Hilton Garden Inn San Marcos

The individual at the front desk was not very welcoming to begin with, they also only took the first name of the booking and attempted to charge over $400. Once we started heading up to our room, there were about five staff members in the corridor looking at us through their eyebrows, didn’t acknowledge us or even give a greeting, that was EXTREMELY hostile energy. It wasn’t until a few hours later did the individual at the front desk realize that they made a mistake by not bothering to ask for the last name, so the initial attitude that was given to us wasn’t justified because it was not our mistake- still a simple apology did not take it’s course. The rolling bathroom door didn’t even close all the way, the top sheet on the bed is disgustingly rough, there wasn’t any hot tub as we all thought would be, there weren’t any towels for the pool, and there wasn’t any ice container in the hotel room.

On May 15, 2025, I approached the service counter at the Hilton Garden Inn, where I have been staying for a work-related management training assignment from May 13 to May 16, 2025. I asked the front desk attendant, Victoria, for two bottles of water. She inquired whether I was a Hilton Honors member. I explained that I was unsure, as my stay was arranged and paid for by my employer, and I had not personally set up the reservation. According to the check-in documentation I received, my company is paying approximately $150 per night for this stay. As Victoria was retrieving the bottled water from the cabinet behind the desk, she informed me that I was not eligible to receive it and pointed toward a water dispenser in the dining area, which contained fruit-infused water. She stated that this was the complimentary option available to guests like myself. I declined and returned to my room (Room 116), feeling both surprised and disappointed by the interaction. This experience was in stark contrast to my check-in on May 13, when I was warmly welcomed by a different front desk attendant. That employee proactively offered me bottled water without hesitation and even assisted me with resolving internet connectivity issues. Her professionalism, patience, and willingness to help left a positive impression. Unfortunately, my experience with Victoria has negatively impacted my overall perception of the Hilton brand. Her tone and demeanor during what should have been a routine and courteous exchange were unwelcoming and dismissive. Regardless of my Honors membership status, I believe her handling of the situation—especially over something as minor as bottled water—was inappropriate and unnecessarily rigid. As a paying guest, I feel that basic hospitality and customer service should not be contingent upon loyalty program status.

This was a great, friendly, and welcoming hotel with all of the amenities of a 5-star hotel. A great pool and fitness center. Meetings rooms, a bar, a restaurant with plenty of dining room space, and outdoor patios. The rooms were comfortable and well maintained, and the price was fair. I will definitely be back. Thank you.

Pablo and the rest of the staff went above and beyond with their hospitality! There was so kind, friendly and very helpful! We stayed at this hotel for a wedding we were in and were very impressed with the facilities, staff and room. Thanks again for everything! Pablo definitely deserves a raise! Best, R.Y. from Beverly Hills, California

I recently had the pleasure of an enjoyable stay at the Hilton Garden Inn - San Marcos, TX and it was an outstanding experience. The experience started with the communication and coordination with the Dir. of Sales (Maddie) as this was a large group event, then upon arrival there was a welcomed receipt by Sarah, and later by Sue as the shift's changes. It is not to go unappreciated the homely feeling that was presented by Ms. Deborah during the breakfast, and then there was the acknowledgement of special request to kitchen for which Anthony fulfilled with no error. Thanks to the Hilton Garden Inn, San Marcos team for making this travel a welcomed and enjoyable experience. Certainly, the pinned for any future stays/trips in the area.

Our room was not clean. There were Cheetos on the floor as well as a child’s abandoned toy. There was a hair (not ours) in the soap dish. The room hadn’t been thoroughly dusted. The window shade would only go up partway on one side so that it was always slanted. The air conditioning was not working properly. Tissues had been removed from the box and stuffed back in. We reported these issues to management first thing the next morning. He offered me credits for my account and assured me that these things would be addressed. When we returned to our room, the beds had been made, as you would expect, but there were still Cheetos on the floor and the hair was still in the soap dish. The air conditioning and the window shade were still in disrepair. Upon checking out very early (because we couldn’t sleep with the freeze or sweat air conditioning situation), I again reported the problems to management first thing and received SYMPATHY. So, if you want a dirty room and sympathy, feel free to stay at this location. As for me, I’ll be staying elsewhere.

I was in San Marcos for my daughter's graduation. I made the reservation early and then made a change the week prior. Due to the change, the room rate went up $120 BUT no one told me until I received the bill. That would have been a HUGE piece of information to share. Also, the first night at the hotel there was NO air conditioning in the room. The front desk came to look at it but was unable to repair it until the next day. Due to graduation, there were no available rooms - understandable. BUT, they didn't mind charging me the full $329 for the room. When I called to talk to the hotel the manager was less than helpful.

Really nice newer property. Plenty of parking space for our large vehicle. Check-in was quick and easy, and plenty of luggage carts were available. Our room was kept clean (every other day service). The staff was friendly and professional. Breakfast buffet was good with eggs and 2 meats daily plus pastries, cereal, juice, coffee, etc. Restaurant also served dinner but it was out of food due to bad weather. We felt very safe and comfortable at this property....but we wished they had an office chair for the desk area. We only had a place for one person to sit other than the bed.

I love it here! They're super nice and my room was very clean!! When I had an issue with the room key reader, the maintenance man immediately resolved the issue (even though he was new).

I recently stayed for a business trip. Upon checking in my coworker advised me to ask for a room change due to a group of softball teams and cheerleaders occupying all of the 3rd and 4th floors. I was switched to a bottom floor room which was great, until it wasn't. I walked in and it smelled stale. Upon showering I noticed pubic hairs all over the shower and no shower wash, once getting out the lotion also had pubic hairs on it. This room was definitely not cleaned. I plugged my charger in only to realize it wasn't working so I was going to call the front desk only to realize neither was the phone. I went to the front desk to advise the young woman and she said she would have them come fix the phone and clean the room while I was out at training the next day, she also brought me new bottles of everything. I went to training the next day only to come back to nothing having being cleaned or fixed. The head of house keeping was there as I read used of all the issues and was told it was never put on the list which I saw the young girl add my room to cleaning and repairs! The maintenance man came within 30 minutes to fix the phone, but still no sign of house keeping. An hour later she came and the head of house keeping obviously didn't relate the issues and my bathroom was cleaned sub par but it smelled so much better. The walls are thin and I could hear EVERYTHING! Conversation in the hallways, kids yelling and running up and down them, my neighbors on the opposite side of the wall... I got no rest! Especially since my room was almost directly across from the pool. People were at the pool screaming and yelling till almost 11:00 every night. The staff was allowing these children to throw balls inside while guests were having to dodge them. Everything about this stay was absolutely horrific so I messaged Hilton honors. They "couldn't find my stay and still are unable to" the marketing director offered to find me another room so I asked my coworker who also agreed we needed to move rooms as they were right by the pool. Once I asked again I was told no there are none by the front desk staff. He didn't even look. I was offered to be comped a night which did absolutely nothing for me, offered a comped breakfast which again I left about 5-5:30 every morning and breakfast wasn't served until later. The one girl did comp me a coke because of how horrible my stay had been, which at that point my need for caffeine was real! I had to beg sugar packets for the in room coffee maker. Upon check out I did ask for the check out paperwork which of course they couldn't pull up because of the Microsoft outage which is understandable. I will say the women working the counter were incredibly sweet and kind! I would add the photos I took of the bathroom but I definitely don't want to gross anyone out!

I am in Hilton properties every week of my life and this is absolutely the worst Hilton I've ever stayed, I feel bad for the staff as they are nice but management hasn't got a clue. I checked in Monday at dinner time and went to the restaurant/bar, the Big Bang Theory was on the TV at the bar, being March madness I asked to change the channel and bar tender said "management won't let me, she left big bang theory on all night, I had weak wifi and seen they had lobby wifi, I asked for the code, she went and asked manager and came back and said Manger told her I had to use my room honors wifi which was weak in the lobby, the person next to me tried to use his honors food credit and she told him it's only for breakfast, that same person ordered tacos and they showed up in two 12" flour burrito tortillas with taco sized fillings, she said sorry were out of toco shells... we both laughed. I ordered trinity oaks wine " sorry were out, I ordered 14 hands wine "sorry were out. I ordered potatoes with my breakfast "sorry were out" I tried to get coffee, both dispensers empty, 2nd night dinner I ordered wings "sorry were out" I then ordered ribs "sorry were out" I tried to make a begal and they were truly hard as a rock... I checked out a day early and went and stayed at another property, now I see why this property was very low occupancy, 2-3 people only at the restaurant and bar, heard a couple say they wouldn't eat here, staff all said new management is terrible and they can't keep people. I've been exclusively Hilton for years and been considering Bonvoy... this place helps my decision

Water pressure is so good, I grabbed the floor mats out of the truck and power washed them in the shower real quick.

This hotel is really good. Clean, bright, open, and comfortable. We stayed 3 nights and 4 days. The air conditioner works well. We didn't go through the lobby except to check in so I don't know about coffee or food. The only negative is you can hear what goes on in the hallways and the rooms next door. Not sure what they can do to fix it but it is loud until you get used to it.

Had a business trip in San Marcos so we checked into the HGI being that we are all diamond members. The staff was super nice and treated us like family, they front desk explained their COVID rules and breakfast menu. I received a king bed room on the end and luckily on the opposite side of the noisy I-35 Traffic.. WOW!!! I love the room!!! You walk in and there is a small alcove for your clothes vs a closet, the bathroom is opposite of the closet with a full walk in shower and a large vanity.. I absolutely loved that the bed was in the middle of the room and the desk was basically the headboard for the long desk. You are able to view the TV from your desk and the Bed... very convenient and really opened the room up. I wish there was room for a couch and end table for guest, but I guess the one small chair will due. We sat outside overnight on the covered patio having a couple beers and talking... really wished they had a fire pit as it was a little chilly out and it would have been really nice to have. The only complaint that i have is the noise at night. I-35 traffic at all hours of the day and night for the Odd number rooms and the periodic train that passes the hotel for those with even rooms.

Everything was great the environment was clean the managers attitude was horrible that's what made me give this place such a bad rating I couldn't even speak to the manager Brianna without having any type of conflict and attitude I was really displeased and won't be staying here again.

This hotel is clean and comfortable. Everything in the room was clean and nice and was newer. Staff at check in was friendly and kind. This place is what you need from a hotel when you go stay somewhere. CLEAN, COMFORTABLE and Relaxing.

The lobby and pool area is very nice. Everything is clean and in good condition. Our room was pretty and had lots of conveniences. Staff is nice. We enjoyed our stay.

Now, I normally give this hotel high reviews. Unfortunately this stay wasn't good at all. They need to train the cleaning crew a bit better. The carpet needs to be shampooed/clean for the price of the hotel the entire esthetic doesn't stop at the front of the hotel. The doors are filthy and scuffed they look bad. Upper management you should invest in a non-scuffed resistant paint to keep up the esthetics of your hotel. I was thoroughly disappointed in my stay this time. When I return don't know if I'll book here. Cody was great! But the refrigerator was dirty as well make sure they are cleaning them as well.

"Holy Garden Batman!" I love the Hilton Garden line of Hilton hotels because they never disappoint in quality. My stay here was everything I expected and simply amazing. Staff was amazing, room was amazing and the location was perfect for my travel needs. While this franchise doesn't normally include the cheap breakfast budget hotels offer they did have a really nice breakfast option for about $10 per person which isn't a bad price for better quality food over the cheap free breakfast other hotels offer. Hotel has all the basic amenities you'd expect; business center, gym, pool, etc.

This was a conveniently located hotel close to all the outlet shopping in the area. Our rooms were clean and they had a light breakfast. It was a quick in and out one night stay but the beds and room were clean and comfy. Customer service was also very friendly and welcoming.

A solid three star hotel. Overall, a good hotel to stay in for a simple hotel night. Pros: Very clean room, competent front desk staff, washer/dryer and fitness room Cons: A/C doesn't go low enough, thin walls of hotel rooms (noisy), incompetent breakfast staff has difficulty in accomplishing basic tasks like keeping coffee urns full.

I've been to this hotel in the past and curiously clicked on the reviews because me and my family had a horrible stay. I wanted to see if anyone else has had as bad of a stay as I did. Turns out people have! The managers have a reputation for having bad attitudes. The managers are the worst part. Just like the managers the rooms aren't good either. Floors are nasty and beds are stained with who knows what. Especially the pull out couches. Back to the managers, I don't know if she still works there but "Angel" (who is quite literally the opposite of an angel) Was completely rude and threw a fit with me on the phone like she was 5. All because I kindly requested a pull out couch that wasn't stained and some sheets to go with it. Don't even get me started on the cleaning crew. Now when I say this you are going to think I am lying but my family and I found used toilet paper with red stuff on it when we first checked in. I wish I had photos to show how horrendous the room was and just how horrible our overall stay was.

Absolutely sensational experience from having a room ready for us early so our 2 year old could take his nap. They were so kind. The manager (I didn't know she was the manager at the time) even rolled one of our bags for me to the elevator (she offered to help me all the way but I said it was ok) because my husband had to take our son to the restroom. A+ service The pool was clean, spacious, and had enough shade. Our kids really enjoyed it. They had towels and a basket for the wet ones right there for our convenience. There was plenty of parking and free wifi. There was nice cold fruit infused water available every time we were in the lobby. They had some warm oatmeal squares/cookies available as well. The room was spacious and clean with a microwave and fridge for our convenience as well as a Keurig machine. The blinds were really nice. You could make the room pitch black if you wanted and there was even a privacy screen so you could take advantage of the natural light and still have privacy. They also had USB ports for charging our phones (bonus score because I had a cable but forgot a charger!) They were at max capacity and they still ran like a well oiled machine. When we checked out Alejandra (the awesome person I spoke with on the phone who got the room ready early for nap) was there and I thanked her in person as well as the super kind woman who had helped me with the bag the first time. It was then that I found out that she was the manager, Shay. One of the best hotel experiences I've ever had and we have traveled a lot for pleasure and business. The next time we are in San Marcos we will certainly stay here again.

Marques at the front desk is a fantastic representative! Me having a disability I usually have difficulty with hotels. I informed Marques of my needs and within minutes he was at my door with the perfect solution for me. Wonderful experience!!

What a relief to have found a spot on tax free weekend... and for a lot cleaner and quieter place. So thankful for Jaylee (sp) night person who worked diligently to make sure I could have a place to lay my head down.

I have to pinch myself. To see whether I am dreaming. This may sound over the top. But wherever they found the chef in the restaurant at this Hilton Garden Inn they better hang on to him. Why? My wife and I stayed at the hotel for 9 days while house hunting. We were tired most days. She said, let's just eat at the hotel. And we were so glad we did. The food on the menu with few exceptions is outstanding! We wanted to explore the regional restaurants for obvious reasons. But the quality, taste, presentation, temperature and price of the five dinners we ate at the hotel was unsurpassed in my thirty five years of business travel. Maybe it will not last. But while they are on their stride no one who gets off the freeway for a dinner will go wrong eating at the restaurant of this Hilton Garden Inn even if not guests of the hotel. Well done. Well done. Best kept local secret. Items we loved: the pulled pork sliders, the chipotle flatbread (with mushrooms instead of bacon-veg option), the fusilli with salmon!!, the salads!!, the sticky ribs, pasta primavera.

It's really nice here! Staff is really friendly and my room is extremely clean there is a closet and iron board and hangers and fridge and coffee machine a really nice tv and alarm clock king room will definitely be coming back my room is 114 in case you wanna know you get a view of the pool. Oh and the shower is good the bath is so nice to lay in.

The Hilton in San Marcos stole my money. They charged me for parking and informed them of it . They kept saying contact your bank. I contacted my bank and they stated there not a refund showing from the Hilton Hotel only the charge of $233 . Colleen from the corporate office told me ," I have requested a refund check of $24.00 ". The customer service at the hotel was not good either. I there with my employer attending a conference. I would not recommend anyone of my family or friends to their hotel. i'm still waiting on my $24 for parking.

Great location, great staff and great decor throughout the hotel. The only issue during my entire stay was the elevator.... it is super slow. It's faster to take the stares. I didn't have breakfast in the restaurant but many of my coworkers did and they enjoyed the food and swift, professional service. The internet it fast and oddly enough, the rooms are really quiet which is a plus after a long day. 100% recommendation for anyone in the San Marcos area looking for a nice, clean, updated hotel close to the highway. Parking is free and ample!!

I stayed here for business and it actually the company I work for is the big manufacture behind the hotel which is the reason they selected this hotel. The photo is right off the expressway which makes it very convenient since you can get anywhere quick. The rooms are nice and comfortable and are cold....I actually got a small cold because of it but that on me. They have a nice pool area and a very relaxing bar area where you can spend your afternoon relaxing. Lastly my favorite thing about this hotel was the morning breakfast which was not included but it sure was worth paying for since they have some great options that are simply delicious.

This hotel opened in April 2017 and is really nice! Spacious room, walk in showers, and nice little touches like the sun shade option on the window that filters light pleasingly while still providing privacy. But the best selling point beyond the cleanliness and features, is the very attentive staff. There are several that I'd like to hire for my business if I had an operation here. It's hard to find people with the success traits that were demonstrated over my two nights here along with renting a meeting room. This place is well managed and is highly recommended from this business traveler.

We really loved our short stay here and had a wonderful experience. My wife checked in late on Friday, June 1, 2018. She was alone with our 9.5 month old son. When checking in, she asked the front desk agent, Tucker, if she could have a pack n play sent to our room. He said, "yes, let me actually take it there for you now." He proceeded to do just that. He grabbed it and followed my wife right to the room. She even directed him to just set it down and she would handle, but he insisted on helping to set it up, and he did. He struggled a little (those boogers are tricky lol), and she helped him finish. I arrived, was greeted, and treated well. I also went to the front desk around 6AM to purchase some drinks on our room, and Nathan was so very sweet. This was over all a great experience. We stayed at a different Hilton property in San Antonio the following night and were treated so crappy, which just made this experience stand out that much more. Thanks for having a great front desk staff!! Thanks for giving your agents the tools needed to y'all guest!!!!

This hotel has problems. The hotel is very nice. I have stayed in Hilton hotels quite often. I am a gold member. I stayed here a few weeks ago. Nobody offered me my free water nor acknowledged my gold member status. Not a big deal. The big deal was I got to my room around 7PM to find my room had been propped open. Luckily nothing was stolen and the $2,000 I had in the room was still there. I wrote an email and got the cookie cutter apology and was told someone would get back to me. Nobody ever did. I now stay at the candlewood suites which are much nicer and safer in my opinion.

We're visiting from Houston. The Outstanding room and lobby decor, Flawless service staff, and Amazing food, gives this hotel the perfect combination for a weekend getaway.

My stay at this hotel was equal parts disgusting and baffling with a large dash of disappointment. Upon entering my second floor room, I noted an off odor. Then I noticed how "tired" and worn the furnishings were. Ah well, these things happen. After all, I was staying only one night. Then...the bathroom. I noticed lots of spots on the mirror and two long hairs in the sink. Ew. I turn around, and there are a half dozen hairs festooned on the tub in various areas. Gross. Now, every surface in my room became suspect. As I exited for an off-site meeting, I called on of the reception staff to the side of check-in and quietly let her know of the problem (didn't want to cause a scene). The young lady (who was very courteous, BTW) went to the manager's office to see what could be done. After a few minutes, the same young lady reported that since cleaning staff was gone for the day, nothing could be done. No apology, no offer of a different room, and absolutely no hint of the manager who stayed firmly out of sight in the office. So, everyone, unless you want to get the creeps, DO NOT STAY HERE. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Had a great stay here, very clean and great customer service! Close to literally everything in San Marcos. Didn't hear any disturbances throughout the night. Would stay here every night!

Staff! Staff! Staff! -Had some trouble with the Hilton App when I booked a room on points and the front desk clerk recognized the issue and immediately got us into another room. The next morning, the General Manager personally took care of us. -From the front desk staff, to the restaurant staff, to the general manager, the staff at this location is top notch! -Hotel is clean and new and has a very welcoming lobby area. Pool, fitness center and rooms are very nice and modern. -We will definitely return here in the future.

Beautiful hotel! Very clean and with a very friendly and professional staff. Breakfast was very good and service was excellent. I'd be happy to stay here again.

Terrible hotel!! I made a reservation on their website. When I got the confirmation email, the date was wrong. I called hotel directly to have the date corrected and was told I could not change it and I would have to pay a fee to cancel it. They charged me for the room and I wasn't even in town. They are ripping people off! I visit San Marcos regularly and will make sure to skip this hotel in the future.

We had a block of rooms for my Son's Wedding from 4/13-4/15. This Hotel's Staff was outstanding. All of our guests commented on how gracious and accommodating everyone was. The rooms were very modern & the beds fantastic. We all enjoyed the breakfast buffet & made to order plates. If you are planning a wedding in the area...this is the Hotel to stay in. Thank you Hilton Garden Inn!

Such a beautiful, clean hotel. We arrived on a Friday, mid afternoon and were able to check in early. Front desk was very helpful and super polite! Nice comfy beds and the A.C. worked great! After a long hot day of softball, this was the perfect place to stay!

We live in Austin and traveled to my husbands home town San Marcos for 3 days during fathers day weekend. We could have stayed in New Braunfels since we were going up there for Schlitterbahn but we chose to do San Marcos so that we could Bar hop at the square.. The only reason we chose this hotel was because he brought it up stating that it was new. When i went to go reserve the hotel room, i was trying to make a request in the comment section of the reservation website and it wouldn't let me do more than 50 characters, OK no big deal... it took me 3 times to get it right and by time i finished i was notified "someone already booked this room, you must go back" so i do and the price went up $50.... whatever..... so i get a room that says it comes with a bathtub.... looking at pictures they states the rooms come with GARDEN TUBS, so i book that one. The day of the trip we are packing and because the hotel comes with a garden tub with jets, and we will be staying 2 nights, i bring my bath bombs because i'm so excited about this garden tub with jets. I seriously brought it up every hour because i was looking forward to some relaxation. So we get to the hotel and it doesn't look as good as the pictures make it out to be, however the room was nice. We got to check in an hour early on the 4th floor. It was very quiet and the room was huge..... the minute i get done looking at the room i shoot right to the bathroom to look at the garden tub that i will be soaking in, and wouldn't you know there was no garden tub.... some measly 6 in stand up tub ...WAIT WHAT? where is this garden tub y'all say you have... I was so angry!!!!!! The bed was comfortable and the pillows were soft- they might have been too soft. so no biggy, we were going to be busy the 3 days and know that we would sleep okay knowing how tired we would be.... that night we go out to drink and come back hungry.. we go to the snack room they have and go get a small for one cheese pizza, a hot pocket and two waters...... the dude goes okay that will be $20.00..... $20.00????? TF! he goes "yea, this small pizza for one is $10.00" are you kidding me?? i can get a large pizza for for just $2 more from a pizza place....... we wont be getting anything anymore from the snack bar.... wake up the next morning to find out the room we "specifically chose" does not have complimentary breakfast, you have to use our "special restaurant" where they "seat" you and then wait on you- for an extra tip, ummmmm okay???? and then when we sit down we are looking at each other on what we do to get food, it would have been nice if the person who sat us would say, "you order at your table" how in the world are you supposed to know what rooms come with complimentary breakfast....... well that was the last time we did that,,,, spent another $30.00 on top of the hotel. So at the end of the trip- as soon as we get into the car to come back home to Austin, we both say "yea, we wont be staying here again... To pay almost $400 for 2 nights to stay in a room with just a bed, TV, Fridge, microwave, and a STAND UP bathtub is highway Robbery, Especially for a hotel that doesn't provide Complimentary breakfast.... i even had to ask on the way to check out if the coffee was a fee also- thank god it wasn't, however it was scorching hot i burned my tongue, couldn't even drink it..... we will be coming back for the same 3 day trip and will be staying elsewhere.