A Great Beachfront Hotel: The Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach Review

I had the opportunity to spend a night at the Hilton Garden Inn at St Pete’s Beach. In this post, we’ll talk about the positives and negatives of this hotel, and St Pete’s beach as a whole.

St. Pete Beach is located on the west coast of Florida, USA. Specifically, it is situated on a barrier island just off the mainland of St. Petersburg, near the Tampa Bay area. The beach is known for its pristine white sand and clear Gulf of Mexico waters.

St. Pete Beach is a popular tourist destination and is well-regarded for its beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and various recreational activities. It offers a range of water sports, including swimming, parasailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. The area also has a lively nightlife, with numerous bars and restaurants along the beach.

In addition to the beach itself, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park, and the historic Corey Avenue district. The weather is generally warm, making it a year-round destination.

St. Pete Beach is considered a good tourist destination for those seeking a sun-soaked beach vacation with a variety of activities and amenities. However, individual preferences may vary, so it’s always a good idea to research and consider your specific interests and travel preferences before planning a trip.

What are Hilton Garden Inn’s

Hilton Garden Inn is a chain of mid-priced hotels within the Hilton Worldwide family of brands. These hotels are designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, offering a comfortable and convenient stay with a focus on providing amenities that meet the needs of modern travelers.

Some key features of Hilton Garden Inns include:

• Guest Rooms: The hotels typically offer well-appointed guest rooms with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, workspaces, and Wi-Fi access.
• Dining: Hilton Garden Inns often have on-site restaurants serving a variety of meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many locations also offer room service.
• Meeting and Event Spaces: Business travelers can make use of meeting rooms and event spaces for conferences or other gatherings.
• Fitness Facilities: These hotels usually have fitness centers equipped with exercise equipment, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routines while traveling.
• Business Center: Hilton Garden Inns are designed to cater to the needs of business travelers, often providing business centers with computers, printers, and other office amenities.
• 24/7 Pavilion Pantry: Guests can purchase snacks, beverages, and other essentials at the on-site convenience store, which is usually open 24/7.
• Hilton Honors Program: Like other Hilton brands, Hilton Garden Inn participates in the Hilton Honors loyalty program, allowing guests to earn points for stays and enjoy various benefits.

Hilton Garden Inn hotels are typically positioned in the mid-tier segment, providing a balance between affordability and quality service. The specific amenities and features may vary by location, but the brand’s overall focus is on delivering a comfortable and welcoming experience for travelers.

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Here are 9 Things You Need to Know About the Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach

1. Great Location

The Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach is located directly on the beach. Unlike most beach towns, transportation to and from the hotel was quite pleasant. 

St. Pete Beach is relatively easy to get to, especially if you are traveling to the Tampa Bay area in Florida. The nearest major airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) away. From the airport, you can easily access St. Pete Beach by car or other transportation options.

If you’re driving, you can take Interstate 275 (I-275) south from Tampa to the St. Pete Beach area. The drive typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

2. Amenities

A hotel’s amenities are integral to the overall guest experience, contributing significantly to comfort, convenience, and satisfaction. From basics like plush beds and quality linens to more specialized offerings such as fitness centers, spas, and business facilities, amenities play a crucial role in shaping guests’ perceptions.

They not only differentiate a hotel from its competitors but also contribute to a sense of value for the guest. Unique and extensive amenities attract visitors, encouraging positive reviews and repeat business. Beyond mere creature comforts, amenities tailored for specific needs, such as those for extended stays or family-friendly features, further enhance the guest experience.

Additionally, modern technology services and a commitment to eco-friendly practices are increasingly important considerations for guests, reflecting evolving preferences in the hospitality industry.

Despite the fact that Hilton Garden Inn is nowhere near the luxury brands of the Waldorf or the Conrad, this particular property comes with a lot of great amenities. For starters, guests have access to their own private beach cabana. The relief of not having to fight the crowds on a packed Florida beach is a huge win for this property. 

My wife and I showed up at 10 am and had plenty of cabanas to choose from. By 12 pm, most of them were full. All rooms were booked on this particular Sunday, so I’m concluding there is plenty of space for guests on the beach. 

The property also has hammocks, a pool, beach volleyball, and an onsite gym (which looked quite nice)

3. Food & Dining

Opting to stay at a hotel with an onsite restaurant offers a multitude of advantages for travelers. One of the primary benefits is the convenience it provides. Guests can enjoy the luxury of having a dining option within the same premises, eliminating the need to venture far for meals. This is especially advantageous after a day of travel or exploration when the convenience of a nearby restaurant can be a welcome relief. Additionally, hotel restaurants often showcase a diverse range of cuisines, catering to different tastes and preferences, allowing guests to savor a variety of dishes without leaving the comfort of the hotel.

Beyond mere convenience, staying at a hotel with a restaurant contributes to a more holistic and enjoyable travel experience. These establishments often prioritize high-quality dining experiences, featuring expertly crafted menus and stylish atmospheres. Guests can indulge in a leisurely meal without the need for external reservations, and many hotel restaurants strive to offer a taste of the local culinary scene. This not only saves time for travelers but also enhances their overall stay by providing a seamless integration of dining into the hotel experience. In summary, choosing a hotel with an onsite restaurant not only simplifies meal logistics but also elevates the overall stay with a delightful culinary experience right at the traveler’s fingertips.

The Hilton Garden Inn has 2 restaurants located on the property. 

Coconut Charlie’s Grill is located right outside the main lobby and is open for breakfast and dinner 

Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar is the beach bar located on the property overlooking the beach. Charlies… has seating inside and outside (you can sit either at the bar, at a high-top table, or on a couch). 

For Hilton Diamond members, it’s worth noting that the Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach is considered a Hilton resort property. If you hold the US Hilton Aspire Card, you’re $250 on-site property credit can be leveraged at this property. 

There is also a snack bar offering drinks, light snacks, and complimentary coffee in the morning. 

4. Perks for Hilton Diamond Members

Being a Hilton Diamond member comes with a range of benefits that enhance the overall hotel experience. The Diamond status in the Hilton Honors program signifies a high level of loyalty and offers privileges such as complimentary room upgrades, ensuring a more comfortable stay with enhanced accommodations.

Diamond members also enjoy access to the Executive Floor lounges, where they can unwind in a more exclusive setting and often find complimentary snacks and beverages (although there is no executive floor at this property).

Another significant perk is the potential for late check-out, providing flexibility in departure times. Accumulating points at an accelerated rate, Diamond members can redeem them for free nights, further maximizing the value of their loyalty.

With priority access to customer service and personalized attention, being a Hilton Diamond member adds a touch of luxury and convenience to the travel experience, making it a rewarding choice for frequent Hilton guests.

As a cardholder of the Hilton US Aspire Card, my wife is given complimentary diamond status with Hilton, which comes with the following perks. 

• $250 Hilton Resort statement
• Annual Free Night Reward
• Diamond Status
• Additional Free Night Reward upon spending $60,000 on the card
• $100 Waldorf Astria Credit
• $250 airline incidental credit

At the Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach, we were unfortunately declined a room upgrade due to the hotel being full. We were given a $10 per day food & beverage credit, complimentary bottled water, and a late checkout. 

This is one of the few times, that we’ve been declined a room upgrade, but given that we were only staying one night, we weren’t going to let this news deter our enthusiasm. 

5. Solid Room

The quality of rooms at Hilton Garden Inn hotels generally meets a good standard. As mentioned, Hilton Garden Inn is positioned as a mid-tier brand within the Hilton portfolio, and it aims to provide comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Rooms are typically well-designed, featuring comfortable beds, workspaces, and modern furnishings.

While individual experiences may vary depending on the specific location and room type, Hilton Garden Inn strives to maintain consistency in the quality of its rooms across its properties. Guests can expect clean, well-maintained rooms with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and convenient access to electrical outlets. Additionally, Hilton Garden Inn hotels often offer a variety of room options, including standard rooms, suites, and accessible rooms, catering to different guest preferences and needs.

As with most Hilton properties, the Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach rooms were clean, and well maintained. Our double queen room came with microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker. This hotel shouldn’t be confused for a Waldof Astoria, but the bed was more comfortable than some of the Hilton Hampton Inn’s I’ve stayed at.

6. Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach vs Other Hilton’s In the Area

The Tampa Bay area consists of 3 metropolitan cities (Clearwater, St Petersburg and Tampa), The Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach is the only Hilton property in the area that is located directly on the beach. If the goal of your vacation is to spend the majority of your time relaxing, and hanging out near the water, I highly reccommend this property. 

If your goal is to spend most of your time in Tampa, it might be better to look elsewhere. The drive from St Pete’s beach to Tampa is ~30 minutes, but this time can increase dramatically during the week (with rush hour traffic). Hilton offers a number of hotels in the city of Tampa that come highly recommended (Hilton Tampa being at the top of the list) 

Hilton also offers a number of properties at the Tampa International Airport, along with a number of properties located in Clearwater, and in the City of St Petersburg.

As you can see from the map, St Pete’s Beach is a bit isolated from other parts of the Tampa Bay region, so don’t expect to be able to travel around the region with ease. 

If you’re a sports fan, the Hilton Garden Inn St Petes’ beach is roughly 20 minutes from Tropicana Field, and 40 minutes away from Raymond James Stadium on game days.

7. Transportation in the Area 

Tampa Bay offers a variety of transportation options to residents and visitors. Here are some of the key modes of transportation in the Tampa Bay area:

• Public Transit: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates the public transit system in Tampa, providing bus services throughout the area. Additionally, the TECO Line Streetcar System connects downtown Tampa with the historic Ybor City district.
• Rideshare Services: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Tampa Bay, offering convenient and flexible transportation options. These rideshare services are commonly used for short-distance trips within the city.
• Bicycles: Tampa Bay has been working on improving its bicycle infrastructure, and there are bike-friendly areas and trails. Some neighborhoods and downtown areas have bike-sharing programs, allowing people to rent bicycles for short trips.
• Taxis: Traditional taxi services are available in the Tampa Bay area, providing an alternative for those who prefer on-demand transportation without using smartphone apps.
• Tampa International Airport (TPA): Tampa has a major airport, TPA, which serves as a hub for domestic and international flights. Ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and shuttles, are available at the airport.
• Water Taxis: Water taxis operate in certain areas, providing a scenic and unique mode of transportation. These are particularly popular in areas with waterfront attractions, such as downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg.
• Amtrak: While not as extensive as in some other regions, Amtrak provides train services in the Tampa Bay area, connecting the region with other parts of Florida and the United States.

It’s worth noting that transportation options can vary based on specific locations within the Tampa Bay area, and the availability of certain services may change over time. Travelers should check current options and consider their specific needs when planning transportation in the region

8. You Can Collect Hilton Honors Points by Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn St Pete’s Beach

Hilton Honors points serve as the loyalty reward currency within the Hilton Honors program, Hilton Worldwide’s loyalty initiative. These points are earned by members through diverse activities, primarily by staying at Hilton hotels and resorts, engaging in credit card spending on Hilton co-branded cards, participating in promotions, and more.

The accumulation of points varies based on factors like the amount spent on hotel stays and specific credit card usage. Members can redeem their Hilton Honors points for various rewards, including complimentary nights at Hilton properties, room upgrades, airline miles, car rentals, and other travel-related benefits.

Elite status levels within the program, such as Silver, Gold, or Diamond, grant additional perks like bonus points, enhancing the overall value for frequent travelers.

Hilton Honors points thus provide a flexible and rewarding system for members to enhance their travel experiences and offset costs through loyalty and engagement with the Hilton portfolio.

Read: Your Complete Guide to Hilton Honours

9. Our Review vs Other Sites

The Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach stands out as an exceptional choice for travelers seeking a delightful and comfortable beachfront retreat. With its prime location along the pristine shores of St. Pete Beach, this hotel offers a perfect blend of relaxation and convenience.

The well-appointed rooms, featuring modern amenities and stylish decor, create a welcoming haven for guests. The commitment to guest satisfaction is evident in the attentive service and the array of thoughtful facilities, including a fitness center, on-site dining options, and the 24/7 Pavilion Pantry.

The hotel’s dedication to cleanliness and comfort ensures a pleasant stay, while the proximity to popular local attractions and entertainment adds to its allure.

Moreover, being part of the Hilton family, the Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach provides guests with the opportunity to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points, enhancing the overall value of their stay. Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a convenient business stay, or a mix of both, this hotel caters to diverse needs.

The Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach encapsulates the essence of a well-rounded and enjoyable hospitality experience. With its commitment to quality service, modern amenities, and a prime beachfront location, this hotel stands as a testament to the Hilton brand’s reputation for delivering exceptional stays, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable and satisfying visit to St. Pete Beach.

Other Site Reviews

Booking.com – 8.8/10

Google – 4.4/5

Trivago – 8.8

What to do In Tampa/St Pete’s Beach

Tampa Bay offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors and residents alike. Here are some popular things to do in the Tampa Bay area:

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: A renowned theme park that combines thrilling rides, live entertainment, and animal encounters, offering a fun experience for all ages.
• Tampa Riverwalk: A scenic waterfront pathway along the Hillsborough River, lined with parks, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place for walking, biking, or enjoying outdoor events.
• Ybor City: Known for its historic charm and vibrant nightlife, Ybor City is a historic district with unique boutiques, restaurants, and clubs. It’s also famous for its Cuban and Latin influences.
• The Florida Aquarium: Located in downtown Tampa, the aquarium showcases a variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and interactive exhibits for an educational experience.
• Downtown Tampa: Explore the urban heart of the city, featuring cultural institutions like the Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children’s Museum, and the historic Tampa Theatre.
• Tampa Bay History Center: Learn about the region’s history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight Tampa Bay’s cultural and maritime heritage.
• Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, known for their soft white sand and clear waters.
• Sports: Tampa Bay is home to professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). Attend a game or explore sports-related attractions like Raymond James Stadium.
• Lowry Park Zoo: A family-friendly attraction featuring a variety of animals, interactive exhibits, and educational programs.
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI): An interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a ropes course, providing educational entertainment for visitors of all ages.
• Dali Museum: Located in St. Petersburg, this museum houses an extensive collection of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí’s works, providing a unique art experience.
• Outdoor Activities: Tampa Bay offers various outdoor activities, including kayaking along the waterways, hiking in nature parks like Lettuce Lake Park, and exploring the Hillsborough River State Park.

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