Extended Stay America - Secaucus - Meadowlands

The hotel is particularly noted for its spacious rooms equipped with kitchenettes, including a full-size refrigerator and stove, making it a practical choice for long-term stays and families seeking a home-like environment. Its prime location offers convenient access to major attractions like the American Dream Mall and MetLife Stadium, appealing greatly to event-goers and sightseers. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff service as a standout feature, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. While many appreciate the hotel's value, some guests advise managing expectations regarding the complimentary breakfast, which is often described as minimal. Additionally, guests should inquire about the hot water situation upon arrival, as it can be inconsistent. For those planning an extended visit, bringing personal cleaning supplies might be beneficial due to the less frequent housekeeping schedule. This hotel is also a suitable option for budget travelers and pet owners due to its accommodating policies.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers practical kitchenettes in each room, featuring a full-size refrigerator, stove, and microwave, which are highly valued by guests for preparing their own meals, especially during longer stays. Free Wi-Fi is available, allowing guests to stay connected. Ample and secure parking is provided on-site, a significant convenience for those traveling by car. A laundry room is also accessible for guest use, and some guests appreciate the outdoor grill area. However, some guests note that the TVs in the rooms can be outdated, with issues like blurriness or connectivity problems. There is no ice machine readily available on each floor, requiring guests to make their own ice or request it. Basic kitchenware like dishes and silverware are not always provided in the room and may need to be requested from the front desk. The elevators have also been a point of concern for some, with reports of noise or occasional malfunctions.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
While many guests report finding their rooms to be generally clean upon arrival, a significant number express concerns regarding overall cleanliness and room comfort. Issues frequently cited include persistent stains on carpets, walls, and towels, as well as the presence of hair in the shower or on the sink. Many rooms are described as having unpleasant bad smells, ranging from musky odors to cigarette smoke, sometimes masked by strong fragrances. Some guests have also reported finding mold in the sink or bathtub, and the furniture is often perceived as old and dated. A major recurring complaint is the inconsistent hot water supply and low water pressure in showers, often requiring long waits for water to warm up. The thin walls can lead to noise disturbances from neighboring rooms, impacting sleep quality. Furthermore, the hotel's housekeeping policy, which typically involves cleaning only every 15 days, means guests are responsible for exchanging their own towels at the front desk, which some find inconvenient.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast receives consistently negative feedback from most guests, who often describe it as minimal and disappointing. Rather than a traditional hot breakfast or buffet, the offerings typically consist of a limited selection of coffee, pre-packaged muffins, granola bars, and instant oatmeal packets. Many guests feel that the advertised "free breakfast" is misleading, as the food options are very basic and often not replenished adequately, especially later in the morning. Some reviews specifically mention the coffee quality as poor or foul, and there is generally no milk, juice, or fresh fruit available. This limited selection often prompts guests to seek breakfast options elsewhere, as it falls short of expectations for a substantial morning meal.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous central location, making it a popular choice for guests visiting the area. It offers excellent proximity to major attractions such as the American Dream Mall and MetLife Stadium, which are just a short drive away. Its convenience for accessing New York City is also a significant draw, with a nearby bus stop providing direct routes for an easy commute. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of various restaurants and a liquor store, adding to the convenience of their stay. The property also offers a pleasant river view from some areas, enhancing the overall experience. Ample and secure parking is available on-site, which is a considerable benefit for travelers with vehicles. While the location is generally praised, some guests note that public transportation can be less convenient without a car, and the bus schedule may be inconsistent.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the professional and attentive service provided by the front desk team, who are often described as going above and beyond to assist guests with their needs and inquiries. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to be accommodating and responsive to requests, from providing recommendations to addressing room issues promptly. The overall customer service is frequently commended, with many guests feeling a genuine sense of welcome and a welcoming atmosphere during their stay. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated instances mention less empathetic or communicative interactions, particularly concerning booking discrepancies or specific complaints, but these are generally outweighed by the numerous positive accounts of dedicated service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that impact the overall stay. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though some guests note challenges with finding suitable outdoor areas for pets and occasional issues with pet waste on the property. A key aspect of the stay is the housekeeping schedule, with rooms typically cleaned only every 15 days; guests are responsible for exchanging their own towels at the front desk. Frequent and often loud fire alarms are a recurring issue, sometimes occurring multiple times a day or night, leading to disruptive evacuations without clear communication from staff. Many guests report persistent problems with room keys deactivating, requiring repeated trips to the front desk for re-activation. Noise from the adjacent highway and neighboring rooms is also a common complaint. Furthermore, some guests have reported significant concerns regarding bedbugs, even after being moved to different rooms. Basic amenities like drinking water are not provided in rooms and must be purchased, and there is a general lack of in-room supplies such as hand soap or shampoo.