I lived in a hotel near downtown Honolulu for 37 consecutive days while I looked for a place to live on the tiny salary I received upon taking a new job as a TV reporter at the CBS affiliate. The place was a dump, but the location was ideal. I was a block away from the station, which was vital given that I didn’t have a car, and less than two blocks from Ala Moana Beach.
The station worked me like a dog, so I didn’t spend much time in my hotel room. Still, it would have been nice not to have to come back after a 13-hour day and share the space with cockroaches. Unfortunately, Honolulu is not peppered with extended stay properties like most major cities on the mainland.
I would’ve been over the moon if I could have made a Home2 Suites my home away from home in Honolulu. The newest brand from Hilton Worldwide, and the latest addition to the extended-stay market, won’t be making its debut in the Aloha State for a long time (see: never), but fortunately, there are a number of other states that will soon be enjoying its amenities, including North Carolina, Nevada and Utah.
According to Hilton’s website, the typical Home2 Suites property features 108 studio and one-bedroom suites marked by neutral colors and “working walls” that span adjustable closet space, a living room, office area and kitchen space with microwave, dishwasher and full-sized refrigerator. Average daily rates start at around $90 per night.
Hilton’s Home2 Suites is the new kid on the extended stay block and will be competing with already established TownePlace Suites by Marriott and InterContinental Hotels Group’s Candlewood Suites, as well as its own existing Homewood Suites brand.
Hilton big wigs consider Homewood as a more “upscale condominium,” but they categorize Home2Suites as more like a “cool first apartment.” Either way, guests can use the in-room kitchen to cut down on restaurant costs and I bet they won’t have to deal with cockroaches.
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