Garamond a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Garamond? The name had me expecting something stuffy and corporate, but honestly, this place has way more personality than most Tribute Portfolio properties I’ve stayed at. It’s one of those hotels where you can tell someone actually thought about the design instead of just ordering everything from a hospitality catalog.

The lobby hits you right away with this sort of literary theme – makes sense given the name, I guess – but they didn’t go overboard with it. There are these beautiful typography details worked into the walls and furnishings that feel sophisticated without being pretentious. I mean, you’re not going to feel underdressed if you show up in jeans, but you’ll also appreciate the thought that went into it. The front desk staff actually seemed to know what they were doing too, which is refreshing. Check-in was smooth, no weird upselling attempts, and they had decent recommendations when I asked about dinner spots nearby.

What really sold me on this place was the attention to details that most travelers care about but hotels often mess up. The rooms are genuinely quiet – I’m talking about that deep quiet where you don’t hear every conversation in the hallway or the elevator dings at 6 AM. The beds are firm enough that you won’t wake up feeling like you slept in quicksand, and there’s actually decent lighting for reading, not just those dim bedside lamps that make everything look yellow. The bathroom setup is smart too – enough counter space for your stuff and water pressure that doesn’t make you question your life choices. Small thing, but the blackout curtains actually black out the room, which you’d think would be standard at a 4-star place but somehow isn’t.

I stayed during what seemed like a pretty busy period, and the service never felt rushed or scattered. The housekeeping team clearly takes pride in their work – everything was spotless but not in that sterile, over-sanitized way that makes a room feel cold. There’s complimentary wifi that actually works at decent speeds, which shouldn’t be noteworthy in 2024 but here we are. The fitness center is small but well-maintained, with equipment that doesn’t look like it was last serviced during the Obama administration.

Look, I’m not going to pretend this is the most exciting hotel I’ve ever stayed at, but sometimes you just want a place that does everything well without any surprises. Garamond delivers on that promise. The 9.1 rating makes perfect sense when you experience it – it’s the kind of place where everything works the way it should, the staff treats you like an adult, and you can focus on why you’re traveling instead of dealing with hotel nonsense. If you’re looking for Instagram-worthy rooftop pools or over-the-top amenities, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you want a solid, well-run hotel where you can actually get some rest and feel like you got your money’s worth, Garamond should definitely be on your list.

Facilities