When Is the Best (and Worst) Time to Stay at Home2 Suites vs Holiday Inn Express?
Trying to decide when to book that upcoming hotel stay? The timing can make a huge difference in rates, available amenities, and your overall guest experience. So should you go with an extended stay option like Home2 Suites or a classic brand like Holiday Inn Express?
Let’s take a close look at the pros and cons of each to help you maximize value on your next trip. We’ll compare pricing seasonality, must-have amenities, and insider tips – all to ensure you book the perfect hotel at the perfect time.
What Are Home2 Suites?
Home2 Suites by Hilton is an extended stay, all-suite hotel brand designed for longer trips. Their spacious suites feature full kitchens, living areas, and conveniences like free breakfast and laundry facilities.
Home2 markets themselves to business travelers, relocation guests, and families looking for some extra space and home-like amenities. You’ll often find them located near corporate parks or suburban areas.
What Is a Holiday Inn Express?
On the other hand, Holiday Inn Express hotels lean toward a more traditional lodging experience. While rooms are smaller, you’ll still enjoy free breakfast, wi-fi, pools, and fitness centers at most locations.
The Holiday Inn Express brand caters to everyone from overnight business travelers to road trippers and family vacationers. You’ll find these hotels everywhere from airport corridors to roadside locations across America.
Comparing Pricing and Value
Let’s start by looking at nightly rates and overall value between these two hotel chains. Generally speaking, Home2 Suites does carry a higher average price tag than Holiday Inn Express.
However, the extended stay amenities like kitchens and laundry can provide excellent value, especially for longer trips. You’ll save money by cooking some meals yourself versus going out all the time. Holiday Inn Express is more affordable upfront, but you’ll pay for more meals, potential parking fees, and any other extra expenses.
Both brands offer loyalty programs (Hilton Honors and IHG Rewards) that can score you deep discounts when you book direct and build up points. I always recommend joining these free programs for the best rates.
Best Times for Deals at Home2 Suites
Like any hotel, Home2 Suites offers its cheapest rates during low travel seasons. You can often find rates 30-50% less than peak pricing:
– Early January to late February
– September
– Weekday travel, especially Sunday-Thursday
For example, a suite that goes for $179/night during peak summer might only be $99/night in late January. Substantial savings!
Best Times for Deals at Holiday Inn Express
Similarly, Holiday Inn Express rates fluctuate based on seasonality and day of the week. Their lowest rates typically occur:
– January to early March
– September
– Weekends, especially Thursday-Sunday stays
A room that costs $159/night could dip under $90 for a Thursday-Sunday stay in January. It’s always worth checking their best flexible rate calendars.
Amenities That Make a Difference
Of course, rates are just one factor – the included amenities can also sway your decision. Here’s a quick comparison of what each brand offers:
| Amenity | Home2 Suites | Holiday Inn Express |
|———|————–|———————-|
| Breakfast | Full hot breakfast buffet | Grab & Go or limited hot options |
| Kitchen | Full kitchen in every suite | No kitchen, just mini-fridge/microwave |
| Living Area | Separate living room | No separate living area |
| Laundry | Guest laundry facilities | Pay per use laundry rooms |
| Fitness | Small fitness room | Larger fitness center |
| Pool | Some locations | Many have indoor pools |
As you can see, the suite-style rooms and additional conveniences like free laundry give Home2 Suites an edge for extended stays. But Holiday Inn may better suit your needs for a short visit when you’ll be out exploring more.
Best and Worst Seasons to Book
Timing is everything when it comes to securing the best rates and availability. Both Home2 Suites and Holiday Inn Express have distinct peak, shoulder, and low travel seasons.
Peak Season at Home2 and Holiday Inn
You’ll typically encounter the most expensive rates and potential sellouts during these peak periods:
– Late May through August (summer vacation)
– Late November to early January (holidays)
– Festivals, conventions or events in the area
While still the busiest and costliest times, Holiday Inn Express may have a slight advantage with more rooms and locations during peaks. But be prepared to pay top dollar no matter which brand you choose.
Shoulder Season Sweet Spots
My favorite times to book are the shoulder seasons before and after peak periods:
– April-May and September-October
You’ll enjoy decent weather, fewer crowds, and room rates 20-30% less than summer highs. Many hotels keep full amenities like pools open too.
Low Season Steals
If you can brave potentially cold winters or scorching summers, the low travel seasons offer the most amazing deals:
– Early January to late March
– Late June to late August
During these months, I’ve scored rates up to 60% off peak pricing! The downside? Certain amenities like outdoor pools may have reduced hours or be closed. But the savings can be well worth it.
Tips for Getting the Best Rates
Here are a few final insider tips to land the lowest possible rates at Home2 Suites, Holiday Inn Express or any hotel chain:
✅ Book as early as possible, at least 1-3 months out for biggest discounts
✅ Use membership rates through Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards, AAA, etc.
✅ Check rates across multiple dates and days of the week
✅ Browse opaque travel deal sites for unpublished rates
✅ Ask about any promotions or package deals when booking
✅ Be flexible with your travel dates when you can
The more flexible and proactive you are, the better rates you’ll get!
Book at the Perfect Time
There you have it – all the key factors to consider when choosing between Home2 Suites vs Holiday Inn Express for your upcoming stay. Whether you prioritize spacious suites and kitchens or just need an affordable place to crash, timing your booking properly can save you big.
For shorter stays or last-minute trips, Holiday Inn Express will likely be the better value option. But extended stays and longer lead times give Home2 Suites the advantage with lower nightly rates.
No matter which you choose, make sure to bookmark this guide so you know the best and worst times to book for maximum amenities, minimal rates, and an awesome hotel experience!