Almost two years old, the Hilton Garden Inn in Burlington, Vermont remains the newest major addition to the accommodation you’ll find in Vermont’s largest city – a city you can learn more about in our Ultimate Guide to Burlington.
The hotel, like much of the city it sits in, is a mix of old and new. When you first walk into the hotel’s lobby, you are stepping into a renovated historic armory building – a space which was, for many years, the live music venue Hunt’s – reinvigorated with light and colour. It’s here you’ll find the front desk, the Pavilion Pantry where you can get snacks anytime, charged directly to your room, some free cookies and water and their restaurant, the Armory Grille and Bar, which serves a breakfast buffet between 6 and 10am, as well as lunch and dinner.
If the in-house dining doesn’t take your fancy, you’re right in the heart of Burlington, sitting a short walk from Lake Champlain and the main shopping and dining district of the city. We were recommended Skinny Pancake (60 Lake St) and Farmhouse (160 Bank St) and alternate dining options. Though this is just the tip of the iceberg for one of America’s finest places to eat and drink.
The main hotel is accessible from behind the front desk; a new four storey building with 139 hotel rooms, a small indoors pool and a fitness centre.
We stayed on the top floor and enjoyed a view of the city in a King Room. The Serta Bed was as comfortable as they come, and the desk with ergonomic Mirra Chair by Herman Miller provided an excellent work space, with plenty of power outlets – a must now that we all carry around what feels like dozens of devices to charge up. Internet is fast and complimentary, with wireless and wired options in every room, and there’s a microwave and fridge in the room to ensure you can heat up any leftovers from your dinner the night before.
There’s also a beautiful flat screen LG TV with 42 channels, with a list provided for easy access to your favourite channel. Unlike most hotels, they don’t bombard you with ads for movies on demand when you turn on the TV, which is much appreciated. The bathroom presents you with everything you need, including a comfortable shower and some excellent Neutrogena toiletries. Also I noticed they supply guests with two types of toilet paper – smoother and rougher. I don’t think I’ve seen a hotel go to those sorts of lengths before.
Elsewhere in the hotel, there are washing machines and dryers you can use for US$2.75 (in quarters, of course), conference spaces and a business centre. Valet parking will set you back US$17 each day, with check in from 4pm and check out at 11am – though we didn’t have any problem checking in early, as many will no doubt try to with such a late check in time.
The service was excellent and the stay couldn’t have been more comfortable – but topping it all off is the location, which is truly unbeatable.
The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 101 Main Street in Burlington. Book yourself a night at the hotel at their official website.
The author stayed as a guest of the hotel with the support of Visit Vermont. Photos supplied by the hotel. All prices were correct at the time of printing.
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