Finding a place to crash for a few weeks in Central Jersey can be a total headache. Honestly, most people just look for the cheapest nightly rate on a booking site and hope for the best. But when you’re looking at the Extended Stay America Somerset Franklin Somerset NJ 08873, you have to look past the generic photos. It’s located at 30 World’s Fair Drive, tucked away in that corporate-heavy pocket of Franklin Township.
It isn't a luxury resort. Don't go in expecting a concierge in a tuxedo or a marble lobby. It’s basically a studio apartment masquerading as a hotel room, and for a specific type of traveler, that’s exactly what works.
The Reality of 30 World's Fair Drive
The location is the biggest draw. You've got easy access to I-287, which is a lifesaver if you're commuting to New Brunswick or even heading up toward Morristown. It's about a 10-minute drive to Rutgers University, making it a frequent haunt for visiting researchers or families during graduation season.
There are about 104 rooms here, spread across three floors. It’s a standard setup. You walk in, and it feels like a functional space designed for people who are in the middle of a transition—relocating for a job at one of the nearby pharma companies or maybe just between apartments.
What’s actually in the kitchen?
People always ask if "fully equipped" is a marketing lie. Kinda. You get the big stuff: a full-sized refrigerator (not a tiny dorm cube), a two-burner stovetop, and a microwave.
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But here’s the kicker: the cabinets might be empty when you walk in. You often have to ask the front desk for the "kitchen kit." This usually includes:
- A couple of pots and pans.
- Basic plates and bowls.
- Silverware and a few cooking utensils.
- A coffee maker (essential).
If you’re planning on cooking a five-course meal, you’ll be frustrated. If you’re just trying to boil some pasta or fry an egg so you don't have to eat at the Wendy's down the street every night, it does the job.
The Breakfast and Housekeeping "Situation"
Let’s talk about the "free breakfast." If you’re picturing a buffet with an omelet station and crispy bacon, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s a "grab-and-go" setup. Basically, it’s coffee, hot cereal packets, muffins, and granola bars. It’s fuel, not a culinary experience.
Housekeeping is another thing that trips people up. Since it’s an extended stay model, they don’t come in every morning to fluff your pillows.
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- Stays of 1-6 nights: You usually don't get a full cleaning. You can swap towels at the front desk though.
- Stays of 7+ nights: You get a full service once a week. They’ll vacuum, clean the bathroom, and dump the trash.
- Freshness on demand: You can pay an extra fee (usually around $10) if you want daily cleaning, but most people just handle it themselves to save cash.
Why Location Matters in Somerset
Somerset is a weirdly spread-out place. The Extended Stay America Somerset Franklin Somerset NJ 08873 sits near several major business hubs. If you are working at the Garden State Exhibition Center or doing business with companies like SHI International, you are right in the thick of it.
For fun? You’re close to Colonial Park. It’s a massive green space with a great rose garden and a putting course. If you have a dog—and this hotel is famously pet-friendly—that’s where you’ll want to head. The hotel allows two pets per room, usually dogs or cats under 50 lbs, though they can be flexible if you call ahead. There’s a pet fee, typically $25 per night, but it caps out at $150 for long stays, which is a lot cheaper than a kennel.
The Noise Factor
Because it’s near I-287 and World’s Fair Drive is a commercial corridor, it isn't silent. It’s a busy area. You’ll hear the hum of traffic. However, the hotel itself is generally quieter than a standard tourist hotel because people are living there, not partying. They’re mostly workers who are tired and want to sleep.
Is it worth the price?
Prices fluctuate wildly. You might see a room for $80 one night and $130 the next. The real value is in the weekly or monthly rates. If you’re staying 30+ nights, the tax structure changes in New Jersey, and the hotel often drops the nightly rate significantly.
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The rooms are about 300 square feet. It's tight for a family of four but perfect for a solo traveler or a couple. The 32-inch TVs are a bit dated, and the Wi-Fi is fine for emails but might struggle if you’re trying to stream 4K video while three other people on your floor are doing the same thing.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
Don't just show up and expect everything to be perfect. Here is how to actually navigate a stay here:
- Check-in is at 3:00 PM. They are pretty strict about this. If you arrive early, don't expect a room to be ready unless you've called ahead and they’ve had a light night.
- Bring your own toiletries. They provide the basics (soap/shampoo), but it’s the "one size fits all" kind. If you have a specific brand you like, bring it.
- The Laundry Room. It’s coin-operated (or app-based now in many locations). It’s on-site, which is a godsend for long stays.
- Parking is free. This is a huge plus compared to hotels in New Brunswick or closer to New York City where they’ll ding you $20 a night just to park your car.
Actionable Insights for Travelers
If you are booking the Extended Stay America Somerset Franklin Somerset NJ 08873, do it directly through their site or call the front desk at 732-469-8080 if you’re staying longer than a week. Third-party sites often hide the "hidden" fees like pet charges or housekeeping surcharges.
Before you unpack, check the stovetop and the fridge. Ensure they’re cooling and heating properly. If they aren't, ask for a room swap immediately. The staff is generally praised for being helpful, but they can't fix what they don't know is broken. Also, grab your "kitchen kit" at the desk right when you check in so you don't have to walk back down in your pajamas later.
This place is a tool. It's a functional, affordable solution for when you need a roof and a kitchen in Central Jersey. It’s not a vacation destination, but as a home base for a month? It's one of the more logical choices in the 08873 zip code.