Homewood Suites vs Staybridge Suites: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to extended-stay accommodations, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Staybridge Suites by IHG are two brands that consistently rank among the top choices for travelers. Whether you’re planning a long-term business trip, a temporary relocation, or a leisurely vacation, these hotels offer a home-away-from-home experience with fully equipped kitchens, spacious suites, and a range of amenities designed to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

However, as with any hotel brand, there are distinct differences between Homewood Suites and Staybridge Suites that may sway your decision one way or the other. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into various aspects of these two extended-stay giants, including room types, amenities, dining options, loyalty programs, and more, to help you make an informed choice based on your specific needs and preferences.

Room Types and Suite Layouts

Both Homewood Suites and Staybridge Suites offer a variety of suite types to accommodate different group sizes and needs. However, there are some notable differences in their room configurations and layouts.

Homewood Suites typically features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites, with the latter being ideal for larger families or groups. Each suite includes a fully equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher, as well as a separate living area with a sleeper sofa. The suite layouts are designed to provide ample space and separation between the living and sleeping areas, ensuring privacy and comfort.

Staybridge Suites, on the other hand, offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites, as well as some properties with three-bedroom suites. Like Homewood Suites, the rooms feature fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas, but the layouts can vary slightly from property to property. Some Staybridge Suites have an open-concept design, while others offer more distinct separation between the living and sleeping spaces.

Amenities and On-Site Facilities

Both brands offer a range of amenities and on-site facilities to cater to the needs of extended-stay guests, but there are some key differences to consider.

Homewood Suites typically offers the following amenities:

• Complimentary hot breakfast daily
• Evening social (Monday-Thursday) with light meals and beverages
• Outdoor grilling areas
• Fitness centers
• Swimming pools (at most locations)
• Business centers
• Laundry facilities (may incur a fee)

Staybridge Suites, on the other hand, offers a slightly different set of amenities:

• Complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily
• Evening social (Tuesday-Thursday) with light meals and beverages
• Outdoor grilling areas (at most locations)
• Fitness centers
• Swimming pools (at most locations)
• Business centers
• Laundry facilities (complimentary)

One notable difference is that Staybridge Suites offers complimentary guest laundry facilities, while Homewood Suites may charge a fee for laundry services. Additionally, Staybridge Suites often has outdoor grilling areas, which can be a great feature for those who enjoy outdoor cooking and dining.

Dining Options

Both Homewood Suites and Staybridge Suites provide dining options that cater to extended-stay guests, but the offerings vary slightly between the two brands.

Homewood Suites offers a complimentary hot breakfast daily, which typically includes a variety of hot and cold items such as eggs, breakfast meats, waffles, cereals, pastries, and fruits. Additionally, they host an evening social Monday through Thursday, where guests can enjoy light meals and beverages, including beer and wine. The evening social menu rotates regularly, offering a variety of options throughout the week.

Staybridge Suites, on the other hand, also provides a complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily, with a similar range of hot and cold items. Their evening social, called the “Evening Relax,” runs Tuesday through Thursday and offers light meals, as well as complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Both brands’ dining options are designed to provide guests with convenient and satisfying meal choices, reducing the need to dine out or prepare meals in their suite kitchens, although having a fully equipped kitchen is still a significant advantage for extended-stay travelers.

Loyalty Programs and Rewards

When it comes to loyalty programs and rewards, both Hilton and IHG offer attractive options for frequent travelers.

Homewood Suites is part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program, which allows members to earn and redeem points for stays, as well as enjoy benefits such as free WiFi, digital check-in, and room upgrades (based on status and availability). Hilton Honors members can also take advantage of the program’s partnerships with airlines, rental car companies, and other travel-related services, allowing them to earn and redeem points across various platforms.

Staybridge Suites, on the other hand, is part of the IHG Rewards Club program, which offers similar benefits to Hilton Honors, including free WiFi, early check-in/late check-out, and room upgrades (based on status and availability). IHG Rewards Club members can also earn and redeem points for stays, as well as take advantage of partnerships with various airlines and other travel-related services.

Both loyalty programs offer multiple tiers of status, with higher tiers providing more benefits and perks. The specific benefits and requirements for each tier may vary between the two programs, so it’s important to consider your travel patterns and preferences when choosing which program to prioritize.

Pet Policies and Fees

For travelers who plan to bring their furry companions along, both Homewood Suites and Staybridge Suites are pet-friendly, but their policies and fees differ slightly.

Homewood Suites typically allows up to two pets per room, with a non-refundable fee that can range from $75 to $150 per stay, depending on the location and length of stay. Some properties may also have weight or breed restrictions, so it’s essential to check with the specific hotel before booking.

Staybridge Suites also allows pets, with a maximum of two pets per room. However, their pet fees are often more favorable for extended stays. Many Staybridge Suites properties charge a flat fee of $75 to $150 for stays of up to six nights, with an additional fee (typically $25-$50) for each additional week, capped at a maximum amount (usually $150-$200 for the entire stay).

It’s important to note that pet policies and fees can vary by location, so it’s always advisable to check with the specific hotel before booking to ensure you have accurate information and can plan accordingly.

Overall Comparison and Recommendations

When it comes to choosing between Homewood Suites and Staybridge Suites, both brands offer excellent extended-stay accommodations and amenities. However, depending on your specific needs and preferences, one brand may be a better fit than the other.

If you prioritize a more distinct separation between living and sleeping areas, as well as a consistent brand experience across multiple locations, Homewood Suites may be the better choice. Their suite layouts tend to be more standardized, and their evening social offerings provide a nice opportunity for guests to socialize and enjoy light meals and beverages.

On the other hand, if you value complimentary laundry facilities and potentially lower pet fees for extended stays, Staybridge Suites may be the preferred option. Additionally, some guests may prefer the open-concept suite layouts offered by certain Staybridge Suites properties.

Ultimately, the decision between Homewood Suites and Staybridge Suites will depend on your specific travel needs, budget, loyalty program preferences, and personal preferences regarding amenities and suite layouts. Both brands offer exceptional extended-stay experiences, and it’s worth considering all the factors before making your choice.