Are you facing an extended trip for business or needing a long-term accommodation solution? Extended stay hotels have soared in popularity, offering apartment-style suites with living rooms, full kitchens, and residential amenities. Two major players are TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Home2 Suites by Hilton.
But which brand reigns supreme? Which provides the most value, comfort, and convenience for your needs? In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare TownePlace Suites vs Home2 Suites across every angle – from room amenities and property features to guest ratings, pricing, and value. By the end, you’ll know which extended stay hotel is the ideal “home away from home” for your upcoming travels.
TownePlace Suites and Home2 Suites
TownePlace Suites falls under the Marriott brand umbrella. Launched in 1997, it was one of the first extended stay brands tailored for both business travelers and families needing accommodations for a week or more.
There are now over 400 TownePlace Suites hotels across the United States and Canada. The brand markets itself as offering “simple living” with functional spaces and full kitchens at an affordable price point.
Home2 Suites, part of the Hilton portfolio, is the newer extended stay brand. It launched in 2011 with a focus on being pet-friendly and eco-friendly through sustainable practices.
Home2 Suites locations can be found across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico – over 500 open and counting. It markets itself as a fresh take on extended stay with a modern design and community spaces.
Room Amenities Comparison
Of course, the room itself is the biggest factor for an extended stay. You’ll be living out of the suite for days or weeks at a time. So what can you expect in terms of room amenities with these two brands?
TownePlace Suites Room Amenities
TownePlace Suites pride themselves on offering residential-style suites with full kitchens and separate living/sleeping areas:
– Suite types: Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom
– All suites have full kitchens with stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher
– Living area with sofa bed and TV
– Free high-speed Wi-Fi and large workspaces
– Pillowtop mattresses and luxury bedding
The bigger suite sizes make TownePlace a smart choice for families or long-term relocation stays where you need multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Home2 Suites Room Amenities
Home2 Suites takes a more modern approach with their suite amenities:
– Studio or One Bedroom suites with “Oasis” layouts
– Fully-equipped in-suite kitchens
– Working walls with integrated storage and workspaces
– Moveable chairs and ottoman allowing flexible living space
– Signature bed with hypoallergenic pillows
– Free Wi-Fi and premium TV channels
While not offering true multi-bedroom suites, Home2’s open concept allows the living and sleeping areas to blend seamlessly.
Property Amenities and Services
When you’re staying long-term, the amenities and services outside your room become very important. Both brands aim to recreate a residential experience:
TownePlace Suites Amenities
– Free hot breakfast buffet daily
– Swimming pools and fitness centers (varies by location)
– 24-hour self-service laundry
– Pet-friendly hotels (fees apply)
– Daily housekeeping available (fee)
– Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
– On-site convenience stores and grills
– No resort fees
TownePlace provides many of the comforts of home, from the free breakfast perk to laundry facilities. Plus, Marriott’s loyalty program allows members to earn and redeem free nights.
Home2 Suites Amenities
– Complimentary breakfast with over 400 options
– Indoor pools and fitness centers
– Pet-friendly attitude (fees apply)
– Combined laundry and fitness area called Spin2 Cycle
– Outdoor grills, fire pits, and recreation areas
– Free Wi-Fi and printing stations
– 24-hour business services and meeting spaces
Home2’s unique Inspired Table breakfast and community spaces like the Oasis lobby help foster a relaxed, social vibe during longer stays.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Of course, rates and overall value are a key consideration when selecting an extended stay hotel, especially for lengthier visits. Let’s look at how the brands compare:
TownePlace Suites average nightly rates fall into the following ranges:
– Studio: $90-$120
– One Bedroom: $110-$150
– Two Bedroom: $150-$200
Home2 Suites nightly pricing averages:
– Studio: $100-$140
– One Bedroom: $130-$180
Additionally, both offer discounted rates for AAA, AARP, government employee, and extended stay bookings of 5+ nights. You’ll generally find better nightly rates booking for longer periods.
TownePlace has a slight edge in starting room rates, but Home2 offers more new construction properties with updated amenities/fixtures.
In terms of overall value, frequent Hilton or Marriott guests may prefer sticking with one brand to utilize loyalty benefits, points earning, and elite night credits.
Guest Ratings and Reviews
Looking at guest satisfaction scores across review platforms, both brands rate highly overall – but TownePlace Suites has a slight edge based on total reviews.
TownePlace Suites averages:
– 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor
– 8.7/10 on Booking.com
Home2 Suites averages:
– 4.1/5 on Tripadvisor
– 8.6/10 on Booking.com
TownePlace Suites excels in ratings around value, room comfort/amenities, and service. Guests frequently praise the full kitchens and residential feel. Negative reviews often cite inconsistency in housekeeping services.
Home2 Suites wins kudos for modern designs, pet policies, and social spaces. But some reviewers felt room sizes and storage were lacking.
Best Use Cases for Each Brand
So when should you choose TownePlace Suites over Home2 Suites for your extended stay needs? Here are some top use cases for each:
When TownePlace Suites is the Better Choice:
– You need multi-bedroom suites for families or groups
– You prioritize full kitchens over open living spaces
– You prefer a more residential vs modern vibe
– You are a Marriott Bonvoy member
– You absolutely need daily housekeeping
When Home2 Suites is the Better Choice:
– You only need a studio or one bedroom suite
– You want an open living area with flexible spaces
– You’ll utilize outdoor spaces like grills and fire pits
– You are a Hilton Honors member
– You want the newest built properties and modern designs
For business travelers, either brand offers the needed workspace, kitchen amenities, and property services. But TownePlace may suit better for team/staff accommodations requiring separate bedrooms.
Families, multi-generational travel groups, or long-term relocation stays may appreciate the extra living space and full kitchen setup that Home2’s studio may feel cramped for.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
Both TownePlace Suites and Home2 Suites deliver excellent extended stay experiences overall – but will appeal to different traveler styles and needs.
If you prioritize multi-bedroom suites, full residential kitchens, and a traditional apartment-style feel, TownePlace Suites is likely the superior choice and better overall value.
However, if you prefer a trendier vibe, open living spaces, and unique community amenities like the Inspired Table breakfast and Spin2 Cycle, then Home2 Suites may be more your speed.
Frequent guests of the respective parent brands (Marriott or Hilton) will also want to consider which hotel best aligns with earning points and elite status. Brand loyalty can be valuable on extended stays.
At the end of the day, both of these extended stay hotel brands provide exceptional comfort, convenience, and value compared to short-term hotel stays. Weighing factors like room types, amenities, pricing, and your travel needs will help determine which – TownePlace Suites or Home2 Suites – is the ideal “home away from home” for your next extended stay trip.
No matter which you choose, there are some universal tips for maximizing your extended stay experience:
– Take advantage of kitchen facilities to prepare some meals and reduce dining costs
– Utilize the free breakfast offerings to start your day off right
– If staying a week, inquire about discounted extended stay rates
– Join the brand’s loyalty program for points earning and benefits
– Review cancellation policies carefully in case plans change
– Ask about housekeeping policies and fees for your stay duration
With apartment-style accommodations, residential amenities like laundry, and social spaces, extended stay hotels allow you to maintain your routines while traveling. The spacious suites, work areas, and kitchen setups of TownePlace Suites and Home2 Suites make them stand out.
Whether you’re a business traveler, family, solo traveler, relocating, or just need long-term accommodations, don’t settle for a cramped regular hotel room. Explore the extended stay hotel experience with TownePlace Suites and Home2 Suites. Your productivity, comfort, and wallet will thank you!