Hilton HHonors - Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy Trip Reports and Reviews

Just returned from a long weekend in Carmel and Monterey. Our flight arrived late on Friday night in San Jose and rather than waste a lot of extra money on an expensive Carmel hotel on Friday we stayed at a Garden Inn in Gilroy, about 30 miles from SJU down 101 and about 35 miles from reaching Carmel. The Garden Inn there was great. As HHonors Gold we were upgraded to a very large and attractive king room with a spacious bath and nice furnishings. We also received the free continental breakfasts (bright Great American restaurant on site with lots of breakfast choices), two free waters and $5 credit at the pantry. The staff were very warm and efficient. We arrived just as the restaurant was closing but the staff gladly prepared a salmon dish and a chicken caesar salad that were excellent. Newer hotel and everyone seemed happy to be working there. The next morning we made the 45 minute trip into Monterey and saved at least $100 while enjoying a great nights sleep.

You'll know you're approaching Gilroy because it is known as the garlic capital of the world and about 5 miles outside of town there is no doubt that they have earned the title. The smell is a bit overwhelming. But the Garden Inn is on the other side of town and we did not notice any smell at all in or around the hotel. All in all it was a pleasant surprise and perhaps a consideration for those visiting the peninsula who still like to save a little money. (Is that possible when visiting Carmel and Monterey? :) )

Mrs drron also likes the fact that Gilroy also has a pretty good factory outlet.Gilroy is a convenient stop when coming from the Napa valley to the vineyards further down 101.Have stayed at HGI Gilroy 3 or4 times now and it is apleasant but typical HGI.

I too was treated well there as a Hilton HHonors Gold when I stayed there a few years ago. Some Hilton Garden Inns (like some of the ones near SFO) have cut back on amenities to HHonors Gold/Diamonds members a bit and others have not. Near some HGIs where I know they have really cut back (one bottle of water, continental breakfast coupon and the hot meal price is moved up alot) I'll look at a Sheraton or Four Points nearby assuming it otherwise foots the bill since I'll at least get a nicer room.

It is a nice place, but the only gripe I had is that you have to travel a ways to get a decent meal. Overall, the hotel was great though.

Just returned from a long weekend in Carmel and Monterey. Our flight arrived late on Friday night in San Jose and rather than waste a lot of extra money on an expensive Carmel hotel on Friday we stayed at a Garden Inn in Gilroy, about 30 miles from SJU down 101 and about 35 miles from reaching Carmel. The Garden Inn there was great. As HHonors Gold we were upgraded to a very large and attractive king room with a spacious bath and nice furnishings. We also received the free continental breakfasts (bright Great American restaurant on site with lots of breakfast choices), two free waters and $5 credit at the pantry. The staff were very warm and efficient. We arrived just as the restaurant was closing but the staff gladly prepared a salmon dish and a chicken caesar salad that were excellent. Newer hotel and everyone seemed happy to be working there. The next morning we made the 45 minute trip into Monterey and saved at least $100 while enjoying a great nights sleep.

You'll know you're approaching Gilroy because it is known as the garlic capital of the world and about 5 miles outside of town there is no doubt that they have earned the title. The smell is a bit overwhelming. But the Garden Inn is on the other side of town and we did not notice any smell at all in or around the hotel. All in all it was a pleasant surprise and perhaps a consideration for those visiting the peninsula who still like to save a little money. (Is that possible when visiting Carmel and Monterey? :) )

I do the exact same thing, taking the last flight in from SEA and stay at Gilroy on my way to the Peninsula. This HGI is nice and quiet. I'll be there again in 2 weeks.

Any recent experience? Thanks.

OT, but Gilroy is the only place in the world I've seen a real live tornado. I never recall smelling garlic, but I always enjoyed passing by the artichoke fields on the way into Monterey (no odor whatsoever).

When I lived in Tracy, my next door neighbor was a refugee from Gilroy, a former cop. He complained that crime was running rampant, and the cops hands were tied. Is the crime rate high there?

When I lived in Tracy, my next door neighbor was a refugee from Gilroy, a former cop. He complained that crime was running rampant, and the cops hands were tied. Is the crime rate high there?

I don't know whether it could be considered high by other cities' standards, but I'd venture that it's higher than it was ten or twenty years ago, if only due to the increase in population as the South Bay population moves even further south.

Mike