goers attending events at MetLife Stadium, families visiting the American Dream Mall, and travelers seeking an affordable base to explore New York City without the higher costs of staying directly in Manhattan. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly staff, the generally spacious rooms, and a strategic location that provides good regional connectivity while offering a quieter alternative to the bustling city. To enhance your stay, guests advise being mindful that the hotel's entrance can be somewhat tricky to locate, and utilizing the bus information provided by the hotel is highly recommended for seamless and cost-effective city excursions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides various facilities and amenities for guest convenience. Most guests appreciate the presence of an indoor pool and hot tub, which are often described as relaxing and a good way to unwind after a day of activities. However, some guests expressed disappointment due to the pool and hot tub being unexpectedly closed for maintenance or private events during their stay, and a few noted issues with cleanliness or strong chlorine smells. The fitness center is available, though many found it to be small and minimally equipped, lacking a full range of weights. While Wi-Fi is provided, some guests reported it to be slow. Rooms generally include a refrigerator and microwave, which are convenient for longer stays. The air conditioning and heating units in rooms received mixed reviews, with some finding them noisy or ineffective, leading to drafts or uncomfortable temperatures. Additionally, the televisions in rooms are often described as outdated, lacking smart TV capabilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed among guests. While some found their rooms to be clean and spacious, many reported significant concerns, particularly regarding the carpets, which were frequently described as dirty, sticky, and stained, indicating a need for thorough cleaning. The overall room condition is often characterized as old and dated, with some guests noting poor lighting, non-functional electrical outlets, and a general worn appearance. Bed comfort also varies, with some finding the beds comfortable, while others reported them to be hard, lumpy, or saggy, impacting sleep quality. Noise levels are a common complaint, especially from rooms facing the highway or located near elevators, with guests experiencing disturbances from traffic and noisy air conditioning units. The bathrooms received considerable negative feedback, often described as rustic or in poor repair, with frequent issues such as fluctuating water temperatures in the shower, low water pressure, clogged drains, and a lack of proper ventilation. Some guests also noted a scarcity of towels or missing in-room amenities like conditioner.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers dining and food quality options, primarily centered around breakfast. Most guests praise the breakfast as delicious, with a good variety of hot options available, and highlight the excellent service provided by the breakfast staff. However, a significant number of guests expressed disappointment that breakfast is not complimentary and found the cost to be high, especially given that the menu often remains the same daily, leading to a lack of variety over longer stays. Some also reported issues with the food quality, mentioning sour fruit or undercooked items. While there is an on-site restaurant and bar, many guests noted that the restaurant primarily serves breakfast and has limited hours or a temporary setup for other meals, making it less convenient for dinner. Despite these mixed reviews, the food quality for breakfast is generally considered good, with specific praise for the night chef's flavorful dishes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location and accessibility receive mixed but detailed feedback. It is highly praised for its proximity to key attractions such as MetLife Stadium, the American Dream Mall, and its relatively short driving distance to New York City. Guests appreciate the convenience of public transportation, with a bus stop to NYC being a short walk away, offering an affordable alternative to driving into the city. However, a significant and recurring concern is the hotel's accessibility itself; many guests found the entrance to be tricky and easy to miss, often leading to frustrating and lengthy detours back onto the highway if the turn is missed. The surrounding area is generally described as lacking walkable amenities like shops or restaurants, necessitating a car or ride-sharing service. On a positive note, the availability of free, covered parking is a major advantage, providing ample and secure space for vehicles, which is particularly valued by those traveling with their own transport. The hotel's position near major highways also contributes to noise levels.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel are consistently highlighted as a major positive, with most guests commending the team for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many reviews praise the front desk staff for their warm welcome, efficiency during check-in and check-out, and their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with inquiries and requests, even making efforts to understand non-English speaking guests. The breakfast attendants also receive frequent commendation for their attentive and positive service. However, some guests reported isolated instances of unprofessionalism or rudeness from certain staff members, particularly concerning specific requests or complaints. Housekeeping service also received mixed feedback; while some found rooms clean, many noted a lack of daily housekeeping or difficulty obtaining fresh towels, with some even reporting staff entering rooms without knocking. Despite these occasional issues, the overall sentiment is that the staff strives to provide a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
For guests planning their stay, the hotel provides an informative bus schedule and system sheet at the front desk, which is highly beneficial for navigating public transportation to New York City. This resource helps guests understand specific routes, bus stops, and costs, making city excursions more manageable and cost-effective compared to other transport options. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to travel with their animal companions, though some isolated incidents of incorrect charges related to this policy have been reported by guests. Furthermore, the hotel has proven to be a suitable choice for groups, including college sports teams, who found the facilities and staff accommodating for their needs, particularly for organizing overnight stays involving team activities and early morning departures. These specific details contribute to a more informed decision-making process for potential visitors.