Extended Stay America - Edison - Raritan Center

This hotel is primarily designed for extended stays, offering the convenience of a kitchenette in each room, which many guests find highly beneficial for preparing their own meals. While the hotel aims to provide an affordable and practical option, feedback is notably mixed, particularly regarding cleanliness and overall ambiance. The property is often chosen by budget travelers and pet owners due to its accommodating policies, and its proximity to local business hubs makes it suitable for business travelers. However, recurring mentions of unpleasant odors and inconsistent room conditions suggest that guests should manage their expectations. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about recently renovated rooms and be prepared for a basic "grab-and-go" breakfast experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a kitchenette in each room, complete with a full-sized refrigerator and cooktop, which is a significant advantage for guests on longer stays. However, many reviewers noted a lack of essential kitchen supplies, such as dishes, utensils, and cleaning items, requiring guests to request them from the front desk or bring their own. While free Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported issues with its reliability and speed, with options to upgrade for a fee. The property also features laundry machines, though their limited number can lead to inconvenience. Several guests expressed disappointment that there is no gym on site. Other reported issues include broken televisions, non-functional in-room phones, and a general lack of coffee makers in the rooms, which many found inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied. While some guests praised the rooms as spotlessly clean and free of pests, many others reported significant issues, including unpleasant odors like smoke or dampness, and visible dirt such as hair in bathrooms and beds, stains on linens, and general grime. Some rooms were noted to have peeling paint or broken fixtures. The beds received mixed reviews; some found them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others described them as uncomfortable with flat pillows and thin bedding. Noise is a frequent complaint, with guests reporting disturbances from noisy air conditioning units, refrigerators, thin walls allowing sound from neighboring rooms, and traffic noise from the nearby highway.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast offering consistently receives negative feedback from guests. Described as a "grab-and-go" option, it typically consists of a very limited selection, such as packaged muffins, granola bars, and instant oatmeal. Many guests reported that coffee was often unavailable, ran out quickly, or was of poor quality, with a lack of creamers or sweetener. There were also complaints about the absence of basic items like coffee mugs, bowls for oatmeal, or any fresh options like fruit or protein. Most guests advised against relying on the hotel's breakfast, suggesting it is better to seek dining options elsewhere due to its poor quality and lack of variety.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, especially for those attending events at the New Jersey Expo Center or needing access to the NJ Turnpike and other major highways. Its position within a corporate park offers a relatively quiet environment for some, though it also means there are limited dining or grocery options within walking distance. Guests appreciate the easy access to public transportation, including the NJ Transit, which provides connections to nearby cities. However, some guests noted that being close to a highway resulted in noisy traffic and that the immediate surrounding area lacked amenities, requiring a drive for most needs. Parking is available on-site and is generally considered ample.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many guests highlighted the attentive service provided by the front desk team, noting their willingness to assist with requests and their overall pleasant demeanor. The check-in and check-out processes are often described as efficient and straightforward. Guests appreciate the staff's efforts to ensure a comfortable stay, with many feeling well-cared for. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of unresponsiveness or long wait times at the front desk, particularly during busy periods or late hours.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's cleaning schedule, as rooms are typically serviced only every two weeks, with additional cleaning incurring an extra charge. This policy also means guests are often responsible for taking out their own trash. The check-in time is strictly enforced at 3 PM, with an early check-in fee applied for arrivals before this time, which some guests found inconvenient. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though a nightly pet fee applies. Some guests noted issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and speed, suggesting it may not be suitable for streaming without an upgrade. Recurring concerns include noise from other guests and the observation of propped open doors in common areas, which can impact the overall sense of security.