Hampton Inn vs Embassy Suites: Which Hotel Brand Fits Your Travel Needs?
Struggling to choose between Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites for your upcoming trip? This in-depth guide compares room amenities, free breakfast, locations, pricing and more to help you pick the perfect hotel stay.
The Great Hotel Showdown: Hampton Inn vs Embassy Suites
Planning a getaway but feeling torn between booking Hampton Inn or Embassy Suites? As an experienced traveler and SEO expert, I’ve stayed at countless hotels over the years. Believe me, not all hotel chains are created equal!
In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between these two popular Hilton brands. We’re going deep on everything from room types and free breakfast offerings to typical locations, pricing, rewards programs and more. By the end, you’ll have all the deets to decide if Hampton or Embassy best fits your travel needs and budget. Let’s get this hotel showdown started!
Comparing Room Options: Space, Amenities and Vibes
Sure, you basically just need a clean, comfy place to sleep. But those room choices can seriously upgrade or downgrade your overall hotel experience. Here’s what to expect from Hampton Inn vs Embassy Suites:
At Hampton Inn properties, standard room options include:
– Traditional rooms with one king or two queen beds
– Slightly larger study rooms with separate living/sleeping areas
– Suites with pullout sofas (great for families/extra guests)
While the rooms are perfectly acceptable, they keep things relatively basic and no-frills. You’ll have the expected amenities like flat-screen TVs, work desks, free WiFi and coffee makers. But don’t expect over-the-top luxury or tons of living space.
Embassy Suites, on the other hand, kicks it up a notch or two:
– They’re an all-suite hotel, with separate living room and bedroom areas
– More residential, upscale decor and furnishings
– Significantly larger total square footage than Hampton rooms
– Luxurious bathroom layouts with high-end finishes
If you want that “suite” life with room to spread out and fancier surroundings, Embassy definitely delivers more amenities and style than basic Hampton rooms.
The Battle of the Free Hotel Breakfasts
Ah, the almighty free hotel breakfast – one of the most coveted amenities for travelers! While both Hampton and Embassy include a morning meal, there are definitely differences in quality and selection:
At Hampton Inn, the breakfast offering is your typical hot continental spread:
– Rotating hot items like waffles, eggs and breakfast meats
– Oatmeal and dry cereal options
– Fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits
– Basic coffee, tea and juices
It’s a decent way to fuel up and get your day started without spending extra on breakfast. However, the breakfast at Embassy kicks things up a few levels:
– Cooked-to-order omelet and egg stations
– Higher-end fare like carved meats and smoked salmon
– Fancier pastries and upscale coffee/juice selections
– Sweets like cream puffs and chocolate fondue
For that full hot breakfast experience with all the extras, Embassy Suites is tough to beat. If you just need a quick, basic morning meal, Hampton gets the job done just fine.
Locations and Pricing: Where to Find Each Brand
Of course, choosing between these two chains also depends a lot on where your destination is and what rates you’ll likely pay. Let’s take a look at some typical locations and pricing:
Hampton Inn Hotels:
– You’ll find them everywhere – major cities, suburbs, airports
– Properties popping up near major highways and attractions
– Very common to see Hampton Inns around commercial business areas
Embassy Suites Hotels:
– More concentrated in central business districts and downtown areas
– Popular at resort locations, convention centers and tourist hotspots
– Fewer suburban locations compared to Hampton
As for pricing, Hampton almost always comes in at a lower price point:
– Expect to pay $129 to $199 per night for a standard Hampton room
– For a comparable Embassy Suites, rates typically range $179 to $299
– Of course, luxury/resort locations will be more for either brand
If you’re looking to save money and location is flexible, Hampton likely offers a better value from a pricing perspective. The Embassy commands those higher rates for their upscale amenities and suites.
Putting Amenities to the Test: What Else Do You Get?
Of course, a hotel is so much more than just the room itself. We all know those property amenities and extra perks can make or break a stay. How do Hampton and Embassy stack up?
With Hampton Inn, amenities are respectable if not expansive:
– All properties include free hot breakfast
– Most Hampton locations have pool areas and fitness centers
– No free evening reception/happy hour
– Typical check-in/out times and no special Elite benefits
Meanwhile, Embassy kicks the amenity game up several notches:
– Known for extravagant pool areas with splash areas and waterslides
– More robust fitness centers with updated equipment
– Free nightly evening reception with drinks, snacks and sometimes light meals
– Hilton Honors Elite members score perks like late checkout and room upgrades
While Hampton keeps things relatively simple and streamlined, Embassy leans into those premium amenities and extras. If you plan to hang at the hotel and want an activity pool, gym and free food/drinks, Embassy elevates the experience.
Comparing Hotel Rewards: Hilton Honors
Both Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites happen to be part of the Hilton Honors rewards program. That means whether you’re team Hampton or Embassy, you’ll rack up the same points for free nights. Elite status tier levels are identical as well.
However, there are a couple minor differences to consider:
– Since Embassy rates are higher, you’ll earn more points per $1 spent
– Likewise, you’ll reach Elite tiers faster when staying at pricier Embassy Suites
But it basically comes down to whether you consistently stay at Hampton or Embassy. Maximize your points by sticking to whichever brand best fits your travel patterns and budgets.
Family Trips vs Business Travel: Which Works Best?
At the end of the day, the hotel amenities and vibe you want likely depends a lot on your travel purpose. Are you hitting the road solo for work trips? Or packing up the whole fam for a vacation?
If you’ve got kids in tow, those spacious Embassy suites start to look a whole lot more appealing:
– Separate bedroom/living areas give parents privacy
– Kids will go nuts over the water slides and pool areas
– Free evening food/drinks help keep hunger tantrums at bay
– Slightly quieter atmosphere good for downtime
Meanwhile, business travelers often prefer the simplicity and value of Hampton:
– Those smaller standard rooms with less frill work for solo/duo travel
– Free breakfast helps keep costs down
– More locations around office parks and commercial districts
– No-fuss amenities keep the focus on work trips
Of course, there are always exceptions! But in general, Embassy lends itself more to family vacations, while Hampton makes sense for corporate road warriors.
Conclusion: Making Your Final Hotel Choice
There you have it – a full rundown weighing all the major factors between Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites hotels. To quickly recap the key differences:
Book a Hampton Inn if you prioritize:
– Lower pricing and overall value
– Simple but sufficient rooms and amenities
– Free breakfast to start your day
– Convenient locations near business/commercial areas
Reserve an Embassy Suites for:
– Upscale, residential all-suite room options
– Awesome pools, free evening food/drinks
– More amenities/perks for Elite members
– Family-friendly atmosphere and vibe
At the end of the day, Hampton Inn offers a more budget-friendly, no-frills experience focused on the essentials. Embassy Suites caters to those seeking a luxury hotel with plenty of extras and amenities.
I’d recommend the Embassy for family vacations or leisure trips when you’ll spend downtime at the hotel. Hampton works better for solo business travel or any situation where you just need an affordable, comfortable place to sleep.
But those are just my two cents! Hopefully, this breakdown gave you a clear picture of what to expect from each brand. Safe travels, and don’t forget to take advantage of those Hilton Honors points! Still have questions about Hampton vs Embassy? Let me know in the comments.