The five-story Hilton Gdansk has a unique facade crafted from glass, handmade red brick, and local limestone, all finished with a succession of faux pointed roofs that mimic the classic gabled buildings in Gdansk's Old Town. The lobby is spacious and contemporary, with dark tiled floors and rectangular carpeted areas set with long wooden coffee tables and slouchy brown leather couches finished with pink and gray accent pillows. Illuminated glass flowers -- designed by a local artist -- hang suspended over the black marble reception desk. The lobby restaurant has a faintly Scandinavian feel, with wood floors, simple gray upholstered dining chairs, exposed hanging pendant lights, and gray tiled walls finished with wall planters. This hotel attracts both business travelers and tourists, including families traveling with children.

The Hilton Gdnask is located in the popular Old Town business district, right on the pedestrian-only promenade that runs along the Motlawa River. The hotel sits just across the water from Baltic Philharmonic Hall. Most of Gdansk's tourist attractions are within easy walking distance, as are shops and restaurants. The city's most popular street, the pedestrian-only Long Market (Dlugi Targ), is about a 20-minute walk. 

• Six-minute walk to Mariacka Street
• Seven-minute walk to Central Maritime Museum
• Eight-minute walk to St. Mary's Basilica
• 11-minute walk to Neptune Fountain
• 14-minute walk to Gdańsk Shakespeare Theater
• 15-minute walk to European Solidarity Center
• 20-minute walk to Long Market (Dlugi Targ)
• 20-minute drive to Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (without traffic)

Guest rooms are clean, contemporary, and roomy, if somewhat generic, with neutral decor such as striped wall-to-wall carpeting, soft-gray walls, wood furniture, and beige upholstered armchairs. Even entry-level rooms are spacious and include full desks with ergonomic chairs and sitting areas, each with two armchairs and a small table. Deluxe Rooms also have sofas, and can accommodate up to two adults and two kids. Suites include separate living rooms and have majestic river views. Some rooms have tiny balconies and street-facing rooms may get noise from outside. Guests on the fourth floor sometimes complain of noise from the rooftop amenities above. In-room amenities include 32-inch (or larger) flat-screen TVs with the option for on-demand movies, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and minibars. Wardrobes offer storage space as well as safes and iron and ironing boards. Bathrooms are modern, tiled in beige and gray, and include separate tubs and walk-in showers, All come stocked with hairdryers, robes and slippers, and free individual Peter Thomas Roth toiletries.

The Hilton Gdansk has a full range of luxury amenities covering both business and leisure travelers. There's a stylish lobby bar, F32, and a sleek, upscale restaurant -- Mercato -- serving local, seasonal dishes for lunch and dinner. Most guests find the food excellent. Seasonal outdoor terrace seating is available, and it's right along the river. A comprehensive Hilton breakfast buffet is served in a separate breakfast room, but it's not always included in room rates. The hotel's most popular spot for drinks is the High 5 Terrace Bar, a rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor seating and exceptional views of the river and Old Town. Room service is available 24 hours.

Wellness facilities include an indoor rooftop lap pool surrounded by lounge chairs under a glass ceiling; it's connected to an outdoor terrace. There's also a seasonal outdoor lounge area along the promenade on the first floor. There are also locker rooms, a sauna, and a steam room, along with spa treatment rooms with a wide range of offerings, including massages, facials, and eyebrow shaping. A small but well-equipped 24-hour fitness room includes modern cardio and weight machines along with free weights and medicine balls.

The hotel has five meeting and event rooms that can accommodate up to 500 people. A pleasant 24-hour business room includes a couch and large desk with a computer and an office-grade photocopier. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and on-site underground parking and airport transfers are available for a fee. For those traveling with children, the hotel can arrange for childcare and also has cribs, high chairs, and kids' menus on hand. Pets are allowed for an extra fee.