Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Eagan, Eagan

Husband set up surprise visit for my birthday. We stayed in a standard room with two beds. The lobby is gorgeous! Customer service was friendly. Sleeping in the beds was heavenly. Room comes with microwave and refrigerator. However, breakfast is not free, but delicious. $9.95 per person. If you're lucky, you can get it free for your birthday. Also, look for 20% off room rates coupons. This hotel is nearly 5 miles south of the Mall of America on 77 South. They do have shuttles that go to MOA. We didn't take one because we would've had to wait 2 hours for the next shuttle. I didn't go swimming, but husband liked it.

Our family of 5 did a last minute booking for a short vacation to the area. We checked in late, just before midnight. I signed the paperwork at the front desk and had the kids in bed within 30min of arrival. The room was very clean and spacious. The beds comfortable with thick pillows and cozy comforters. We were tired and glad to fall into such nice surroundings. 30minutes later we were awoken by the commotion of other guests entering the hallway. Not very soundproof where we were only 3 rooms from the side entry. We did sleep well the rest of the night. In the morning, showers were clean and very refreshing. Just outside the door was the morning paper, what a treat (*or so we thought*) We found out later that we would be charged 75cents for each paper we received. "Its included in the room charge." We were told. "It says here (in fine print)that you could choose to decline the paper and be credited for it by checking this (little) box." When we checked-in before midnight, the front desk clerk just stated "I need your initials here and your signature here." I did what she said without reading it first. Signing the form meant we okayed the newspaper charges! WOW, I could not believe that a Hilton would resort to such a thing! This will never happen to us again and I hope you don't make the same mistake. NEW MOTTO: ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT!!! We went for breakfast in the lobby both mornings ($8.95/adults, half price for kids) and had 2 different experiences with service. The first morning there was only 30minutes serving time left. Some of the selections were not replenished however, the made-to-order omelettes came quick and were very good. The make-your-own belgian waffles were a treat. The front desk attendant and servers were very friendly and attentive. We were able to get our fill and it was a good way to start the day. The second morning we resolved to get to the buffet earlier. This time we arrived early to find no clean tables--2 other couples were in the same dilemma. Being a mom, I started cleaning and setting up our own table. 5 minutes later, they helped us get our table readied the rest of the way. We then placed our request for 3 omelettes (all the same, with everything) for our family of 5 to share to make it easier on the staff. More than 15 minutes later, the chef came back to us and told us he would 'check on our omelettes.' Finally, he came back 5 minutes later with our omelettes. The staff was neither attentive nor friendly this morning--it was hard leaving a proper tip. Location of this hotel was very good for our target, The MOA (Mall of America.) We didn't use the shuttle. The drive was quick and easy, less than 10min away. Overall, I would recommend this Hotel. Many Business guests, but also good for families. Minor flaws--poor soundproofing from hallways, newspaper charges, and the inconsistency with breakfast buffet service. We would consider coming back someday, only wiser.