Although we were brought to the area for a funeral, staying at the HGI in Fort Washington made our time the most pleasant it could realistically be. - Location: The hotel is very close to a metro station connecting to downtown Philly and other suburbs. Several fast food places are also within walking distance. The interstate is just feet away as well. Far from Philadelphia as a city, but central to all the modern conveniences of suburbia. - Atmosphere: The grounds were kept up well, and the lobby felt vibrant and inviting, as are most HGIs. My family always felt safe and comfortable. - Service: The front desk was certainly slow, as the previous review has mentioned, and I hope more staff can be hired to speed things along in the future. It seemed as if only one individual was manning the reception at any given moment. Perhaps other members of staff can be encouraged to pitch in too? Nonetheless, each employee delivered the best, most friendly service they could provide. I appreciated their commitment to my request for a room facing the smaller south side of the property. - Rooms: Originally I was going to sleep with my family, but at the last moment decided to snag a points reward for my own room (snoring had a bit to do with it…shh). Both rooms I’d stepped into were clean and comfortable, albeit slightly on the older side. Thankfully in my own room, I couldn’t really hear any noise from the highway or the metro train, but I could hear some while spending time in my family’s room. - Amenities: Unless you’re gold or higher, breakfast is not free at HGIs. My family made a run to Dunkin’ across the street to solve that problem, as the paid selections on site looked just meh for the price. There’s a restaurant that serves other meals throughout the day, as well as some public computers, a pool, a fitness center, and nice outdoor areas to relax. The free Wifi was fast. - Value: Overall I was satisfied with the value my family and I had for our stay. One thing to note, and I know it’s general hotel policy in most places—but it would have been difficult to ask for a waiver or reduction of the steep incidental deposit put on your card at check-in. As a budget-conscious traveler who never wrecks rooms or charges anything to them, I usually try to negotiate either a lower deposit or have the hotel waive it altogether…this hotel felt very steadfast about its policy. 75 bucks as the deposit for a night. I had no issues getting refunded that amount, but just a heads up. I even overheard another guest commiserating lightly about it with reception…not just me who thinks it can get out of hand! I would gladly return to the HGI in Fort Washington if I need to return to suburban Philly in the future!
