Forgive my schmaltziness, but that is exactly the song in my mind when I entered the stunning, and I do mean stunning hotel lobby on New Year's Day. After driving 500 miles through heavy winds and bitter cold the ambiance of the holiday-decorated and welcoming hotel floored me. Decorated to the hilt (no pun intended), the Hilton did not disappoint us in any way, shape or form. The welcome at the desk was warm as the welcoming cookies. Our room was large, clean and well appointed with the most modern of furnishings. The beds were the best I have slept on in any hotel in the U.S. They were fluffy but firm and the pillows were plump and soft. I do not use pillows in my bed at home to sleep on (I don't know why, I just don't) but here I was the princess and there was no pea. The breakfast the following morning was grand and cooked to perfection by their chef who took our personal order and was a Steeler fan by the way! Get the sausages. I was going to return this way on my way back home in a few days and had planned to stay at a bed and breakfast. I mentally cancelled my plans and on the return trip back, the only thought in my mind was a happy expectancy to get back to my marshmallow pillows in this beautiful hotel. I was happy.

My husband and I were on the last leg of a driving trip to see family for the holidays. We found ourselves in this hotel when we couldn't go any farther, and we were lucky to find a room in this busy hotel. Despite how crowded the property was, the desk agent was able to give us a quiet room (which we greatly appreciated). The room was clean, the beds were comfortable, and we felt tucked away from all the noise and activity.

Like all Hilton Garden Inns, the hotel did not provide free breakfast but did provide coffee. There were fresh-baked cookies in the evening, and we saw lots of people enjoying dinner in the restaurant, which appeared to be one of few fine dining options in the area. The shower (like other hotels in this brand) was weak and lacked water pressure. But the room was great otherwise.

The hotel's location is great. It's situated near two major interstate highways and several state highways. There are plenty of dining and shopping options nearby, and we were able to walk to the Walmart next door for a few supplies.

Some travelers might appreciate how well this hotel was decorated for the holidays--a little extra treat when away from home.

We didn't book ahead but were glad we found this hotel.

Pretty nice hotel. Nicely decorated for the holidays.
The room was large, clean, and quiet. Bed was great.
Good breakfast.

This Hilton is a great choice if you're staying in Effingham with kids. Clean, quiet, great breakfast -- you can't go wrong.