Hilton Garden Inn is modern and sharp -- far more so than much of its mid-range competition in New York City -- with an open-plan lobby blending into the Pavilion Restaurant and Bar. This spacious common area has plenty of places to sit and relax on contemporary gray couches or banquettes. Funky accent pieces adorn the main area in the form of side tables and chandeliers. It all makes for a fine place to meet other guests, or to plug away on a laptop during the day. Contemporary, modern decor continues throughout the hotel, with lots of abstract artwork, sleek marble surfaces, and funky geometric carpeting throughout the hotel's hallways. The restaurant and lounge area frequently see guests throughout the day, but are rarely overrun, ensuring a laid-back and quiet place to socialize. Leisure travelers make up the bulk of guests here, including families and couples, though it's a handy base for accessing Midtown Manhattan or Long Island City's corporate headquarters for business guests as well.

The hotel is located right off well-trafficked Queens Blvd in Long Island City, at the end of the Queensboro Bridge. While the road receives steady traffic, the hotel is set away from it to minimize the noise. Long Island City is one of the city's hippest neighborhoods, but the immediate area around the hotel doesn’t offer much in the way of restaurants, save a few bodegas and cafes. Dutch Kills, a trendy speakeasy, is located a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while M. Wells Steakhouse is 10 minutes away on foot. It's a 15-minute walk to MoMA PS 1 for contemporary art, though it's best to hail a cab or take the subway to reach the quaint restaurants, cafes, and boutiques along Vernon Boulevard. The Queensboro Plaza subway station on the 7, N, Q line is a five-minute walk from the hotel, making it easy to reach Midtown Manhattan or Times Square (25 minutes by subway). For travelers not comfortable with the subway, Times Square and Central Park are a 20-minute taxi ride from the hotel. LaGuardia is the closest airport, at a 20-minute drive from the hotel, but budget at least 40 minutes to get to JFK.

Across all categories rooms have a sharp, modern polish. Colors throughout skew towards grays, beiges, and browns. Goldenrod accent walls add a pop of color, and abstract art gives them a sense of depth, while furniture has attractive vintage silhouettes. With only three room sizes, there isn’t much of a selection when it comes to layouts, but the floor plans here are reasonable, with room to walk around the bed and at least a small sitting area. Each room also has a closet for additional storage space. Black microwaves and mini-fridges are stowed away in the dresser to help conserve space, and other standard features include large flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Many of the rooms on higher floors offer views of Manhattan's skyline. Bathrooms are moderately sized, well-appointed, and have ample vanity space. They feature rainfall showers and Neutrogena bath products. Most bathrooms have glass standing showers, with the 2 Queen Beds category featuring a shower/tub combo. There are plenty of towels, hairdryer, and large lighted mirrors. Despite the hotel's proximity to the Queensboro Bridge and busy roads, it's well-insulated against outside noise and rooms stay quiet.

There are plenty of helpful extras on offer at the Hilton Garden Inn. The on-site restaurant, Pavilion, serves a modern American cuisine for breakfast and dinner in a modern and funky setting. Guests can opt for a buffet-style “all you can eat” breakfasts or choose made-to-order options. Dinner is a more eclectic affair, with burgers, fries, steak, and salmon. Food reviews mostly solid marks from previous guests. A bar has a few tap beer options as well as wine and mixed drinks. With ample standalone tables, gray banquettes, and modern couches, there is plenty of space for guests to spread out and enjoy dinner or socializing. Free Starbucks coffee is available in the lobby in the mornings as well.

An adequately sized fitness center is on the bottom floor of the hotel, featuring a handful of modern cardio machines, TVs, and a few free weights. It's open 24 hours, and towels and water are both provided. Adjacent to the fitness center is a tiny laundry room, which is also open 24 hours a day. Pavilion Pantry is a small market area next to the front desk that sells snacks, drinks, toiletries, and frozen foods.

The hotel has a small business center with a printer, four meeting rooms, and valet parking (for a fee). Guests should note that street parking is available as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though premium Wi-Fi costs extra.