Staten Island's BEST Hotel? Hampton Inn & Suites Review!
Staten Island's Secret Gem? A Deep Dive (and a Few Rants) on the Hampton Inn & Suites
Alright, folks, let's talk about Staten Island. Yeah, the forgotten borough. But hey, even forgotten boroughs deserve a decent hotel, right? And after spending a few nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites, I think I found it. But, buckle up, because this ain't just a sunshine and rainbows review. It's warts and all, baby!
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The Meh, and the Completely Missed Mark…
Okay, right off the bat, the accessibility is… well, it's a mixed bag. The website touted wheelchair accessibility - check. That's important, HUGE even. But the details? They felt a little… thin. Getting around the common areas was generally easy, but I didn't see any detailed information about the specific room setups. Are there grab bars in the bathrooms? Height-adjustable beds? I honestly couldn’t say. This needs a serious upgrade. I’m not saying it's a disaster, because it isn't. But don't just say you’re accessible; prove it with clear, specific information. This is 2024, people!
The elevator is there, thank god! And the exterior corridor does make things a little easier. But even these minor blessings don't overcome the fact that it's slightly hidden and unmarked, which is not necessarily a good look for something claiming accessibility.
The Room: My Little Fortress of… Okay-ness.
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the rooms. I snagged a room with a window that opens – a small victory in the era of sealed-up hotels. And speaking of victories, the free Wi-Fi! Finally, a hotel that understands the basic needs of a modern person. Not having to shell out extra for internet access is HUGE. Plus, it’s free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I’m talking high-speed, so you can watch your streaming services without a buffering nightmare.
Inside the room, you get what you’d expect: air conditioning, a desk to actually work on (important for a business traveler like myself, who hates working on the bed!), bathrobes, a coffee/tea maker (vital for morning sanity), and a refrigerator. A mini-bar? No. But honestly, I prefer a fridge I can stock myself. And thankfully, it has a safe box for my valuables.
The bed was comfortable (a solid "meh" to that), the blackout curtains were appreciated (Staten Island can get bright!). The satellite/cable channels…meh. I barely even turned on the TV. But the alarm clock did its job. The complimentary tea… well, it was there. You know?
On-Site Amenities: Spa Dreams, Reality Bites.
Now, the real draw for me? The spa and fitness center. The website touted a spa, a sauna, a steam room, and a swimming pool. Visions of luxurious relaxation danced in my head!
Reality check: The "spa" was more of a… glorified massage room. There were massage services, yes. But the whole "spa" experience? It felt more like an afterthought. The swimming pool [outdoor] was…fine. Definitely not "pool with a view," as the website boasted. Let's just say the view consisted mostly of the highway and a parking lot. The fitness center was decent, with the usual stuff (treadmills, weights, etc.). Which I used, of course.
Dining, Drinking, and Surviving the Breakfast Buffet
Breakfast is included, which gets a thumbs up. The breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Cereal, some questionable scrambled eggs, and those sad little pre-packaged muffins. Let's just say my standards weren't exactly met. There was coffee/tea in restaurant, so I loaded up on that to try to get through it. I did notice the breakfast takeaway service, so if you just can’t stand the buffet chaos, that’s an option.
However, there's a bar! And a decent selection of drinks after a long day of Staten Island-ing. I did not visit the poolside bar, because that felt extra. There are supposedly restaurants, and even Asian cuisine in restaurant. I’ll have to be honest, I didn’t get around to that.
Safety & Cleanliness: Sanitization Stations and a Sigh of Relief
Okay, this is where the Hampton Inn & Suites truly shines. I was very impressed with the cleanliness and safety protocols. The hotel went above and beyond, with anti-viral cleaning products, and professional-grade sanitizing services. There were visible hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Honestly, I felt pretty safe, especially with the CCTV in common areas. The staff seemed pretty diligent about following protocol. The room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the (Occasionally) Ugly
The hotel offers the usual services: daily housekeeping (they did a good job), laundry service, dry cleaning, and concierge. The front desk [24-hour] was always helpful. I did utilize the car park [free of charge]. Bonus points! I did utilize the cash withdrawal, which was helpful, and felt like a win.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
The hotel is family/child friendly. I didn't have any kids with me, but I saw families enjoying the swimming pool. They had kids meal, and at least mentioned the possibility of a babysitting service.
The Verdict: Worth It, But Not Perfect.
So, is the Hampton Inn & Suites the "best" hotel on Staten Island? Maybe. It's certainly a solid choice. For the price, you get a comfortable room, free Wi-Fi, decent amenities, and excellent cleanliness. Just don't expect a spa oasis, and check beforehand about the accessibility aspects. Overall, it's a good base of operations for exploring the island, and hey, even if Staten Island isn't the most exciting place on earth, at least you'll have a decent place to crash and get some sleep.
Final Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars. Could be 4.5 with a little bit of work.
Escape to the Dolomites: Stunning Gitschberg Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-polished travel brochure. This is real. This is ME, plotting my escape from the soul-sucking vacuum of… well, let’s just say life. And my weapon of choice? The Hampton Inn & Suites on Staten Island. Here we go:
Operation: Staten Island Serenade – A Messy, Emotional, and Probably Involving Pizza Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Decent Coffee (and Maybe Existential Dread)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive. I’m picturing myself stepping out of the… well, whatever form of transportation I end up using (likely a disgruntled taxi driver and a prayer) onto the hallowed grounds of the Hampton Inn. The lobby better look pristine. I need that initial hit of… well, optimism. The kind of optimistic that can only be achieved after a caffeine injection.
- 1:15 PM: Check In. Pray to the hotel gods for a room that isn't directly next to the ice machine. Nothing says "relaxation" like the constant CLANG CLANG CLANG of someone's quest for a cold beer. Seriously, is it that hard to find a quiet room? Fingers crossed for a view that doesn't involve a parking lot and the questionable gaze of a delivery guy.
- 1:30 PM: The room inspection. This is crucial. Is the TV working? Is the air conditioning a raging blizzard or a gentle breeze? Most importantly, is the coffee maker a death trap? (I have trust issues when it comes to hotel coffee makers. I’ve seen things.)
- 2:00 PM: The Coffee Run. Okay, this is where things get tricky. The Hampton Inn’s "free" coffee…it's a gamble, let's just say that. I might have to venture out. My mission: find decent coffee. This is a serious priority. Any suggestions for a decent cafe on Staten Island? Please! I need to fuel my existential dread with something other than lukewarm despair. I’m open to suggestions. Dunkin' isn't gonna cut it, that, I know.
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Unpack and decompress. AKA, stare at the ceiling while battling the urge to call my mother and explain everything. I usually win (the staring, not the not calling my mom). I’m also going to check out the hotel gym. Okay, let’s be honest, I’m going to glance at the treadmill and then probably decide to order pizza. (See, I promised pizza). It's a delicate balance, you know, self-care vs. the undeniable deliciousness of carbs.
- 6:00 PM: Pizza! The quest for the perfect Staten Island slice begins. (Recommendations REALLY welcome here!) I'm thinking a classic, maybe a Margarita, or maybe, if I’m feeling adventurous, something involving pepperoni and the reckless abandon of a Friday night. I'll eat it in the room, in my pajamas, whilst wrestling with the demons of my inner critic. It's a beautiful, messy ritual.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner and a movie. Okay, the room service menu better be worth it, and I'm already contemplating a hotel-room movie marathon. (Suggestions welcome). Something comforting, something familiar, because, let's face it, I'm still unpacking the emotional baggage of the last few months. It's going to be a process.
Day 2: Culture, Contemplation, and the Utter Joy of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The free breakfast at the Hampton Inn… well, it's a mixed bag. I'm aiming for the waffle maker, and hoping it won't cause a fire alarm. Fingers crossed. This is the breakfast of champions right?
- 10:00 AM: The Ferry Fantasy. Now this is the BIG thing. The Staten Island Ferry. I'll be going to the city! The Statue of Liberty! The Freedom Tower! I am going to embrace it. I’m picturing myself with wind in my hair, squinting into the sun, the sheer glory of being on the water. (Okay, maybe minus the wind-in-hair because, well, frizz.)
- 12:00 PM: Explore the NYC scene. This is the touristy part, but hey, I am going to be a tourist! I am going to visit the 9/11 memorial and museum, or walk around Central Park, or visit Times Square (yes, it's a cliche, but it's my cliche!). I feel like I will be moved. To tears! Then, I will buy some overpriced trinkets and feel slightly ashamed, but hey, I am on vacation!
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. A quick bite in Manhattan. Or, you know, I may just wander around aimlessly until I decide where to go and eat something. This is the beauty of being on your own, no one to tell you whether to eat lunch or not!
- 4:00 PM: Back to Staten Island. Hopefully, on time for the happy hour at the hotel bar!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Another pizza? Maybe. Or perhaps a sit-down meal at a local eatery. Depends on how much energy I have. I need to leave room for more pizza (just in case).
- 7:30 PM: Relax. Probably watch TV. Maybe read a book. Or stare at the ceiling. The goal is to simply be. To exist in a space where no one needs me, and the phone is on silent. Bliss.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Pizza (and maybe hope?)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Same as yesterday, but with a renewed sense of purpose. Because, you know, the waffle maker's calling.
- 10:00 AM: Final inspection of the room. Make sure I haven't left anything behind (besides my sanity, which is pretty much par for the course).
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Say a silent prayer of thanks to the hotel staff for putting up with me.
- 11:15 AM: Grab a final coffee (hopefully better than the first).
- 12:00 PM: Depart. Back to real life. But maybe, just maybe, a little bit less stressed, a little bit more… okay. And with a lingering taste of pizza. And that, my friends, is a win.
Okay, yeah, it’s messy. It's probably not the kind of itinerary you'd show your boss. But it's real. And that's all that matters. Now, if you’ll excuse me… I'm craving pizza.
Unbelievable Chalkidiki Escape: Allea Hotel & Apartments Await!
Hampton Inn & Suites Staten Island: The Real Deal (or is it?) – A Messy FAQ
Okay, spill. Is this Hampton Inn really "the best" on Staten Island? I've read the reviews...
Alright, alright, let's get real. “Best”? That's a loaded word, honey. It's not the Ritz, you know? Staten Island isn't exactly known for its five-star luxury. But for what you're getting – a clean(ish) room, a free breakfast shuffle, and proximity to... well, everything on Staten Island (which isn't saying *that* much, but still) – it's decent. Let's just say it's *consistently* the best of the bunch. And sometimes, that’s all you need. Plus, I got this amazing view of the parking lot. Romantic!
What's the vibe like? Is it all business bros and stressed-out tourists?
Oh, it’s a mixed bag, trust me. I've seen it all. Business types in pressed shirts, families lugging suitcases seemingly bigger than their kids, and the occasional couple looking like they're escaping a very bad situation (we’ve all been there, right?). The lobby is… well, it’s a lobby. Often a little chaotic around breakfast time. But, you know, the chairs are comfy enough. And the staff? They're generally pretty good. Not exactly jumping for joy to be there at 3 AM, but helpful enough. This one time, I needed extra towels, and the guy at the desk... bless him, he looked like he hadn't slept in days, but he got them to me quickly and with a smile! Miracles do happen.
The breakfast situation. Give it to me straight. Is it the same boring waffles and sad eggs?
Okay, here’s the brutal truth: it’s *mostly* that. But sometimes, there are little glimmers of hope! They usually have waffles (obviously). And the egg situation… well, let’s just say they’re… egg-shaped. But the bagels are generally decent. And the coffee? Drinkable! Listen, I’m a coffee snob, and I’ve survived. They also have fruit, cereal and yogurt, which is great, if you're into that kind of thing. My advice? Go early, avoid the hungry hordes, and grab a waffle even if you *think* you don’t want one. You might be surprised.
Let's talk rooms. Are they clean? Spacious? What can I expect?
Okay, here's where it gets a little... variable. Generally, yes, they're clean. Like, hotel clean. Not "my-mom's-obsessively-clean" clean, but clean enough. I always give everything a once-over when I get there. Check behind the curtains. Look under the bed. You know the drill. Spacious? Depends on what you're comparing it to. They're Hampton Inn rooms, not ballrooms. But the beds are usually pretty comfy! And the bathrooms are… functional. Don’t go expecting a spa experience, but hey, the shower works. I will say, I requested a room with a view, and got, again, a view of the parking lot. Still, it's an experience.
Okay, let's delve deeper into a specific stay you had? Give me the dirt!
Alright, here we go, the *dirt*… I stayed there once for a particularly... eventful weekend. Let’s just say it involved a disastrous attempt at a romantic getaway and a whole lot of rain. We were supposed to spend the weekend in the city but, because of a miscommunication, we ended up on Staten Island. The room itself was on the fifth floor. It was okay. But it started raining. It rained so hard. The kind of rain that makes you question all of your life choices. The view was, you guessed it, the parking lot. At around 3 am, the fire alarm went off! I had to go down all the stairs, barely dressed, and was freezing because it decided to rain again. Turns out, it was a false alarm. The worst part? The vending machine gave up all my money after the alarm. What a night!
How's the location? Convenient? A nightmare?
Location, location, location! That's the selling point, to a degree. It's *relatively* close to the Staten Island Ferry (which gets you to Manhattan, eventually). You can access the ferry terminal through the bus. There are some restaurants and shops nearby. But let’s also be real, Staten Island is… Staten Island. If you're relying on public transportation, factor in extra time. Cabs or Ubers are a good alternative. And, if you have a car, the parking situation is usually okay, though it can fill up during peak times. It's not *ideal*, but it's workable. Just don't expect to be strolling to Central Park.
Any hidden fees or gotchas I should know about?
Always, ALWAYS read the fine print, people! But, the Hampton Inn is generally pretty straightforward. Watch out for parking fees (if applicable). Sometimes they have a resort fee (ugh, those...). And definitely check your bill carefully at checkout. I am still surprised with how much hotels charge sometimes! And always double-check the Wi-Fi situation, especially if you need it for work. It's been a while, but I've been caught up in these hidden fees before!
Overall, should I stay here? Give me the final verdict.
Look, is it the best hotel you'll ever stay in? Nah. Is it a truly luxurious experience? No. Is it going to change your life? Highly unlikely. But, if you need a place to crash on Staten Island that’s generally clean, reasonably comfortable, and offers a free breakfast (even if it's a *meh* breakfast), then yeah, it's probably a solid choice. Just manage your expectations. And maybe bring your own coffee. I can't guarantee a perfect stay, but I *can* promise you it's an experience. And sometimes, that's worth something, isn't it?
