Finding a relatively inexpensive yet nice place to stay near the airport for a quick stop in Phoenix is a little challenging. I ended up staying at the Hilton Garden Inn and was pleased with my choice.

The shuttle service to and from the hotel is quick and easy. I called the hotel from the hotel courtesy phones at the hotel and within ten minutes the driver had picked me up. The trip back to the airport was just as quick, with scheduled service every half hour. I came down about 15 minutes early and the front desk person was willing to have him make a special trip, although I told her it wasn't necessary.

Check in/out was rather simple as they had all of the information they needed before I arrived. The front desk clerk greeted me by name (we spoke earlier to arrange the shuttle) and continued to do so for the rest of his shift, which was a nice touch.

The rooms are quite spacious, with a small kitchen area (mini fridge, microwave, sink), living room, and sleeping area. I noticed in another review that they had a flat screen television, however, my room did not. The room was clean and decorated in cheery yellow and blues. The sofa was a little worn, but I didn't spend a lot of time in the room, so it was not a big deal.

There is a business center available 24/7 with free internet access, so you can print your boarding passes before heading to the airport. The pool area was nice with fresh towels placed on the lounge chairs. Several other chairs and tables, both in the sun and shade, were also available.

As a HHilton rewards member, I had a letter and a small gift of thanks in the room, as well as vouchers for two free bottles of water. I left the gift but did quite appreciate the water, just make sure to drink it before going through security at the airport!

The rooms here are quite nice and large and the location near the airport is obviously the main attraction. But I am not sure it's worth $160 a night, which is what I paid for a Sunday night in March. The whirlpool when I was there was out, though a sign said I could use the one next door at the Holiday Inn Express. They have an airport shuttle that runs every 30 minutes starting at 4 a.m. There is a full-service restaurant in the hotel, including a bar. The rooms have very nice erg chairs and desk, a microwave and a refrigerator. My room also had a flat screen television, but it did not appear to have high-def channels accessible. A definite step up from a Hampton Inn, my usual choice of hotel in this general service-and-price range.

OKay, now yes granted the hotel is nicely located only a mile from the airport.

There is another hotel right next to the Hilton Garden Inn and a Waffle House right out the front door to the Hotel.

The Pool Area is Nice, Despite some cracking along the pool water area. A good size fitness center and a nice restaurant staff.

However, here are the bumps in the road.

I came in on 6th of August and tried to check-in however no rooms were available so i asked the Front Desk since i'm a Gold VIP that i would like an upgradeable room if available. I was told they were sold out for the night.

So, i decided to check the hotel website to see if they really were. To my dismay, the hotel had a number of different rooms available for the night.

So i had to cancel my original reservation and rebook at a higher rate for a better room than what i would of had.

I stayed in Room 226 a One-Bedroom Suite a nice room, however turning on lights in the bedroom can be quite tricky and they had to come exchange one of my lights since it wasn't working right.

Check-Out was a breeze and directions given were great.

Though, i probably wouldn't stay at this hotel again.

I have been a fan of Hilton Garden Inns so booked a night here before flying out the next morning. Even though I am a Hilton Honors Silver I seem to have been given the worst possible room in terms of location. The room itself was nicely designed and decorated. The staff was very friendly. However we were on the first floor within 25 feet of a Waffle House restaurant. All night long there were motorcyles revving their engines. Also we could hear extremely loud hip hop and rap music from the cars that were pulling into the Waffle House all night. We travel often and this was without question the most sleepless night we have ever spent in any hotel the world over!
Also there was water leaking through the recessed light fixture over the tub at 3am when the person in the room above took a shower. This was in room 104. I think this room never should have been assigned as this is a definite hazard.
Overall a nicely decorated and friendly hotel, but not a place to get a good night's sleep!!!