Extended Stay America - Meadowlands - East Rutherford

This hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional location, offering unparalleled proximity to the American Dream Mall and MetLife Stadium, making it a convenient choice for sightseers and event-goers. While many guests appreciate the affordability, the experience is often characterized by significant compromises in cleanliness and room maintenance. The hotel is particularly suited for budget travelers and those seeking an extended stay with basic amenities, though it may not meet the expectations of guests accustomed to higher standards. For families or groups visiting the nearby attractions, the hotel's location is a major draw. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to manage their expectations regarding room condition and be prepared for a minimal breakfast offering.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests find the presence of a kitchenette in the rooms to be a highly valuable amenity, complete with a refrigerator and stove burners, which is particularly useful for longer stays or for preparing meals to save on dining costs. A laundry room is also available for guest use. However, guests frequently note that basic dishes and cookware are not provided in the rooms and must be requested from the front desk. While free Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests report connectivity issues. The hotel does not offer a gym or a swimming pool, which may be a drawback for those seeking recreational facilities. Additionally, the ice machines are not conveniently located on every floor, often requiring guests to visit the laundry room for ice.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives widespread criticism regarding its cleanliness and room comfort. Many guests report encountering dirty rooms, unvacuumed carpets, and garbage left in hallways. Common complaints include stained sheets, excessive dust, and hair found in various areas, including bathtubs and on towels. Issues like moldy tubs, roaches, and even bed bugs are occasionally reported, causing significant discomfort. Rooms are frequently described as outdated, with peeling paint, holes in walls, broken fixtures, and rusty appliances. Guests often experience uncomfortable beds, non-working TVs, and broken outlets. Noise is another major concern, with reports of loud neighbors, slamming doors, constant traffic noise from the nearby highway, barking dogs, and unexpected fire alarms disrupting sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast offering is consistently described as minimal and often disappointing. It is typically a "grab and go" style, consisting primarily of coffee, prepackaged muffins, granola bars, and oatmeal packets. Guests frequently express dissatisfaction with the lack of variety and overall quality, stating that it barely qualifies as a full breakfast. Some reviews mention issues with the coffee not being readily available or being cold. There are also comments about the absence of basic items like cups for coffee, requiring guests to bring their own. Overall, the dining experience is not a highlight, and guests are advised to plan for alternative breakfast options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a primary advantage, offering excellent proximity to major attractions such as the American Dream Mall, MetLife Stadium, and Medieval Times. It is also conveniently situated for those looking to access New York City, though a car is essential for this. Parking at the hotel is free, which is a notable benefit. However, a significant drawback is the lack of walkability to these nearby attractions, despite their visual proximity, necessitating the use of Uber or other transportation services. Being located alongside a highway contributes to constant traffic noise, which can be disruptive. Some guests also express concerns about the immediate surrounding area and the limited access to public transport.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is mixed, though many guests commend the front desk team for being friendly, polite, helpful, professional, and accommodating. Specific individuals are often singled out for their positive attitudes and willingness to assist. However, some guests report issues with check-in delays, rooms not being ready upon arrival, and instances of rude or unprofessional interactions. Housekeeping is a recurring point of contention, with many reviews noting a lack of daily service, the need to explicitly request towels and linens, and generally poor cleaning efforts. Furthermore, numerous guests have experienced significant problems with refunds and billing issues, including unexpected charges and difficulties resolving discrepancies.

Additional Information
The hotel operates with a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with animals, though some note challenges with finding suitable areas for pet waste. A notable aspect of the hotel's environment is the presence of long-term residents, which some guests feel impacts the overall atmosphere and contributes to varying levels of cleanliness in common areas. Guests should be aware that cots are not available, which can be an issue for larger groups or families. There are also frequent mentions of a pervasive smoke smell throughout the building, despite it being a non-smoking property, and some guests have reported being charged a smoking fee. Furthermore, the hotel has faced criticism regarding its accessibility features, with some handicapped-accessible rooms lacking essential amenities like shower stalls or grab bars.