Smart Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

For those exploring the vibrant greater Burlington area and seeking a comfortable, extended-stay friendly option within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, the Smart Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, presents itself as an all-suite hotel with a focus on convenience and self-sufficiency. Located at 1700 Shelburne Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403, USA, this property aims to provide a more home-like experience than a traditional hotel room, complete with kitchen facilities and ample living space.

Smart Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, is strategically situated on Shelburne Road, a key artery in South Burlington, offering excellent connectivity to local attractions and business centers. The hotel is approximately 1 mile from the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, providing opportunities for scenic drives and outdoor recreation. Major educational institutions such as the University of Vermont and Champlain College are easily accessible, making it a convenient choice for prospective students, visiting families, or those attending university events. The bustling Church Street Marketplace, with its array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, is also just minutes away. For those flying in or out, Burlington International Airport (BTV) is a short drive from the hotel. Nearby points of interest include the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the Shelburne Museum, offering unique local experiences. While the location provides good access to amenities and attractions, it is on a main road, and guests should be aware of the immediate surroundings, as some past reviews have mentioned external factors.

As an Ascend Hotel Collection property, Smart Suites aims to offer a distinctive stay with a focus on local flavor and upscale amenities. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk to assist guests with their needs and offers complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, ensuring connectivity. Free self-parking is available on-site, including space for RVs, buses, and trucks, which is beneficial for guests traveling with larger vehicles. For added convenience, the hotel features laundry facilities, an ATM/banking service, and a snack bar/deli.

Key amenities and services include:

• Accommodations: All units at Smart Suites are designed as suites, providing more space and functionality than standard hotel rooms. They are individually furnished and typically include a separate sitting area and a bedroom. Room configurations often feature options with a king bed and a double sofa bed, or two double beds and a double sofa bed, accommodating various group sizes. A significant draw is the inclusion of kitchenettes or full kitchens in the suites, equipped with a refrigerator (full-sized in some suites), microwave, and coffee/tea maker. Some suites even offer a stovetop, oven, dishwasher, cookware, and dishware, making them suitable for extended stays or for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals. Each suite has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer (on request). Other in-room amenities include a flat-screen TV with premium channels, a desk, iron/ironing board, and climate-controlled air conditioning and heating. Free cribs/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds are available upon request, some for an additional charge.

• Dining: The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast, which is a valuable perk for guests, providing a convenient and cost-effective start to the day. While there isn't a full-service restaurant on site, the in-suite kitchen facilities allow guests to prepare their own meals, and the hotel's location on Shelburne Road means a variety of dining options are available nearby.

• Fitness and Recreation: Smart Suites provides a 24-hour fitness center equipped with a gym, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines at their convenience. While there is no outdoor pool, the fitness facilities cater to guests' wellness needs. There is also a terrace and picnic area with barbecue grills for outdoor relaxation and dining during favorable weather.

• Business and Event Facilities: For business travelers, the hotel offers a 24-hour business center, conference space, and meeting rooms, making it suitable for small meetings or events. A banquet hall is also available.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Smart Suites is a pet-friendly hotel, welcoming dogs with a maximum of two pets per room. A charge of USD 50 per pet, per night applies, though service animals are exempt from fees. Restrictions on pet size or type may apply, and guests should confirm details directly with the hotel.

• Accessibility: The hotel is committed to accessibility, offering features like a well-lit path to the entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking, grab bars near toilets, handrails in stairways, and visual fire alarms, among other features.

The Smart Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, stands out due to several distinctive features:

• All-Suite Accommodations: The all-suite format, particularly with the availability of full kitchens in some rooms, is a major advantage for guests on extended stays, families, or those preferring self-catering options.

• Complimentary Continental Breakfast: A free and consistent breakfast offering adds significant value to a stay, helping guests save time and money on meals.

• Pet-Friendly: Its welcoming policy towards pets makes it an attractive option for travelers who wish to bring their animal companions.

• Ascend Hotel Collection Brand: As part of Choice Hotels' Ascend Hotel Collection, the hotel aims to offer a unique, upscale experience with a focus on local character, often reflecting the destination.

• Convenient Location: Easy access to major attractions like Lake Champlain, the University of Vermont, and Church Street Marketplace, along with proximity to the airport, makes it a practical choice for exploring the Burlington area.

While specific promotional offers can vary, guests looking to book at Smart Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, should consider the following:

• Direct Booking Benefits: Checking the Choice Hotels website or contacting the hotel directly at (802) 860-9900 or +1 802-860-9900 may yield exclusive deals, loyalty program benefits (Choice Privileges), or special packages that are not available through third-party booking sites.

• Extended Stay Value: The all-suite format with kitchen facilities naturally lends itself to longer stays, often offering better value for guests planning to be in the area for several days or weeks.

• Guest Feedback Considerations: Recent guest reviews, while praising the cleanliness of rooms and the considerate attitude of housekeeping staff, have also highlighted concerns about the overall environment and strong odors in the hallways and rooms upon arrival, with difficulties in resolving these issues through front desk staff. One guest also reported an alarming observation in the parking lot. These points suggest areas where the hotel may need to address guest experience and environment. Prospective guests should be aware of these past experiences and consider them when making their booking decision. It is always advisable to inquire about current conditions if specific concerns are critical to your stay.

In summary, the Smart Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, positioned within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, offers a suite-style accommodation with amenities like complimentary breakfast, kitchen facilities, and a fitness center. Its pet-friendly policy and convenient location near major Burlington attractions cater to a diverse range of travelers. While the hotel provides many desirable features, potential guests should also take into account recent feedback regarding the overall environment and staff responsiveness to certain issues, and consider contacting the hotel directly for the most current information and to address any specific concerns.