
Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth
Best for families, waterpark access, and on-site entertainment and family meals.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth is a Bavarian-themed, family-focused resort with an indoor waterpark and multiple on-site restaurants — good for families, couples, and event groups. Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown is a Hilton-branded 3-star downtown Flint hotel that suits business travelers, university visitors, and anyone wanting central Flint access.
Updated · about 25–30 miles apart

Best for families, waterpark access, and on-site entertainment and family meals.

Best for downtown Flint access, business trips, and visitors flying into Bishop Intl. Airport (FNT).
When Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth wins: choose the Bavarian Inn if you want an on-site indoor waterpark, family entertainment, themed dining, or a venue that can handle weddings and large groups. It’s geared toward families and couples who want activities on property.
When Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown wins: pick the Hilton Garden Inn if you need downtown Flint convenience (University of Michigan–Flint, Riverbank Park, theaters), Hilton-brand consistency, accessible meeting rooms, or quick access to Bishop Intl. Airport.
Bottom line: Bavarian Inn is a purpose-built family resort and event property in Frankenmuth; Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown is a compact, Hilton-branded downtown hotel for business or city visits. Choose based on whether your priority is resort-style family amenities or downtown location and brand consistency.
| Category | Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth | Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-focused Bavarian-themed resort with lively on-site entertainment. | Urban, business-friendly Hilton property offering reliable, straightforward downtown lodging. |
| Location | Adjacent to Holz Brücke covered bridge and River Place Shops in Frankenmuth (walkable to downtown attractions). | In the heart of downtown Flint, steps from University of Michigan–Flint and Riverbank Park. |
| Size (rooms) | 360 rooms/suites | 101 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages — family resort with dedicated adults-only Courtyard area (21+). | All ages welcome; no adults-only policy. |
| Pools & waterpark | Included Bavarian Blast indoor waterpark: four indoor pools, three whirlpools, children’s pool, waterslides, and a swim-up bar (adult-only Courtyard features its own pool/whirlpool). | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site outlets (Oma's Restaurant, Lorelei Lounge, Bootlegger Bar, Spritz & Sips, Chef Willy’s Cafe, Fritz's Frozen Fun). | One on-site restaurant (Sauce Italian American) and a bar/lounge. |
| Spa / wellness | Serendipity Wellness Spa nearby in Frankenmuth River Place Shops (group and couples services are highlighted). | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event space — multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms; wedding capacity up to ~425; over 15,000 sq ft of flexible space. | Five meeting rooms and a banquet hall suitable for business meetings and small events. |
| Parking & transit | Free self-parking (EV charging available) and reported complimentary shuttle service. | Self parking (surcharge) and covered parking available onsite; nearest airport: Bishop Intl. Airport (FNT) ~6.1 mi. |
| Free WiFi | Yes — free WiFi throughout property. | |
Bavarian Inn sits beside the Holz Brücke covered bridge and a short walk from River Place Shops and downtown Frankenmuth attractions.
Choose Bavarian Inn for proximity to Frankenmuth’s tourist district and riverfront attractions.
Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown is centrally located in downtown Flint, within walking distance of the university, parks, and cultural sites.
Choose the Hilton for downtown Flint access and proximity to university and civic venues.
Bavarian Inn has a larger, varied room inventory and family-oriented suites.
If you need a family suite or an in-room whirlpool, Bavarian Inn offers more variety and family-friendly layouts.
Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown is a 101-room Hilton property with standard business-oriented room types.
Choose the Hilton for predictable Hilton-standard rooms and a range of accessible room options in downtown Flint.
Bavarian Inn has multiple on-site dining venues that support families and groups.
Bavarian Inn offers a wide range of dining options without leaving property — good for families and event groups.
Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown has one on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge for drinks and to-go breakfasts.
Hilton provides straightforward on-site dining with added convenience of a grocery/convenience store for quick needs.
Bavarian Inn’s signature amenity is its Bavarian Blast indoor waterpark and multiple pools.
For an on-site waterpark and family pool features, Bavarian Inn is the clear choice.
Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown does not publish an on-site pool or waterpark in the supplier listing.
Not published — verify with the hotel if a pool is required for your stay.
Bavarian Inn blends family entertainment with adult-only evening options.
Bavarian Inn supports both family evenings and adult-only nightlife options within the same property area.
Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown focuses on fitness and a quieter downtown evening scene.
Hilton suits guests who prefer a compact hotel with fitness amenities and downtown nightlife nearby rather than on-site resort entertainment.

Bavarian Inn — on-site indoor waterpark, children’s pool, Family Fun Center and family-oriented dining and entertainment.

Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown — central location near University of Michigan–Flint, parks, theaters and city services.

Bavarian Inn — extensive ballroom and banquet capacity, multiple event rooms and wedding-ready indoor/outdoor spaces.

Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown — Hilton-brand meeting rooms, business center, and easy access to Bishop Intl. Airport.
Bavarian Inn is better for families — it includes an indoor waterpark, children’s pool and a Family Fun Center with many kid-focused activities.
Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown — it’s steps from the university and downtown Flint destinations.
Bavarian Inn: a nearby Serendipity Wellness Spa in Frankenmuth River Place Shops is recommended. Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown: a spa is not published in the supplier listing; confirm with the hotel.
Yes — both properties welcome guests of all ages; Bavarian Inn also has adults-only pool areas reserved for guests 21 and older.
Explore how Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·