Extended Stay America - Secaucus - New York City Area

This hotel's signature feature is its unbeatable proximity to Manhattan, with a bus stop directly outside offering quick and convenient access to New York City, making it an excellent choice for sightseers and budget travelers looking to explore the metropolis. Its spacious studio apartments with kitchenettes also make it a suitable option for extended stays and families seeking self-catering convenience, though the pull-out sofa beds may not be comfortable for all. Pet owners will find the hotel accommodating, adding to its appeal for a diverse range of guests. While many appreciate the overall value, the hotel is undergoing renovations, and some areas show their age. To enhance your stay, remember that kitchen essentials like dishes and utensils must be requested from the front desk, and it's advisable to bring your own toiletries and supplemental breakfast items.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers spacious studio apartments equipped with a full kitchen, including a refrigerator, freezer, cooktop, and ample counter space, which is a significant convenience for guests planning longer stays or wishing to prepare their own meals. However, most guests note that essential kitchen items such as dishes, utensils, and pans are not provided in the rooms and must be requested from the front desk. While a fitness center is available, it is often described as minimal, with limited equipment. A major point of contention for many is the swimming pool, which has been closed for an extended period, despite being advertised. Free Wi-Fi is available, though some guests report issues with signal strength. The hotel provides free parking, which is a notable advantage. Guests also mention aged elevators and a laundry room that sometimes experiences water spillage issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed, with some finding their rooms clean and comfortable, while a significant number report issues ranging from dusty surfaces and unpleasant odors to more severe concerns like ants, mice, or roaches. Many rooms are described as outdated and in need of renovation, with common complaints including stained carpets, broken shower fixtures, and damaged blinds. While the main beds are generally found to be comfortable, the pull-out sofa beds are frequently criticized for being uncomfortable, thin, or having protruding springs, making them unsuitable for a restful sleep. Noise levels are a recurring issue, primarily due to street noise from nearby busy roads and frequent, disruptive fire alarms. Additionally, some guests note the absence of basic in-room amenities like coffee makers and a full range of toiletries.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast receives consistently negative feedback from most guests, who describe it as extremely minimal and often disappointing. It typically consists of a basic 'grab-and-go' selection, including coffee, tea, instant oatmeal, and pre-packaged items such as muffins and granola bars. Many guests express that this offering does not meet their expectations for a substantial breakfast and often runs out quickly, leaving little available. Some also note the coffee quality is poor and that milk or juice are not provided. Consequently, many guests opt to dine at the numerous restaurants located within walking distance of the hotel, which offer a wide variety of food options and are a convenient alternative for meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, offering exceptional accessibility to various points of interest. Its most significant advantage is the bus stop situated directly in front of the property, providing a direct bus route to Manhattan that typically reaches the city in approximately 15 to 20 minutes, making it ideal for exploring New York City. Guests also appreciate the convenience of being within walking distance of numerous restaurants, a Walmart, and other shopping centers, ensuring easy access to dining and retail needs. Furthermore, the availability of free parking is a considerable benefit for those traveling by car. However, some guests note that reaching the hotel from the airport via public transportation can be challenging.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is varied, with many guests praising the friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness of individual team members, particularly during check-in or when addressing specific requests. Some describe the check-in process as quick and smooth, while others report long waits and initial issues with room availability. A significant area of concern is the housekeeping service, which is widely criticized for its infrequency, often being available only once every two weeks or requiring an additional fee. Guests frequently mention having to bring their own dirty towels to the front desk to exchange for clean ones. While some maintenance issues are resolved promptly, others, such as non-working televisions or persistent appliance problems, may go unaddressed throughout a guest's stay.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard amenities, guests should be aware of several unique aspects of the hotel. The pet-friendly policy is appreciated by many, though some guests have noted challenges with finding suitable outdoor areas for pets and occasional issues with pet waste in common areas. Reviews also indicate that the hotel accommodates long-term residents, including some individuals with mental health conditions, which has led to occasional uncomfortable interactions for other guests. Furthermore, the property is undergoing ongoing construction, which can result in disruptive noise during the day. A frequently mentioned and significant issue is the extreme sensitivity of the fire alarm system, leading to numerous false alarms and unexpected evacuations, often occurring at inconvenient hours, causing considerable disturbance to guests' sleep and overall experience.