Guadalajara is a bustling, business-oriented metropolis so the Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport can be a blessing if you have to catch an early flight. The new hotel, just a year old, made my life much easier on a recent trip to Mexico’s second-largest city.
Of course, there are plenty of hotel options right in the city. But this one takes the cake for airport convenience, something to keep in mind due to the traffic congestion. After witnessing three accidents during my time there, I didn’t want to take any chances.
I was in town for cultural research and was wrapping up my stay when I decided to spend my last night at the Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport. I get jittery about making my flight on time and often don’t get much sleep the night before. This experience was so smooth and stress-free. I’ll be considering more airport stays in the future.
Noise No Problem at Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport
The seven-story, 180-room hotel is inside Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport, also known as Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). It is located at Terminal 1, next to the domestic arrivals gate. The hotel is a mere hop-skip-and-jump from the taxi rank. I went up an escalator to the second floor, past numerous restaurants including P.F. Chang’s and Shake Shack, and found the entrance.
Walking into the lobby, I was met with a smile and was given a digital key to a King room with a runway view. Oh no, had I done the wrong thing? Would I be blasted out of bed as jets took off and landed?
Not at all. The thick, noise-reduction glass didn’t let in a peep. Plus, I got to watch planes coming and going. True airport entertainment.
What You’ll Find in Your Room
The room included a coffee maker, mini fridge, black-out curtains, non-allergenic feather pillows, and a flat-screen TV. Plus there was a workstation desk and chair. WiFi was available in the rooms and shared common spaces.
Other rooms included two Queen beds with or without an airport view. You have to pay a little more for a view. There were also some suites, including a King bed, junior suite, and a King one-bedroom with a separate living area. The King mobility accessible room features a roll-in shower.
Pets Welcome at Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport
Dogs and cats are allowed, but you must request a pet-friendly room when booking. Maximum weight is 25 kg and the fee per pet is $50 per night.
Pre Dinner Drinks on Site
I pulled up a stool at the Garden Grille and Bar and settled in to watch some shooting of hoops on the big overhead screen. The bar is in front of the restaurant. Mixed drinks, beer, wine, and spirits were all on the menu. Since I was still in Mexico, I had a smooth tequila on the rocks.
At dinner in the Garden Grille, I noticed seating was inside, or you could sit on an outer balcony overlooking the entrance to Terminal 1. I chose the balcony, where you could see folks coming in with their luggage. An arrivals/departures board was also up at eye level in case you had to keep a watch on the time.
The menu featured a mix of North American and Mexican dishes including burgers, fish, grilled meats, tortas (sandwiches), tacos, and flavor-popping fresh guacamole.
Mexican Breakfast Options at Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport
The next morning I headed to the Garden Grille for the buffet breakfast. Freshly chopped watermelon, pineapple, and papaya were laid out, along with yogurt, cheeses, and cold cuts. Also, there was cereal, pastries, and bread for toasting.
At the egg station, I ordered an omelet, but there were also hot Mexican huevos with cheese, onions, and tortilla chips. In addition, a range of red and green chili sauces went from medium to very hot. Beverages included fruit juices, coffee, and tea.
Keep Fit Between Plane Watching
I was pleased to find a spacious, well-equipped fitness center. Two rooms were filled with treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and a weight machine. You could flip on the TV and there was towel service and a drinking water machine. A third room was mostly empty and would be an opportune space for yoga and mat work.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
- Search for Great Tours HERE
Rates at Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport
Room rates started at around $140 for two Queens. One King was around $150 per night. Junior suites started at $160, and one-bedroom suites were $170. If you ask for an airport view the cost goes up by around $10. Plus, if you’re bringing a dog or cat, the charge is $50 per pet.
Check rates online for the Hilton Garden Inn at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Visit Guadalajara arranged for her visit to the city as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
