You know that feeling when you're stuck in a cramped hotel room for three days and start eyeing the door like it’s a prison break? Yeah. We’ve all been there. But honestly, the Residence Inn Garden City is basically the antidote to that specific brand of travel claustrophobia.
Located at 700 Garden City Plaza, this place isn't just another cookie-cutter Marriott property. It opened its doors in 2020, making it one of the "newer" kids on the block in an area where some hotels haven't seen a renovation since the Reagan administration. It actually broke a nearly 40-year drought as the first new hotel to open in Garden City since 1983.
What People Get Wrong About This Location
Most people see "Garden City" and think they’re going to be wandering through literal botanical gardens all day. While the village is gorgeous and lush, the Residence Inn Garden City is strategically dropped right in the heart of Nassau County's business and shopping hub.
You’re literally steps away from Roosevelt Field Mall. If you’ve never been, it’s a behemoth. We’re talking over 270 stores. You can walk there. It’s that close. But because the hotel is tucked back in the plaza, you don't get that "I'm sleeping in a parking lot" vibe. It's surprisingly quiet.
The Suite Life (Literally)
Every single room here is a suite. That’s the Residence Inn DNA.
Whether you're in a studio or a one-bedroom, you're getting a full kitchen. I’m talking a real fridge—not those tiny "chiller" boxes that barely fit a soda—plus a stovetop, microwave, and a dishwasher.
💡 You might also like: Super 8 Fort Myers Florida: What to Honestly Expect Before You Book
- Pro Tip: Use the free grocery delivery service. You tell them what you want, they go get it, and it shows up at your door. It sounds like a luxury, but when you’re traveling with kids or on a long work stint, it’s a total lifesaver.
The rooms are huge. 500-plus square feet. For context, that’s bigger than some Manhattan apartments. The layout usually includes a separate sitting area with a sectional sofa that doubles as a bed. It’s perfect if you need to hop on a Zoom call while your partner is still asleep in the king-size bed.
The Breakfast Situation
Look, hotel breakfast is a polarizing topic. Some people love the DIY waffle station; others think it's a carb-loaded nightmare.
At the Residence Inn Garden City, breakfast is complimentary. They’ve got the standard hot items—eggs, sausage, oatmeal—and yes, the legendary waffle maker. There’s usually a bit of a line for the waffles, especially on weekends when youth sports teams descend on the place.
If the "hotel eggs" aren't your thing, remember you have a kitchen in your room. Honestly, sometimes it's better to just fry up some actual eggs you bought from the store and eat in your pajamas.
📖 Related: Weather at Lake Charles Explained: Why It Is More Than Just Humidity
Can You Bring the Dog?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: It’ll cost you.
The pet policy is pretty welcoming, allowing up to two pets (dogs or cats). However, there is a non-refundable pet fee—usually around $150 per stay. If you’re only staying one night, that’s a steep price for Fido. But if you're there for a week? It beats the cost of a kennel.
The "Amelia Earhart" Connection
The hotel leans into the local history. Garden City is the "Cradle of Aviation," and the hotel features the Amelia Earhart Meeting Room. It's about 500 square feet and can hold 50 people.
If you're a history nerd, you're about a five-minute drive from the Cradle of Aviation Museum. You can see an actual Apollo Lunar Module there. It’s one of those things most people skip, but it's genuinely world-class.
👉 See also: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
Beyond the Lobby: What’s Nearby?
You aren't just limited to the mall.
- Museum Row: Right next to the aviation museum is the Long Island Children's Museum. If you have kids under ten, just go.
- UBS Arena: If you're in town for an Islanders game or a concert, you're looking at a 15-20 minute drive depending on the Hempstead Turnpike traffic.
- Dining: Maggiano’s is within walking distance. For something more "local," head into the village of Garden City (7th Street) for places like Revel or Waterzooi.
A Few Nuances to Keep in Mind
No hotel is perfect, and this one has its quirks.
Some guests have noted that the "high-numbered" rooms on the back side of the building can pick up some humming noise from adjacent industrial units. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the front or the fountain.
Also, the parking is free—which is a miracle on Long Island—but the lot can get tight during peak times.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you're planning a trip to the Residence Inn Garden City, here’s how to maximize it:
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, members often get better Wi-Fi speeds and the ability to use mobile keys.
- Request a Corner Suite: They often feel even more spacious because of the extra window light.
- The "Market" is Pricey: There's a 24-hour grab-and-go market in the lobby. It’s convenient for a 2 a.m. bag of chips, but for anything else, just walk to the nearby CVS or grocery store.
- Pack Your Own Coffee: They provide coffee, but if you're a snob about your morning brew, you have a full-sized coffee maker in the room. Bring your favorite ground beans.
Whether you're here for a wedding at the Garden City Hotel (which is much more expensive and much more formal) or you're just doing a long-term project at one of the nearby corporate offices, this spot bridges the gap between a home and a hotel. It’s comfortable, modern, and puts you exactly where you need to be in Nassau County.
Check the current rates directly on the Marriott site before booking through a third party; sometimes the "Member Rate" saves you enough for a nice dinner at Capital Grille across the street.