Residence Inn Saratoga Springs

The Residence Inn Saratoga Springs, located at 295 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA, is a prominent choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, especially for travelers seeking extended stays or those who appreciate the convenience of apartment-style accommodations. As part of the Marriott brand, this hotel is designed to make guests feel at home, offering spacious suites with full kitchens and a range of amenities tailored for longer visits.

The Residence Inn Saratoga Springs aims to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, designed for both short and extended stays. The hotel features a low-rise structure with an interior corridor, and was built in 1999, undergoing renovations in 2017. The lobby is inviting, described as featuring a couch, a fireplace, a TV, and plenty of tables, making it suitable for both working and relaxing. The overall cleanliness of the hotel is consistently praised by guests, with common areas appearing impressive.

While some guest feedback notes that the rooms themselves might show some signs of wear and tear, and some mention an "old, musty smell" potentially from aging carpets and past pet occupancy, the overall hotel environment remains well-maintained. The hotel is situated in an area that offers relatively easy access to Saratoga Springs attractions. While not directly in the bustling downtown, its location provides a quieter setting while still being a short drive to popular destinations like the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), and the vibrant Broadway area with its shops and restaurants. The property offers outdoor seating areas, though their use is seasonal.

The Residence Inn Saratoga Springs excels in providing a comprehensive suite of services and amenities, with a particular focus on the needs of extended-stay guests.

Suite Features:

• All accommodations are spacious suites, designed to feel like a home away from home. They typically feature separate living, sleeping, and dining areas.
• A key highlight is the fully equipped kitchenettes in every suite, which include a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, and all necessary cookware and tableware. This feature is a "nice convenience for storing food and drinks" and allows guests to prepare their own meals.
• Bedrooms come with comfortable bedding, and living areas include pull-out sofa beds.
• Each suite usually has two small TVs (around 27 inches), one in the bedroom and one in the living area. While their size might feel "a bit outdated," streaming options like Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora are available.
• Connectivity is reliable, with complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, ensuring "no connectivity or streaming issues."
• Other in-room amenities include a desk, iron/ironing board, and a coffee maker.
• Bathrooms are kept "spotless" by the housekeeping staff and include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

Complimentary Offerings:

• A significant draw is the complimentary hot breakfast, which is consistently praised as a "highlight" and "plentiful." Offerings cater to various preferences, including oatmeal with toppings, dry cereals, fruit, yogurt, assorted bagels and English muffins, packaged muffins and danish, scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and a waffle-making station. Gluten-free options are also available.
• The coffee selection is impressive, featuring hot coffee varieties and cold brew, along with convenient to-go cups.
• Complimentary high-speed internet access (WiFi and wired) is available throughout the hotel.
• Complimentary self-parking is provided on-site.

Hotel Facilities and Services:

• The hotel features an indoor pool, which is a popular amenity, though some guests note a strong chlorine smell.
• A fitness center is available for guests to maintain their exercise routines.
• For social gatherings, there is an outdoor picnic area with a fire pit and barbecue grills.
• A 24-hour convenience store (The Market) is on-site for snacks and drinks.
• A 24-hour business center with computer stations and printing services is available.
• Meeting rooms are offered for small gatherings or business needs.
• The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing pets for a fee, making it a convenient option for travelers with animal companions.
• A laundry facility and dry cleaning services are provided for guest convenience.
• The staff is consistently highlighted as a major positive, being described as "kind, friendly, and incredibly welcoming." Guests, including a manager named Bob, are praised for their "warmth and hospitality" and for making guests "feel so much at ease—like I was at home."
• For families, cribs/infant beds are available on request, and children may stay free when using existing bedding.

The Residence Inn Saratoga Springs stands out primarily due to its extended-stay model, offering spacious suites with full kitchens. This feature provides significant value and flexibility, especially for families or guests on longer trips, allowing them to prepare meals and manage their budget effectively. The consistent praise for the complimentary hot breakfast, with its wide array of options and attentive staff, is another key distinguishing factor.

However, the most frequently highlighted and celebrated aspect of this hotel is its staff. Numerous reviews emphasize the exceptional service, friendliness, and genuine hospitality of the team, which can transform a stay during a "challenging time" into a comforting experience. The staff's commitment to making guests feel supported and at home creates a truly positive and memorable impression. This human element is a major differentiator for the hotel.

The hotel's pet-friendly policy also makes it a valuable choice for travelers with furry companions, though the potential for lingering pet odors in rooms with carpets is a point some guests have noted. The reliable WiFi and streaming options, despite the smaller TV sizes, ensure guests can stay entertained and connected.

As a Marriott property, Residence Inn Saratoga Springs participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Members can earn and redeem points for stays, and often benefit from exclusive member rates, mobile check-in/out, and other perks. Potential guests are encouraged to check the official Marriott website or other reputable booking platforms for current promotions, which might include special rates for extended stays, seasonal discounts, or package deals.

It's important for prospective guests to be aware of certain aspects mentioned in reviews. While the staff and cleanliness of common areas are excellent, some rooms might show signs of age, including potential musty smells from carpets, loud refrigerators, or noisy heating units. The TVs are noted as being smaller by modern standards. Guests who are sensitive to pet odors or noise might consider requesting a room that has not housed pets or a quieter location within the hotel if possible. However, the consistent positive feedback on the staff's dedication and the quality of the complimentary breakfast strongly suggests that these positive aspects often outweigh the minor room-related drawbacks for many guests.

Check-in time is typically 3:00 PM, and check-out is 12:00 PM. Guests should confirm the pet fee, which is usually a non-refundable charge, and any other specific policies at the time of booking. The hotel's commitment to hospitality, particularly through its staff, makes it a strong contender for a comfortable and supported stay in Saratoga Springs.