Handy Suites-Essex

We’ve been here a few times and will be back. The room was clean, breakfast was good, and the on-site laundry came in handy for drying our bathing suits. The pool looked a bit dirty and worn, though our son loved it. The staff went out of their way to help, especially the lovely young woman working that evening, who even printed something we needed for our trip.

Our suite gave us plenty of room for the kids, with two bathrooms and a really nice kitchen. Breakfast was good, and the staff were friendly. The place has a homey feel and looks more like a housing complex from outside than a hotel. We couldn't use the pool because it was under maintenance, which was the only downside. I'd happily stay again.

For the night I stayed on 6/29/2019, the rate was good and the room was huge. It had a full kitchen with a full-sized fridge, stove top, and dishwasher, and the air conditioning worked well. The king bed was comfortable, though I used my own pillow. There was plenty of hot water, but the shower head was mediocre. It was fine for one night, somewhere in the middle of the pack compared with other places.

My daughter was happy with the indoor pool slide, and I liked how much space we had. The bedroom was separate, the bed was clean but not a pillow-top, and the bathroom had been redone. Its fan worked well, which I don't often find even in pricier hotels. The room itself was fine, though the hallway felt overheated and smelled odd. We were here for the Champlain Fair on Labour Day weekend, and the affordable rate was a plus. I also liked eating breakfast in our own kitchen area. It was easier than trying to find a seat at the free hotel breakfasts packed with very young kids.