Homewood Suites by Hilton Stratford

After checking in, I went to the bathroom and found feces on the toilet seat and around the bowl. I contacted the front desk right away. A staff member cleaned the seat, but left what had dripped down onto the bowl, so I ended up cleaning that myself. Later, when I went to put my phone and water bottle on the nightstand, I saw dried food left there by a previous guest. The woman who checked me in was rude and acted like doing her job was an inconvenience. At $272 a night, I expected a cleaner, better room.

The rooms were clean, which was the main thing that mattered, but the place is dated. I felt cold air coming through the exterior wall around the outlets, windows, and wall air unit, and the floor stayed noticeably cold throughout my stay. The bathroom tiles were loose too. I paid for a four-night weekend stay and wouldn't come back at that price. Homewood Suites usually has free guest laundry, I think, but here it was coin operated. I gave up breakfast on my next one-night booking and chose a Candlewood so I could do laundry for free. By the way, if you travel, Eathbreeze laundry soap sheets are handy. Two packs have lasted me a long time in my suitcase. The business center was just a wireless printer, and when I emailed it a PDF I got an error reply. With all the energy-efficiency ratings, I expected the room temperature to be more even.

The employees have all been so kind, and they even recognize guests who come back. I've been here for a week and have been very happy, so I'd absolutely stay again. Breakfast is delicious, and besides Hilton's standard amenities, the rooms have kitchens with full-size fridges and cooktops. I can barely hear the neighbors next door, though I sometimes hear cars on the Merritt and a train horn.

The staff put out a great breakfast every morning, changing the menu and offering new options each day. I especially love the make-your-own waffle station, and the coffee is hot and ready when I come down before heading to the office. The pool is clean and tidy, towels are always available, and the onsite laundry has been a big help for our extended stay. The front desk even has quarters ready. Today it was 20 degrees in CT, and seeing a Hot Chocolate station sign when I walked in melted my heart. Our family needed a place with a kitchenette that worked for our commutes after a housefire, and the Homewood Suites in Stratford has been exactly what we needed during a very stressful time. The team has made things brighter, and made us feel welcome and cared for. I almost don't want to leave. From the moment you arrive, the staff are kind and accommodating. This management team deserves 5 STARS. Thank you all for making our stay fabulous.