Hilton Garden Inn Denver Tech Center

Although it is modern and elegant, this Hilton Garden Inn feels a bit boxy and formal, a business-friendly atmosphere that explains why its so popular with business travelers. In the lobby, large, orb-like lights hang over the polished tile floors, and there is a table with free coffee and fruit-infused water. The carpeted lounge area is dominated by a long rectangular, natural wood table set in front of a mounted flat-screen TV and stone fireplace. There are a couple of other seating areas, as well: a cluster of cushioned rattan armchairs near a window, a neutral-colored couch lined up in front of another TV, and a small lobby bar with a granite top. The relaxed restaurant is an extension of the lobby, with the same patterned carpet and blue and brown hues in the tables, chairs, and banquettes. The indoor pool area is straightforward, its tile deck topped with just a handful of chairs and a table.

This Hilton Garden in is located in the heart of the Tech Center, a corporate area of south Denver dominated by business centers, large and small office buildings, chain restaurants, and several other hotels. Downtown Denver -- including the 16th Street Mall, Coors Field, museums, and the aquarium -- is at least a 20-minute drive away, or a 45-minute ride on the light rail, the nearest station for which is about a five-minute walk from the hotel. There are a number of restaurants -- including Panera Bread, Great Northern, and Garcia’s Mexican -- as well as the Marina Square Shopping Center, within a 15-minute walk of the hotel; a car or the hotel’s free area shuttle will get you there within five minutes. Denver International Airport is about 30 minutes away by car.

Rooms are standard for the Hilton Garden Inn chain: clean, modern, and boringly furnished in muted tones with dark furniture. They're also notably comfortable, equipped for longer stays with a mini-fridge, microwave, and Keurig coffee machine. There is a large wooden desk in every room, as well as a dresser on which the flat-screen TV sits. Bathrooms are spacious, with large granite countertops, Neutrogena toiletries, and shower/tub combinations. The suites have double the floor space of regular guest rooms, with a separate lounge area with couch, armchair, and coffee table. West-facing rooms have views of the Rocky Mountains in the distance beyond the Tech Center office buildings. There is free Wi-Fi in every room.

This Hilton Garden Inn has free Wi-Fi throughout, free outdoor parking, free coffee and drinks in the lobby at all hours, and a free area shuttle that will drop passengers anywhere within a five-mile radius. There's also an indoor pool and a modern, fitness center with cardio machines and weights. Business-friendly features include a 24-hour business center and meeting/event spaces. A snack shop is open 24 hours a day, and the Garden Grille restaurant serves an extensive breakfast buffet (not included in rates) with made-to-order eggs, as well as serves burgers, steaks, and pub fare for lunch and dinner; there's also a full bar. Laundry and dry cleaning are available. Service dogs are allowed, but pets are not.