Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown

Stepping into the hotel, it’s clear that the vibe here is slightly more upscale than the average three-pearl chain property. Stately wooden pillars, recessed ceilings, and lots of warm and bright lighting fill the attractive and expansive lobby. Public areas are exceptionally well-maintained, with polished floors and modern furnishings in elegant, muted tones. There’s plenty of space in the reception area for guests to socialize or relax, including a bar area with lots of seating and a fireplace. The classy, yet friendly atmosphere is both business and family-friendly; travelers won’t find rowdy crowds here. 

Surrounded by other hotels, popular eateries, and shops, the property’s location in downtown Portsmouth’s Market Square is a busy tourist area, but close to businesses as well. There’s plenty to explore nearby on foot: the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (a six-minute walk); Prescott Park and Strawberry Banke Museum, (10-minute walk); and the Albacore Museum (a 15-minute walk). The Water Country aquatic park is a 13-minute drive away, or 25 minutes away using public transport (there’s a bus stop nine minutes away from the hotel on foot). Hampton Beach is 22 minutes away by car. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport are both about an hour away by car. 

Immaculate, spacious, and tastefully furnished, the rooms are a high selling point. Carpets, drapes, and armchairs all feature geometric patterns, which adds some contemporary style, and the gray, black, and white color palette is sophisticated. Windows from several rooms -- especially the Queen Deluxe variety -- provide pleasant views of downtown Portsmouth and the Piscataqua River. Guests also note that rooms are quiet, without much disturbance from external noise.

Standard Rooms are available with one king or two queen beds; some king rooms have sofa beds, too. Amenities are impressive; all rooms have sleek work desks with electric outlets, air-conditioning, 48-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Ironing equipment, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves are provided, too. Suites have separate living areas.

Bathrooms aren’t huge, but they’re spotless and tasteful in decor, with geometric wallpaper and white granite sink tops. They also manage to fit in small shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads. Neutrogena brand toiletries are provided, along with hairdryers.

Guests can find the Hilton’s staple Garden Grille & Bar here, which serves breakfast and dinner (plus children’s menus) in a clean and modern room adjacent to the lobby bar. The food gets exceptionally favorable reviews, but neither the American or buffet breakfasts are included with rates. Room service is available. To-go items like packaged snacks and frozen meals are sold in the lobby’s 24-hour Pavilion Pantry market. Free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies, offered in the lobby at several points throughout the day, are particularly popular.

The fitness center is both well-equipped and well-maintained. The indoor pool, though small, is also clean and housed in a brightly lit room that also features an adjacent, even smaller pool for kids. A coin-operated laundry room has two washer and dryer units each, and a 24-hour business center has two computers plus printing services and stationary. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Three meeting rooms can fit up to 100 people. Self-parking isn’t available on-site, and valet parking comes with expensive daily fees.