Home2 Suites vs Hampton Inn: Which One is Right for Your Stay?

When it comes to choosing a hotel for your travels, the options can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to decide between two popular brands like Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn. Both are part of the Hilton family, but they cater to different types of travelers and offer distinct experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the similarities and differences between these two hotel chains, helping you make an informed decision for your next trip.

Understanding the Brands

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand the core identities of Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn.

Home2 Suites by Hilton

A Fresh Take on Extended Stays Home2 Suites is a mid-scale, all-suite hotel brand designed specifically for value-conscious travelers looking for extended stays of five nights or more. Launched in 2011, this brand offers a fresh and modern approach to long-term accommodations, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

The brand’s innovative suite design combines efficiency and comfort, featuring a flexible living area, a fully-equipped kitchen, and separate sleeping quarters. With its eco-friendly and pet-friendly policies, Home2 Suites aims to provide a home-like experience for guests while promoting sustainable practices.

Hampton Inn

The Reliable Choice for Short and Long Stays Established in 1984, Hampton Inn is Hilton’s flagship brand in the upper-midscale segment. With a strong emphasis on consistency and value, Hampton Inn has become a trusted name among travelers seeking reliable accommodations for both short and extended stays.

While not specifically designed for long-term stays like Home2 Suites, Hampton Inn offers a range of room types, including suites with kitchenettes, making it a viable option for those looking for a comfortable and familiar hotel experience, whether for a night or a week.

Room Accommodations: Comparing the Suites

One of the most significant differences between Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn lies in their room accommodations, particularly when it comes to suites.

Home2 Suites

Spacious and Fully-Equipped Suites Home2 Suites’ suites are designed with extended stays in mind, offering a separate living area, a fully-equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and a two-burner cooktop. Additionally, the suites feature a workspace, a sleeper sofa, and a separate bedroom area, providing ample space and flexibility for guests.

These suites are ideal for families, groups, or individuals who prefer the convenience of having a kitchen and a dedicated living space during their stay. The fully-equipped kitchens allow guests to prepare their own meals, saving money and providing a more home-like experience.

Hampton Inn

Studio Suites and Traditional Rooms While Hampton Inn does offer studio suites, these accommodations are generally smaller and less comprehensive than those found at Home2 Suites. Hampton Inn’s studio suites typically feature an open floor plan with a small kitchenette, including a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and sometimes a two-burner cooktop.

In addition to studio suites, Hampton Inn also offers traditional hotel rooms with standard amenities like a television, desk, and bathroom. These rooms are suitable for shorter stays or those who don’t require the extra space and amenities of a suite.

Amenities and Services

Beyond the room accommodations, both Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn offer a range of amenities and services designed to enhance the guest experience.

Home2 Suites

Catering to Extended Stays As an extended-stay brand, Home2 Suites provides amenities tailored to the needs of long-term guests. These include:

• Complimentary breakfast: Home2 Suites offers a complimentary breakfast bar featuring a variety of hot and cold items, including breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and cereal.
• Fitness centers: Well-equipped fitness centers are available at most Home2 Suites properties, allowing guests to maintain their exercise routines during their stay.
• Laundry facilities: On-site laundry facilities, including washers and dryers, are provided for guests’ convenience.
• Outdoor spaces: Many Home2 Suites properties feature outdoor spaces such as grills, fire pits, and seating areas, creating a relaxing and social environment for guests.
• Pet-friendly policies: Home2 Suites welcomes pets, making it a convenient choice for travelers with furry companions.

Hampton Inn

Consistent and Reliable Amenities While not specifically designed for extended stays, Hampton Inn offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests:

• Free hot breakfast: Hampton Inn is known for its complimentary hot breakfast, which typically includes items like eggs, waffles, pastries, and more.
• Fitness centers: Most Hampton Inn properties feature fitness centers, allowing guests to maintain their exercise routines during their stay.
• Business centers: For business travelers, Hampton Inn provides business centers with computers, printers, and other essential services.
• Pools and recreational facilities: Depending on the location, some Hampton Inn properties offer pools and other recreational facilities for guests to enjoy during their downtime.

Loyalty Programs and Earning Potential

Both Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn are part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program, allowing guests to earn and redeem points for their stays. However, there is a significant difference in the earning potential between the two brands.

Home2 Suites

Reduced Earning Potential One aspect that may be a concern for some travelers is the reduced earning potential at Home2 Suites properties. Guests at Home2 Suites earn only 5 Hilton Honors base points per dollar spent, compared to 10 base points per dollar at most other Hilton brands, including Hampton Inn.

This reduced earning rate can be a deterrent for frequent travelers or those aiming to accumulate points quickly for free nights or other rewards within the Hilton Honors program.

Hampton Inn

Standard Earning Potential As a mainstream Hilton brand, Hampton Inn offers the standard earning potential of 10 Hilton Honors base points per dollar spent. This aligns with most other Hilton brands and allows guests to accumulate points at a faster rate compared to Home2 Suites.

For travelers who value maximizing their earning potential and taking advantage of the Hilton Honors program, Hampton Inn may be the more attractive option.

Location and Pricing

Both Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn have a widespread presence across the United States and globally, with properties located in various cities and destinations. However, there are some differences in terms of pricing and the types of locations where each brand is typically found.

Home2 Suites

Affordable Extended-Stay Options Home2 Suites properties are often located in suburban areas or near business districts, catering to travelers seeking long-term accommodations. As an extended-stay brand, Home2 Suites aims to provide affordable rates for longer stays, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers or those on extended business trips.

Hampton Inn

Convenience and Accessibility With a more extensive network of properties, Hampton Inn is often found in both urban and suburban areas, as well as near airports and major highways. This widespread presence offers convenience and accessibility for travelers, whether they’re on a business trip or a leisure vacation.

In terms of pricing, Hampton Inn typically falls in the mid-range category, with rates varying based on location and demand. While not as budget-friendly as Home2 Suites for extended stays, Hampton Inn offers competitive rates for shorter stays or those who prefer the consistent quality and amenities of a well-established brand.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn will depend on your specific travel needs and preferences. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed choice:

Choose Home2 Suites if:

• You’re planning an extended stay of five nights or more.
• You value having a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living areas.
• You prefer a more home-like experience during your travels.
• You’re traveling with pets or prioritize pet-friendly accommodations.
• You’re looking for an affordable option for longer stays.

Choose Hampton Inn if:

• You’re planning a shorter stay or don’t require the extra amenities of an extended-stay hotel.
• You prefer a more traditional hotel experience with consistent quality and service.
• You value earning Hilton Honors points at a faster rate.
• You require a hotel with a widespread presence and convenient locations.
• You’re willing to pay slightly higher rates for a well-established brand.

Both Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn offer unique experiences within the Hilton family, catering to different types of travelers. By considering your travel needs, budget, and preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the brand that best suits your requirements.

To further assist in your decision-making process, here’s a list of pros and cons for each brand:

Additional Considerations and Tips

While the primary differences between Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn have been covered, there are a few additional considerations and tips that can help you make the most of your stay at either brand.

Breakfast Options

Both Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn offer complimentary breakfast, but the offerings differ slightly. Home2 Suites typically provides a continental breakfast with items like breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and cereal, while Hampton Inn is known for its hot breakfast buffet, which often includes scrambled eggs, sausages, and other hot items.

If a hearty breakfast is important to you, Hampton Inn may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more grab-and-go option or plan to cook your own meals, Home2 Suites’ breakfast offerings may suffice.

Loyalty Program Status Benefits

As mentioned earlier, both brands fall under the Hilton Honors loyalty program. However, the benefits you receive may vary depending on your status level. For example, Hilton Honors Diamond members enjoy complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn properties, while at Home2 Suites, they receive a welcome amenity instead.

If you have elite status with Hilton Honors, it’s worth considering the specific benefits offered at each brand to maximize your experience.

Room Types and Configurations

While Home2 Suites primarily offers suites with separate living and sleeping areas, Hampton Inn also has a range of room types to choose from. Some Hampton Inn properties may offer traditional hotel rooms, while others may have suites with kitchenettes or whirlpool tubs.

Be sure to check the room types and configurations available at the specific property you’re considering to ensure it meets your needs.

Local Experiences and Attractions

Both Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn strive to provide guests with a connection to the local community. Home2 Suites often features local artwork and decor, while Hampton Inn may offer recommendations for nearby attractions and dining options.

If experiencing the local culture and attractions is important to you, it’s worth researching the specific property and its surrounding area to see which brand offers better access to the experiences you’re seeking.

Extended Stay Rates and Discounts

If you’re planning an extended stay, be sure to inquire about any special rates or discounts offered by the hotel. Home2 Suites, in particular, may offer discounted rates for longer stays, as it’s designed specifically for extended-stay guests.

Additionally, many hotels offer discounts for AAA members, government employees, or members of certain organizations. Don’t hesitate to ask about any available discounts that may help you save on your stay.

Booking Channels and Packages

When making your reservation, consider exploring different booking channels and packages. Booking directly through the hotel’s website or the Hilton Honors website may offer additional benefits or discounts.

Furthermore, some hotels may offer packages that include amenities like parking, breakfast, or other perks, which could provide additional value for your stay.

Personalized Experiences

Both Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn strive to provide personalized experiences for their guests. Don’t hesitate to communicate any special requests or preferences you may have, such as a quiet room, a specific floor, or any accessibility needs.

The hotel staff will do their best to accommodate your requests and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

By considering these additional factors and taking advantage of the available tips, you can further enhance your experience at either Home2 Suites or Hampton Inn, ensuring that your choice aligns with your travel needs and preferences.

To help you easily compare these two brands, here’s a comprehensive table highlighting their key features:

Feature	Home2 Suites	Hampton Inn
Room Type	All-suite	Traditional rooms and suites
Kitchen Facilities	Full kitchen (refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, cooktop)	Kitchenette in some suites (microwave, mini-fridge)
Target Stay Duration	Extended stays (5+ nights)	Short to long stays
Complimentary Breakfast	Yes (continental style)	Yes (hot breakfast)
Fitness Center	Yes	Yes
Laundry Facilities	On-site	Available at some locations
Pet Policy	Pet-friendly	Varies by location
Hilton Honors Points Earning	5 base points per $1 spent	10 base points per $1 spent
Typical Locations	Suburban areas, business districts	Urban, suburban, airports, highways
Price Range	Mid-range, economical for long stays	Mid-range

Conclusion

Choosing between Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn ultimately comes down to your specific travel requirements and preferences. Home2 Suites caters to those seeking extended stays with its spacious suites, fully-equipped kitchens, and amenities designed for longer visits. On the other hand, Hampton Inn offers a more traditional hotel experience with a focus on consistency, reliability, and earning potential within the Hilton Honors program.

Regardless of your choice, both brands provide high-quality accommodations, amenities, and services that cater to different types of travelers. By considering factors such as room accommodations, amenities, earning potential, locations, and pricing, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your travel goals and budget.

Don’t forget to explore additional considerations and tips, such as breakfast options, loyalty program status benefits, room configurations, local experiences, extended stay rates, booking channels, and personalized experiences. These factors can further enhance your stay and ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience at either Home2 Suites or Hampton Inn.