Homewood Suites by Hilton Portsmouth

This hotel is frequently chosen for its spacious suites that often include kitchenettes, making it a practical choice for families and long-term guests seeking a home-like experience. Its convenient location near downtown Portsmouth and various attractions is a significant draw, appealing to sightseers and those visiting the university. The pet-friendly policy is also a notable feature, appreciated by many travelers with furry companions. While the complimentary breakfast is a consistent offering, guest opinions on its quality and variety are mixed. To ensure a smooth stay, guests are advised to confirm the parking fee upon booking and to thoroughly inspect their room for cleanliness immediately after check-in, as this is a recurring concern.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences vary. The indoor pool is available, with some guests finding it clean and refreshing, while others note it is small and often cold, despite being advertised as heated. A fitness center is provided, described as small but functional, featuring treadmills, an elliptical, free weights, and a Peloton bike. Many suites come equipped with kitchenettes including a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave, which are highly valued for extended stays. However, some guests report issues with missing or dirty utensils and cookware. Laundry facilities are available, though some guests were surprised to find a fee for their use. Wi-Fi performance receives mixed reviews, with some finding it slow. The elevators are a point of concern for some, occasionally noted for cleanliness issues or unpleasant odors. An outdoor patio with grills is also available for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Cleanliness is a significant area of mixed feedback. While some guests describe their rooms as immaculate, clean, and well-maintained, a substantial number report issues with dirty surfaces, sticky floors, hair in various places, stains on bedding, and mold in bathrooms. Room odors are also a recurring complaint, with mentions of marijuana, stale smoke, fish, and general mustiness. The beds are generally found to be comfortable, though some note issues with old mattresses, springs poking through, or sheets that don't fit. Noise levels are mostly reported as quiet, but some guests experienced disturbances from upstairs neighbors or construction. Bathrooms are frequently cited for cleanliness problems, including mildew, dirty tubs, clogged drains, and missing toiletries. Many appreciate the spaciousness of the suites, but some note issues with non-functioning light bulbs or broken lamps.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a prominent feature, with many guests appreciating its convenience and variety, often praising the hot food options and the friendly breakfast staff. However, a considerable number of reviews express disappointment, citing the same menu items daily, bland or greasy food, and items that are cold or not replenished promptly. Specific complaints include the quality of scrambled eggs and sausage, a lack of diverse fruit or yogurt options, and the absence of waffles on weekdays. The coffee is sometimes described as cold or running out. While some staff members in the breakfast area are highlighted for their kindness and helpfulness, others are noted as inattentive or unfriendly, particularly when items need refilling.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised as a major advantage. It is situated conveniently close to downtown Portsmouth, typically just a short drive away, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions. Guests also appreciate its proximity to shopping centers, grocery stores, and the University of New Hampshire. The hotel offers easy access to major highways, including I-95, and is set in a relatively quiet area, often described as a mixed-use office/residential complex. While the location itself is generally considered safe and pleasant, the parking situation receives mixed feedback. Many guests are surprised and frustrated by a daily fee for parking in an open, uncrowded lot, which some perceive as an unnecessary and "greedy" charge, especially given the ample space and lack of attendants or security.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the staff and service are highly varied. Many reviews highlight friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff members who go out of their way to assist guests, particularly at the front desk and in the breakfast area. Specific instances of staff resolving issues or providing local recommendations are noted positively. However, a significant number of guests report encountering rude, impersonal, or unresponsive staff, particularly during check-in or when addressing complaints. The check-in process itself is sometimes described as problematic, with long waits or rooms not being ready on time. Housekeeping service is a frequent point of contention; many guests report that rooms are not cleaned regularly, even for extended stays, or that requests for fresh towels and toiletries are not consistently met, leading to frustration.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for many guests traveling with animals, though some note challenges with finding suitable outdoor areas or issues with pet-related cleanliness in common areas. The property has undergone or is currently undergoing renovations, with some guests enjoying newly updated rooms, while others report encountering construction noise or finding the hotel still appears older and worn in certain areas. The hotel frequently accommodates long-term guests, including those working in the nearby naval yard, which can sometimes impact the availability of amenities or create a different atmosphere. Guests should be aware that daily room cleaning is not standard practice, and services like laundry may incur additional fees.