What’s the Best (and Worst) Time to Stay at Homewood Suites vs Home2 Suites?
Planning an extended stay? Deciding between Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites? The timing of your visit can make or break your experience. Just like choosing the perfect vacation dates, knowing when to book these hotel brands is key.
You don’t want to end up at a Homewood Suites during a massive convention, with hallways buzzing and the pool swarming with kids, right? Or how about landing at a Home2 Suites on a summer holiday weekend when rates have skyrocketed?
So, what’s the ideal time to snag the best rates, peaceful stays, and full access to amenities? And when should you steer clear to avoid crowds, noise, and premium pricing? Let’s dive in!
Pros and Cons of Visiting Homewood Suites
Let’s start by breaking down the best and worst times to visit Homewood Suites for an extended stay.
Best Times to Stay at Homewood Suites
– Quieter Seasons (Fall and Winter): These “off-peak” times tend to offer lower rates as demand drops. You’ll enjoy more peace and quiet around the property too.
– During Corporate Travel Lulls: As business travel ebbs, you may find more space and better access to amenities like the gym, pool, etc.
Worst Times to Visit Homewood Suites
– Holidays and Peak Summer Months: Rates soar, and the hotels fill up with families on summer vacation – hello, noise galore around the pool!
– Major Events/Conventions in the Area: Whether it’s a big trade show, concert, or sports tournament, these feeds can create overcrowding.
Home2 Suites: When to Go and When to Skip
Now let’s look at the ideal (and not-so-ideal) times for stays at Home2 Suites properties.
Best Times to Stay at Home2 Suites
– Shoulder Seasons like Spring and Fall: You’ll often find solid value rates as travel demands dip before/after peak seasons.
– Weekdays: With fewer families, you can leverage amenities like free breakfast catered more towards business travelers.
Worst Times to Visit Home2 Suites
– Summer Breaks: Get ready for packed pools and lobbies when kids are out of school and families flock to these budget-friendly extended stay spots.
– Holiday Weekends: Like other hotels, Home2 Suites raise rates over major holiday periods when availability is scarce.
Amenity Showdown: Which Brand Beats the Other?
Of course, amenities are a huge factor for extended stays. So how do Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites stack up?
| Amenity | Homewood Suites | Home2 Suites |
|———-|—————–|————–|
| Pool | Outdoor pools (some indoor) | Outdoor pools and indoor/outdoor combos|
| Gym | Small fitness rooms | Decent fitness centers |
| Free Breakfast | Full hot breakfast | Simpler continental options |
| Guest Laundry | Free to use | Free to use |
| Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi |
From full hot breakfasts to more impressive fitness facilities, Homewood Suites tends to edge out Home2 on overall amenities. But Home2 delivers solid value with laundry, Wi-Fi, and those pool options.
Price Wars: Getting the Best Rates
Savvy timing can seriously slash costs at both Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites. Some key money-saving tactics:
– Timing Discounts and Promotions: Watch for sales during off-peak periods like publicized “Black Friday” deals.
– Membership Programs: Join the free rewards programs to unlock special pricing for members.
– Travel Package Bundling: Scoring airfare+hotel bundles can cut total costs drastically.
– Third-Party Booking Tips: Using aggregators like Booking.com and metasearch tools can surface unadvertised discounts.
Local Event Calendars: Your Secret Ally
Knowing what’s happening locally is clutch for avoiding chaos – or leveraging potential premiums if you’re into that scene. Scan area event calendars for:
– Major Conventions and Tradeshows: These can cause peaked pricing and crowds if not your thing.
– Concerts, Festivals and Sports Tournaments: Family-friendly events that may appeal if you’ve got kids in tow.
– School Breaks and Holiday Periods: Contributors to peak family travel times no matter where you roam.
Last-Minute Booking Gambles: Yay or Nay?
The practice of last-minute booking comes with potential upsides (stellar deals) but some risks too. A few thoughts:
– Pros: Desperation pricing for open rooms, especially on typically slower nights like Sundays
– Cons: Subpar room options, lacking amenities/hospitality due to understaffing
– When to Book Early Instead: For busy periods, holiday weekends, or conventions, you’ll likely need to reserve well in advance.
Conclusion: The “Best” Depends on Your Priorities
The “best” and “worst” times for these titans of extended stay truly depends on your own priorities. Are you optimizing for value and cost-savings above all else? Then off-peak dates like fall and winter provide unbeatable rates.
Maybe you’re all about those premium amenities and breakfast spreads? Spring and fall “shoulder seasons” grant full access without the peak pricing.
Or perhaps you’re chasing an insane poolside scene? Then summer breaks could be your jam, despite rates hitting their annual zeniths.
No matter your objective, understanding these timing factors for Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites will help you plan the perfect extended stay. So get those calendars out and may the ideal travel dates be ever in your favor!