Hilton Garden Inn Houston NW America Plaza

There's an unmistakably corporate feel to this Hilton Garden Inn, with its sleek black front desk, silver trashcans throughout the lobby, and upright potted plants, although it's still inviting. Long, light curtains in pale-orange stripes frame the floor-to-ceiling windows, and bold wine-colored couches and chrome accent tables sit atop brightly patterned carpet. Creature comforts like a large flat-screen TV and free coffee and tea are also available here. The vibrant Great American Grill, like the lobby, is bright with a wall of windows and plenty of natural light. The long booth seating area and bar with its small tables and red chairs is separated by a black divider full of fresh tropical flowers. 

Situated in a northwest suburb of Houston just off of US Highway 290, the hotel is surrounded by several corporate offices, including Baker Hughes, BP, Caterpillar Inc., and Sandvik. There’s a Mexican restaurant across the highway, about a six-minute walk away, but otherwise not much besides office buildings are within walking distance. The Galleria, with its many shops and restaurants, is about a 22-minute drive in no traffic. The Downtown Aquarium and other downtown Houston attractions are about 25 minutes away from the hotel by car or shuttle. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about a 30-minute drive from this hotel.

Rooms are nearly identical, with trademark Garden Inn beds covered in white with a single red decorative pillow, large wood office desk, soft red armchair and ottoman, and a granite-topped black dresser holding a 40-inch HD flat-screen TV. The walls are painted pale yellow, and the floor space is generous. All rooms also come with free Wi-Fi,  mini-fridges, microwaves, safes, irons and ironing boards, and Keurig coffeemakers. Junior Suites have separate living areas separated by a hallway, with bright-red sofa beds, small coffee tables, and a second TV. Bathrooms have speckled granite countertops and large glass showers. Only the Double Queen Rooms have shower/tub combos.

The Great American Grill offers buffet-style and cooked-to-order breakfasts, as well as a full menu of grilled items, burgers, salad, and a full bar for lunch and dinner. Unfortunately breakfast is not included in the room rate. A small pantry shop sells snacks and cold drinks, too. The hotel's indoor pool has three swimming lanes capped with a whirlpool at one end. Several striped padded loungers flank the floor-to-ceiling windows and give a spot for indoor sunbathing. There's a 24-hour business center with remote printing and a handful of well-equipped meeting rooms. The on-site gym has a collection of high-tech bikes and treadmills, and plenty of floor space for free weights. There's a coin laundry area, laundry service, and room service is available. Free Wi-Fi and free outdoor parking are also available.