Finding a place to crash for a night is easy. Finding a place to actually live for three weeks while your new house finishes probate or your corporate contract drags on? That’s where things get tricky. Honestly, people have some pretty strong opinions about the Extended Stay America Somerset Franklin Somerset NJ. You’ll see reviews calling it a "home away from home" right next to someone complaining about the hallway carpet.
It’s confusing.
The reality of this property at 30 Worlds Fair Drive is somewhere in the middle. It is a functional, no-frills tool for a specific kind of traveler. If you're expecting the Ritz, you're going to be annoyed. If you need a stovetop and a full-sized fridge within striking distance of I-287 and Rutgers, it might be exactly what you need.
The Layout: Why "Kitchen" is the Keyword
Most hotels give you a tiny desk and a minibar that charges $9 for a bag of cashews. Here, the room is basically a small studio apartment.
Every single one of the 104 rooms has a kitchen. We aren't just talking about a microwave shoved in a corner, either. You get a full-sized refrigerator/freezer, a two-burner stovetop, and a sink. This is the biggest reason people book the Extended Stay America Somerset Franklin Somerset NJ.
If you're trying to save money or just don't want to eat takeout for fourteen days straight, having a real fridge is a game changer. You can actually buy a gallon of milk and a frozen pizza. It sounds small, but it’s huge for your sanity on long trips.
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The rooms usually come in three flavors:
- Queen Studio (Standard)
- King Studio (More bed space)
- Studio with 2 Double Beds (Good for families or roommates)
Most rooms are roughly 300 square feet. It’s enough space to breathe, but you aren't going to be hosting any dinner parties.
The Neighborhood and Logistics
Location-wise, this spot is tucked into an industrial/business corridor. It’s about as "Somerset" as it gets. You’re right off I-287, which is a blessing if you have to commute to New Brunswick or Edison.
It is very close to Protechockey Ponds Ice Center—literally a stroll away. If you're a "hockey parent" in town for a tournament, this is basically ground zero. Colonial Park is also just a few miles down the road if you need to see some grass and trees after staring at office park grey all day.
Parking is free. In New Jersey, that’s a win.
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The Breakfast Situation
Let’s talk about the "grab-and-go" breakfast. Don't go downstairs expecting an omelet station or a waffle maker. It is basically coffee, muffins, and granola bars. It’s fuel, not a meal. Honestly, most regulars just use the coffee and then cook eggs in their room.
What to Actually Expect (The Real Talk)
The biggest gripe people have involves the "vibe." This isn't a vacation resort. It’s a place where people live. You might see folks hanging out in the parking lot or dogs barking in the hall.
Speaking of dogs, it is a pet-friendly building. They allow two pets (cats or dogs) per room. There’s a fee—usually around $25 per night, though it caps out if you stay long-term. If you’re allergic to animals, you might want to request a room that hasn't had a feline resident lately.
Housekeeping is... Different
This is where people get tripped up. They don't clean your room every day.
If you stay for a week or less, you basically handle your own trash. For stays longer than eight nights, they do a "full service" clean every two weeks. You can get fresh towels or linens at the front desk whenever you want, but don't expect someone to make your bed every morning while you're at work. It’s more like an apartment in that way.
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Is it Worth It?
The price fluctuates a lot. In the dead of January, you might snag a room for under $100. In the peak of June, it can jump up significantly.
Basically, you’re paying for the convenience of the kitchen and the location near the highway. It’s a 2.5-star property. It’s clean enough for most, but it’s definitely showing its age in some spots. The staff generally gets high marks for being helpful, even if the building itself feels a bit tired.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book, do these three things to make your life easier:
- Request a lower floor. Some guests have mentioned that the hallways on higher floors can occasionally have lingering odors (smoke or food). The ground floor usually has better turnover and airflow.
- Bring your own "extras." The hotel provides basic cookware, but if you're a serious cook, bring your own favorite pan or a sharp knife. The provided ones are functional but basic.
- Inspect the room immediately. Check the fridge and the stovetop when you walk in. If something isn't working, the 24-hour front desk can usually swap your room right then. It’s much harder to move once you’ve unpacked two weeks' worth of clothes.
The Bottom Line
The Extended Stay America Somerset Franklin Somerset NJ isn't trying to be a boutique hotel. It’s a place for people who need a temporary base of operations. If you go in with the expectation of a "studio apartment" rather than a "luxury suite," you’ll probably find it perfectly adequate for your needs.