The Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center offers amenities like complimentary high-speed internet access, HDTVs, 24-hour business and fitness centers, an indoor pool, and a bar and restaurant. Durham’s vibrant Ninth Street district with shopping, restaurants and nightlife is just steps away.
I want folks to be gently prepped as they decide what location to stay at. This was not a terrible hotel, but there are tiny things to note when paying well over $165 / night and being a Gold Member.
Location: 2-Star rating
This hotel is right next to an active railroad track. I have been woken twice due to said activity.
Service: 3-Star rating
It’s OK….not the best. When I checked in, there were two folks at the front desk. They were both more focused on the convention that was in full force several yards away and NOT paying attention to their guests that were coming and going. When I entered and proceeded towards them, it took the Clerk closest to the Lobby door to barely realize I was a potential guest. There was no verbal “Welcome” once I was recognized as being a Gold Member. My husband is the Gold, but he reserved the room and specified me as his Special Guest. Other Hilton locations have recognized him, then gave me the same welcome. IE, they appreciated the Gold status no matter him or me. The check-in process did NOT verbalize the breakfast / dining situation nor hand me / verbalize the complimentary water that Gold receive upon check in. He also did not mention the convention happening; I had to present and ask about it. When I got to my room, I saw two water bottles on the coffee bar. I called down to the front desk and asked if those were the two bottles of water that is complimentary. The next morning, I went down for breakfast and was quite disappointed. I was welcomed by a staff member and she was quite pleasant. I stated I was wondering if there was a Buffet style that was complimentary as I did not desire a “dine-in” situation this morning. She stated there was not one and that this was what they offered here. I then stated if Room Service for breakfast was offered; no. Mind you, she was quite pleasant, polite, apologetic, etc. She realized that I had not been told anything about their accommodations at this hotel. She then mentioned that the breakfast menu with prices are available on each table. At that point I was quite turned off by this situation. Lost my appetite as I was honestly wanted just a buffet so I could go back to my room and eat in peace. I ended up Door Dashing and received my food barely room temp (this is definitely NOT Hilton’s fault).
Rooms: 4-Star rating
My room was not horrible, but I will say I accidentally picked an adjoining room (definitely not Hilton’s fault). However, I did note that there was only one regular coffee K cup, and two decaf. Most hotels offer two Reg, two decaf & two teas.
The other odd thing with my room is the bathroom. This has a “back-breaking” toilet paper location. It’s nearly behind you in a rather awkward spot under the sink area. I feel they could have honestly moved the sink over closer to the door and allowed more counter space to the left of the sink and thus moving the toilet holder towards the middle of the vanity. The last thing (this I did inform the front desk upon check out) was under the vanity on the floor. I noted standing water in a weird space. I did take a shower but the water on the floor was in a strange spot compared to where water would likely fall should one exit the shower safely. I wiped it off the floor and the hand rag from that wipe dictated House Keeping is NOT fulling sweeping / vacuuming / mopping literally everywhere. And due to this “dirt” and “grime”, I did rate a 4-Star.
This hotel is NOT horrible, but some things to need to be clarified. IE, when a guest approaches to check in, the Desk Clerks need to remove themelves from the other noisy events and pay more attention to those coming and going. When Gold and other members arrive & the Clerk realizes the guest, the Clerks need to really amp it up. Verbalize the dining / breakfast accommodations and ensure the guest understands the complimentary water.
Mandy Mena
Mar 31, 2025
5
In my experience, a hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it must be clean, modern, well-organized, aesthetically pleasing, and staffed by a supportive team. Hilton Inn consistently exceeds expectations in all these areas. This week, my stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Durham, North Carolina, was exceptional. Not only did they meet all my needs, but Elijah (AH -MAY- ZING) at the front desk provided outstanding service. He was pleasant, professional, and highly attentive, offering insightful suggestions based on our conversation. Having notified him of my late arrival, he recognized my voice upon my arrival, and we engaged in pleasant conversation, discovering shared preferences. He subsequently recommended several excellent restaurants offering healthy, low-fat options, and his recommendations were spot-on. Thank you, Hilton, for this exceptional experience.
David Di Bono
Mar 1, 2025
5
Enjoyed very much the stay at the Hilton Garden. The team working at the Hilton in Durham are focused on customer service. From saying hi each time you walk in to cleaning, the employees work in coordination to make the experience for the guest excellent. One does sense a strong, positive presence that management is doing a great job. (Only one small comment: The cleaning of the elevator area is done very well, and the gentleman who does it is very nice, but adds to much chemical to the water, so the chemical smell is overwhelming). Really enjoyed my stay at the Hilton Garden Inn. Will be back, when visiting the university.
Andre Joutz
Feb 12, 2025
5
I’ve stated here for a few days a week since 11/2024 for a work trip. It has been like a home away from home. Great location, Local22 is a great restaurant across the parking lot, very close to the Duke hospital center for work purposes. It hasn’t been easy being away from home so much but knowing I always had a clean, comfortable place to rest my head at night made it bearable. I know I will have to come back to Durham for more work trips and I will always prefer to stay here.
Michael Travis
Jan 22, 2025
5
I brought a family member to Duke for surgery and this hotel was my haven during a tough time. You have easy access to some great restaurants and local shopping on 9th Street. Its also a quick trip to the Duke Hospital complex.
Get a room on a high floor away from the railroad tracks. Open the curtains and drag the chair over to the window. Then sit back with a drink and enjoy the view. Very relaxing. Especially if you put some music on the TV and leave the lights off.
Joe Caprio
Dec 1, 2024
3
Place in major need of upgrading in my opinion, very much dated. Rooms and hallways had a musty smell. Sink was broken. Shower had good pressure and the proximity to Duke’s campus a plus. All the staff was very friendly.
Kermit Jones
Oct 21, 2024
5
Clean, Comfortable, and Gets the Job Done!
Solid, straightforward experience. The staff were polite and made check-in a breeze. The room was clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed—no frills, but no surprises either, which is exactly what you want after a long day of travel.
Overall, it’s the kind of place that gets the job done: good location, clean rooms, and friendly service. Not much more to say, and that’s exactly how I like it! Would definitely stay here again.
Jorge L. Flores
Sep 21, 2024
5
Visited from Tx and this hotel is great! Excellent customer service and very attentive at all times. Building is very well maintained and kept. Beds are too comfortable!
Corey Trusty
Jul 30, 2024
4
Location was perfectly located to Duke University, eateries & the interstate. We were 5-7 mins from the soccer fields and close to everything. Service was great from the beginning, the rooms were clean and spacious enough for my son and I! The bathroom definitely needed more towel hooks. One is not enough. Also the tub kept pooling water. I reported it so that it could be fixed upon our departure. Breakfast and dinner were pretty good and the staff very helpful. Overall definitely worth the stay at a fair price.
Angela Garrett
Jul 1, 2024
4
Great location to east campus as well as west campus on duke. Can walk to a bunch of restaurants and a store right behind hotel. The service was not great. The person who did my checkin stared at me for like five minutes, then another girl ended up checking me in after I already spoke with the girl gave her my bag and checked in three hour earlier. I also did not think the bathroom was clean and had to clean it myself. Everything else was in order. But great location for sure!
Ginger Bergeron
Jun 21, 2024
5
The time of our visit was June 17, 18, and 19, for an apt at Duke Medical after exhausting local options in another state. The front office staff could not have been more welcoming, accommodating, and helpful in helping us navigate where to go, where to get food, how to get transportation and shuttle rides...amazing. The shuttle driver Daryl deserves the highest award possible, going above and beyond in so many ways. For comforting us, assuring us, giving us history lessons on the area, making us smile and appreciate the good things in life and good people in it, like him. We may go back if simply to visit him and the staff, and visit the area through the eyes and heart of sweet Daryl. Thank you so very much. Sisters Ann Marie and Ginger.
Tall Baller
May 18, 2024
4
Our first room wasn't cleaned. However, the staff quickly gave us a clean, new room. Shower had plenty of hot water. Restaurant staff provided good customer service, and the food was good.
Allen Holloway
May 9, 2024
5
Absolutely extraordinary! From the time I walked in the doors, I received the most excellent service. Marquita was so accommodating and made sure my experience was perfect. Comfortable rooms and walking distance to some nice shopping! Breakfast was an absolute hit. Served hot and fresh to order. Incredible service provided by Alicia and Natalie! Will be staying here again!
