My family and I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in Saratoga this past weekend. It was the first time we've stayed at a HGI and the experience was a mostly a good one. It's in a good location, being so close to the national park. The hotel is fairly new, rooms are large, well-appointed and clean, and they have a nice set up of spa water (such a lovely touch), coffee and snacks in the lobby throughout the day for guests. Overall very friendly and welcoming while still being low-key.
A few improvements could go a long way towards making this place truly excellent:
1. Increase security. During horse racing season, you'll inevitably get some partiers, which is fine. What's important is to have hotel staff to make sure they are kept in check. Saturday morning my husband left our room around 7:00am and found a man passed out drunk in front of our doorway.
2. Establish shuttle service or campaign for a trolley stop. Parking around town and by the races can be challenging. Other hotels like the Holiday Inn and Homewood suites have shuttle service to take their guests to various spots in and around town. It's a big convenience and would go a long way towards making a better experience for guests.
3. Invest in other amenities like bikes for your guests. Other hotels in the area of the same class offer things like this. Being so close to the park, having bikes available for rent would be great.