Finding a decent place to stay in Central Jersey is kinda like trying to find a parking spot at the Shore in July. It’s stressful. You’ve got the massive corporate hubs, the Rutgers crowd, and families just passing through on the way to New York or Philly. Usually, you end up at some tired, beige motel that smells like stale carpet and "continental" disappointment.
But then there’s SpringHill Suites Somerset Franklin Township.
Honestly, it’s a bit of an outlier. It doesn't feel like those "built-in-the-eighties" hotels that dominate the I-287 corridor. Built in 2016, this property manages to balance that weird line between being a buttoned-up business hotel and a place where you can actually relax with kids who won’t stop jumping on the beds.
What Actually Sets SpringHill Suites Somerset Franklin Township Apart
Most people book a suite thinking they’re getting a tiny upgrade. Here, the layout is actually smart. West Elm—the furniture brand—actually partnered with SpringHill Suites to design the space, which is why the trundle sofas don't look like they were salvaged from a basement.
The rooms are big. We're talking roughly 400 square feet for a standard studio. If you’ve ever stayed in a cramped Manhattan "boutique" room, this feels like a palace.
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You’ve got a dedicated workspace, which is basically a necessity if you’re one of the many people visiting for nearby corporate offices like SHI or Sanofi. But the real win is the partition. It’s not a full wall, but it’s enough to keep the "office" away from the "bedroom," so you don't feel like you're sleeping in a cubicle.
The Breakdown of What’s Inside
- The Kitchenette: Don't expect a four-burner stove. You get a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. It’s perfect for leftovers from the Italian spot down the street, but you aren't cooking a Thanksgiving dinner here.
- The Bathroom Setup: They do that thing where the sink is separate from the shower and toilet. It’s a lifesaver when two people are trying to get ready at 7:00 AM.
- Smart Tech: The TVs are 32-inch Smart TVs. They’ve got Netflix and Hulu apps built-in, so you don't have to scroll through 400 channels of static to find something to watch.
Location: It’s Not Just "Near a Highway"
If you look at a map, the hotel sits right off I-287. That sounds loud, but it’s actually tucked away on Cedar Grove Lane. It’s quiet.
You’re basically 10 minutes from Rutgers University’s Busch Campus. This makes it a prime spot for parents visiting students or alumni coming back for a football game at SHI Stadium. It’s way better than staying in the heart of New Brunswick where parking is a nightmare and the noise never stops.
For the outdoorsy types (yes, they exist in Jersey), Colonial Park is about a five-minute drive away. It has incredible gardens and trails. If you’re here in the spring, the Rose Garden is a legitimate must-see. It’s one of those local secrets that makes you forget you’re in one of the most densely populated states in the country.
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The Food Situation (Because Free Breakfast is a Tiered System)
Let’s talk about the breakfast. It’s free. In the hotel world, "free" can mean a soggy muffin and some grey coffee.
At SpringHill Suites Somerset Franklin Township, it’s a full buffet. They usually have eggs, sausage, yogurt, and those waffle makers that kids obsess over. It’s served from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays. If you miss it, you're on your own, but the hotel does have a 24/7 "Market" in the lobby for snacks.
If you want real food, you’ve got options nearby:
- Glory Days Grill: It’s right there. Standard American fare, lots of TVs, decent wings. Good for a beer after work.
- Frank’s Pizza: You’re in Jersey. You have to eat pizza. Frank’s is a local staple for a reason.
- The Bar/Lounge: The hotel itself has a small bar. It’s not exactly a "nightlife destination," but for a nightcap without having to drive anywhere, it does the job.
The Practical Logistics You Actually Care About
Parking is free. That’s getting rarer these days, so it’s worth noting. They also have an indoor pool and a fitness center that’s open 24/7. The gym isn't huge, but it has enough weights and cardio machines to keep you from feeling like a total couch potato.
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If you’re planning a meeting, they have about 700 square feet of event space. It can hold maybe 50 people. It’s good for a small team training or a "strategy session," but don't try to host a 200-person wedding here.
One thing to keep in mind: check-in is at 4:00 PM. They’re pretty strict about it if they're at capacity, which happens often during Rutgers graduation or big corporate events. Check-out is noon, which gives you a decent amount of time to sleep off whatever you did the night before.
Why Travelers Might Be Skeptical
Is it perfect? Sorta depends on what you want.
If you’re looking for a five-star luxury resort with a spa and room service, this isn't it. It’s a 3.5-star property. Some guests have mentioned that because the hotel is popular with families, the pool area can get pretty loud on weekends. If you're looking for total silence, maybe ask for a room on a higher floor away from the elevator.
Also, it’s a smoke-free property. They take that seriously. If you try to sneak a cigarette, expect a hefty cleaning fee on your bill.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book the "High Floor" if you want to avoid the noise of people headed to breakfast or the pool.
- Use the Mobile Key. If you have the Marriott Bonvoy app, you can skip the front desk entirely and go straight to your room.
- Check the Firepit. There’s an outdoor firepit that’s actually really nice in the evenings. It’s the best spot on the property to hang out with a drink.
- Visit the Rose Garden. If you’re staying between June and October, drive the five minutes to Colonial Park. It’s worth the detour.
If you're heading to the Somerset area, your best bet is to book your room at least two weeks out. The proximity to New Brunswick and the major highway interchanges means this place fills up fast, especially during the midweek corporate rush or big university weekends. Keep an eye on the Marriott app for "member rates" which can usually shave a few bucks off the standard price.