Finding a place to crash near the highway usually feels like a gamble. You've probably been there—pulling off the interstate, squinting at glowing signs, and hoping the room doesn't smell like old cigarettes and regret. Honestly, the Comfort Inn and Suites Somerset (specifically the one in New Jersey, though there are others in Pennsylvania and Kentucky) is one of those rare spots that actually delivers on what it promises without the weird surprises. It’s located right off Route 27 and within striking distance of I-287. It isn't a five-star luxury resort with gold-plated faucets. It’s a Choice Hotels property. But for people visiting Rutgers University or attending a wedding at one of the massive banquet halls nearby, it’s basically the gold standard for mid-range stays.
The location is the real kicker. You’re tucked into the heart of the "Jersey Silicon Valley" corridor. It’s a weirdly busy area. If you’re coming for business, you’re likely visiting companies like SHI International or Johnson & Johnson. If you’re here for fun, you’re probably just trying to avoid paying $400 a night for a shoebox in Manhattan. You can stay here, grab the train from the nearby New Brunswick station, and be in Penn Station in about an hour. It’s a strategic play.
What Actually Matters: The Room Situation
Let’s talk about the beds. Most people just want a mattress that doesn't feel like a bag of rocks. The Comfort Inn and Suites Somerset uses the standard Serta Perfect Sleeper or similar grade mattresses found across the newer Choice Hotel brand refreshes. They’re firm. Not "slab of concrete" firm, but enough to support your back after eight hours in a car.
The "Suites" part of the name isn't just marketing fluff. These rooms are actually spacious. You get a dedicated seating area with a sofa bed in most of them. This is huge for families. If you have kids, you know the pain of being trapped in a 300-square-foot room where everyone has to go to bed at 8:00 PM because there’s nowhere else to sit. Here, you can at least sit on the couch and scroll through your phone while the kids pass out.
Every room has the "Big Three" of travel essentials: a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. It sounds basic. It is basic. But try staying in a boutique hotel in the city that charges $15 for a bottle of water and doesn't give you a fridge. You’ll miss that $120-a-night Comfort Inn pretty fast.
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The Breakfast Factor (And Why It’s Better Than You Think)
Free breakfast is a staple of the brand, but the execution varies wildly from location to location. In Somerset, they tend to keep it pretty tight. You’ve got the classic waffle maker—the one where you flip the cup and wait for the beep. It’s a rite of passage for American road trips.
They usually rotate the hot proteins. One day it’s those circular egg patties and sausage links; the next, it might be bacon and scrambled eggs. Is it gourmet? No. Is it better than paying $22 for a "Continental Breakfast" at a Marriott? Absolutely.
Pro Tip: If the breakfast area is crowded (and it gets packed around 8:30 AM on weekends), grab a yogurt and a muffin and head back to the room. The coffee is decent, but there’s a Starbucks about three minutes down the road if you’re a caffeine snob.
The Location Logic: Why Stay Here?
Somerset is a sprawling township. It’s not a "walkable" city by any stretch of the imagination. You need a car. But the Comfort Inn and Suites Somerset puts you in a very specific sweet spot for several key venues.
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- The Palace at Somerset Park: If you are attending a wedding here, this hotel is a prime choice for a room block. It’s less than 10 minutes away.
- Protective Stadium and Local Sports: The hotel frequently hosts youth travel teams. If you’re here on a Saturday in June, expect to see a lot of teenagers in soccer jerseys in the lobby.
- Rutgers University: The New Brunswick campus is a straight shot down the road. During graduation weekend or a big football game, this place fills up months in advance.
- Garden State Exhibit Center: It’s practically next door. If you’re an exhibitor or an attendee for a trade show, you can basically roll out of bed and be at your booth in five minutes.
Dealing With the "Jersey" Environment
Driving in this part of New Jersey can be... intense. The jug-handles (those weird right-turn-to-go-left ramps) confuse everyone who isn't from the Tri-State area. If you're staying at the Comfort Inn and Suites Somerset, give yourself an extra fifteen minutes to get anywhere during rush hour. Route 27 and I-287 turn into parking lots between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
The hotel itself is generally quiet, despite being near major roads. They’ve done a good job with the soundproofing. However, if you're a light sleeper, ask for a room on the top floor away from the elevators. That’s universal advice, but it holds true here. The hallways can get a bit echoey if a loud group is heading back from a wedding reception at 1:00 AM.
Amenities That Actually Work
The fitness center is small. It’s basically a treadmill, an elliptical, and maybe some free weights. If you’re training for a marathon, you’ll be disappointed. If you just want to burn off the calories from the diner you went to the night before, it works.
The Wi-Fi is surprisingly stable. In many suburban hotels, the signal dies the second you close your bathroom door. Here, it’s robust enough for a Zoom call or streaming a movie. They know their audience—mostly business travelers and families who need to keep tablets running.
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The Reality Check: What's the Catch?
It's a Comfort Inn. It’s not the Ritz. Sometimes the carpet in the hallway looks a little tired. Sometimes the elevator takes an extra thirty seconds to arrive. The staff is usually local—they’re friendly but they aren't going to bow when you walk in. They’re there to check you in quickly so you can go sleep.
One thing to watch out for is the parking lot. It’s plenty big, but because of the proximity to the exhibit center, you’ll sometimes see large trucks or vans taking up multiple spots. If you arrive late at night, you might have to park a bit further from the entrance than you’d like.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re booking the Comfort Inn and Suites Somerset, don't just click "pay" on the first site you see.
- Check the Choice Privileges Rate: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, joining the loyalty program takes two minutes and usually knocks 5-10% off the "Best Available Rate."
- Request the "Quiet Side": When you check in, ask if there’s a room facing away from the main road. The difference in ambient noise is noticeable.
- Explore the Local Food: Don't eat dinner at the hotel (they don't really have a full-service restaurant anyway). Somerset has some of the best international food in Jersey. Go find a local Indian spot or a classic Jersey diner within a two-mile radius.
- Commuter Strategy: If you're heading into NYC, drive 10 minutes to the Jersey Avenue or New Brunswick train station. Don't try to drive into Manhattan unless you enjoy paying $60 for parking and losing your mind in the Holland Tunnel.
- Verify the Address: Double-check you are booking the "Somerset, NJ" location if that’s where you need to be. There are Comfort Inns in Somerset, PA, and Somerset, KY, and people mix them up more often than you’d think.
The hotel serves its purpose perfectly: it's a reliable, clean, and well-located hub for exploring Central Jersey or handling business. It’s the kind of place that stays out of your way so you can get on with your trip.