Springhill Suites by Marriott markets itself as an upscale, all-suite hotel brand. Their focus is on style, space, and amenities like free breakfast and gym access to appeal to business travelers as well as families.
In contrast, Home2 Suites by Hilton is a lower-cost extended stay brand. Home2 caters more to longer-term guests by including full kitchens and workspaces in their suites. Their flexible pricing and apartment-style setup makes them popular with business travelers, families, and anyone looking for an affordable, homey long-term stay.
Both fall into the upper economy hotel category, but they have some clear distinctions in their target guests and offerings. So which one is the better choice for your trip? Let’s take a closer look…
Room Types and Amenities
One of the biggest factors that sets Springhill and Home2 apart is their room selection and amenities. At Springhill Suites, rooms come in two main configurations:
– Standard suite with separate living and sleeping areas
– Larger suite with kitchenette and more space
All Springhill suites come with:
– Free high-speed WiFi
– Flat-screen TVs
– Mini-fridge and microwave
– Luxury bedding
– Workspace with ergonomic chair
Meanwhile, Home2 Suites takes more of an extended-stay, residential approach with their “suites”. Their room options consist of:
– Studio suite with kitchenette
– One-bedroom suite with full kitchen
– Two-bedroom suite for families/groups
In addition to full kitchens in most suites, Home2 amenities include:
– Free WiFi and premium cable
– Living/working areas
– Pet-friendly rooms available
– Moveable furniture and HomeLife Design
As you can see, Home2 puts more emphasis on home-like comforts for longer stays, whereas Springhill leans into traditional upscale suite amenities.
Speaking of pet policies, both hotels are relatively pet-friendly if you’re traveling with furry friends:
– Springhill Suites: Allows up to 2 pets per room with a non-refundable fee
– Home2 Suites: Pets stay free! Plus they provide pet beds, bowls, toys, and treats
So if you’re bringing your pup or considering an extended stay, Home2’s pet-friendly and residential vibe could be a better fit. But there are many other amenities to compare as well…
Free Breakfast and Dining Options
They say the most important meal of the day is free at both Springhill and Home2 properties. However, their complimentary breakfast offerings differ:
At Springhill Suites, you can expect a fairly standard hot breakfast buffet with:
– Eggs and meat options
– Breads and pastries
– Cereal and yogurt selection
– Fresh fruit
– Coffee, tea, juice
It’s a decent spread to start your day, especially for the free price tag. However, the breakfast at Home2 Suites kicks it up a notch with additional home-inspired touches:
– Breakfast sandwiches and waffles
– Yogurt and fruit bar
– Variety of cereals and toppings
– 24/7 coffee and tea service
– Breakfast area with TV viewing
So Home2’s elevated complimentary breakfast has a bit more selection and residential ambiance. Their 24/7 coffee is also clutch for remote workers.
As for other dining, most Springhill Suites don’t have an on-site restaurant. You’ll have to grab other meals at nearby eateries. Home2 doesn’t have full restaurants either, but they do provide:
– 24/7 gourmet coffee and tea bar
– Grab-and-Go market with snacks/meals
– Outdoor grills for guest use
The grills and grab-and-go market at Home2 give you more independent dining options during longer stays when you want a break from restaurants.
Overall, Home2’s breakfast beats Springhill in quality and atmosphere. But Springhill’s dining options are still perfectly suitable for shorter stays.
What Do Recent Reviews Say?
But don’t just take my word for it – let’s look at what real guests have said in recent reviews of each hotel brand:
A Springhill Suites guest wrote:
“The suite gave us plenty of space to spread out, and the separate living area was nice. Breakfast was your basic hot buffet but got the job done. Staff was friendly enough as well.”
And a Home2 Suites visitor shared:
“I loved the homey feel of this place. Having a full kitchen made my two-week stay feel like an apartment rather than a hotel. They have great breakfast options and the indoor pool was nice for the kids. My only complaint was hearing some noise from other rooms at night.”
Based on feedback, it seems Home2’s comfier residential vibe and amenities like the kitchen give it an edge for longer hauls. But Springhill’s more basic suite setup is sufficient for shorter, no-frills trips as well.
Speaking of amenities, let’s talk about what else each hotel offers to accommodate your stay…
Fitness Centers and Recreation
Whether you’re a fitness freak or just want to stay active, both Springhill and Home2 provide workout facilities and recreation amenities. However, they do differ in their offerings:
At Springhill Suites, you’ll typically find:
– 24/7 fitness center with cardio and weight machines
– Swimming pool (indoor or outdoor depending on location)
– Some properties have whirlpools/hot tubs as well
The fitness amenities won’t wow you, but they check the basic boxes for a well-rounded workout or some fun pool time.
In comparison, Home2 Suites properties feature:
– Combined laundry and fitness area called Spin2 Cycle
– Heated indoor pools
– Outdoor grills and firepit/lounge areas
So while the actual fitness centers are fairly standard, Home2 has some unique recreational spaces like the Spin2 Cycle room and outdoor living areas.
The fun amenities give Home2 an edge if you’re looking for more than just fitness during your stay. Families especially can take advantage of the pools, grills, and lounges.
But if all you need is a basic gym and pool, Springhill’s straightforward fitness offerings are sufficient as well.
Rewards Programs – How They Stack Up
Of course, one perk of staying at a major hotel chain is racking up rewards points and status. Both Springhill and Home2 participate in their parent company’s rewards programs:
Marriott Bonvoy (Springhill Suites)
– Points can be redeemed for free nights, air travel, rental cars and more
– Achievable elite status tiers with benefits like room upgrades
– Transfer points to airline partners
– Co-branded credit cards available
Hilton Honors (Home2 Suites)
– Points redeemable for free nights, experiences, shopping
– Elite tiers with benefits like free breakfast, late checkout, lounge access
– Earn points/miles for travel partners
– Multiple credit card options
Both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors are robust rewards programs that let you earn points for free nights and other travel perks. The elite status benefits are relatively comparable as well.
However, some would argue that Hilton Honors has a slight edge with:
– More hotel options to redeem free stays
– Higher value placed on their hotel points
– More airline and travel partners
But at the end of the day, which program is “better” comes down to your personal travel habits and how you want to redeem rewards.
Pricing and Value
At this point, you’re probably wondering – how much do these hotels actually cost? And which offers a better value overall?
Let’s look at some pricing examples pulled from locations across the U.S.:
Springhill Suites pricing:
– $119 per night for Denver
– $209 per night for New York City
– $149 per night for Orlando
Home2 Suites pricing:
– $94 per night for Denver
– $179 per night for New York City
– $109 per night for Orlando
As you’d expect, Home2 undercuts Springhill’s rates in most markets. On average, Home2 Suites is 15-20% cheaper per night.
However, that price difference could be negligible when you consider:
– Springhill Suites often has a $9.95 amenities fee tacked on
– Home2 includes more freebies like breakfast and grab-and-go market
So while the nightly base rate leans in Home2’s favor, additional fees and amenities could make your overall stay more valuable at either chain depending on your priorities.
Both brands also offer discounts and promotions worth checking before booking:
– Home2 Suites: 15% off for extended stays of 5+ nights
– Springhill Suites: Potential AAA, corporate, government, and other rate discounts
When you add it all up, Home2 Suites presents a greater overall value for:
– Long-term/extended stays
– Travelers seeking more residential amenities
– Those looking for the lowest possible nightly rate
Whereas Springhill Suites may be worth paying a bit more for shorter trips that don’t require a full kitchen or ultra home-like amenities.
So Which One Is Better?
This brings us to the ultimate question – which hotel brand reigns supreme in the battle of Springhill Suites vs Home2 Suites? The answer really depends on your specific needs for the trip.
I’d recommend Springhill Suites if:
✔️ You want an upscale, classic suite experience
✔️ You’re looking for a quality free breakfast
✔️ You’ll be staying for shorter 1-3 night trips
✔️ You’re loyal to the Marriott brand/rewards
I’d recommend Home2 Suites if:
✔️ You need an affordable extended stay
✔️ You want more home-like amenities (kitchen, living areas)
✔️ You’re traveling with pets or a family
✔️ Getting the lowest possible rate is your top priority
✔️ You prefer the Hilton Honors rewards program
At the end of the day, both Springhill and Home2 are solid hotel chains that deliver a great guest experience. It really comes down to weighing your specific trip details – length of stay, group size, amenity needs, budget, and brand loyalty.
Hopefully this guide gave you all the insights to decide which brand better fits your travel plans. Safe travels!
Conclusion
Springhill Suites and Home2 Suites are two affordable yet distinct hotel chains worth considering for your next trip. While they share some surface similarities, they cater to different guest needs through their room types, amenities, and overall experience.
If you want an upscale all-suite experience with quality free breakfast for a 1-3 night stay, Springhill Suites is a great choice – especially if you’re a Marriott rewards member. You’ll pay a bit more for the brand name and traditional amenities.
However, Home2 Suites takes the cake for extended stays and residential comforts. With full kitchens, home-y decor, recreational amenities, and lower pricing, it’s perfect for longer hauls, families, and travelers prioritizing value over frills. The Hilton Honors rewards are great too.
At the end of the day, there’s no definitive “better” brand – it depends what you value most for your specific trip. Weigh the pros and cons, and choose whichever brand offers the right balance of amenities, pricing, and loyalty for you. Happy travels!