Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The hotel is highly regarded for its spacious suites featuring full kitchens, making it a standout choice for guests seeking extended stays or a home-like experience. Its central location in downtown Hamilton is a significant draw, placing guests within easy reach of local attractions and dining. The hotel consistently receives praise for its complimentary breakfast, offering a wide and satisfying selection. While the staff are generally noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, some guests experienced inconsistencies in front desk service. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families due to the ample room space and kitchen facilities, and for business travelers or those on extended stays who benefit from the in-room amenities. To enhance your visit, consider utilizing the full kitchen for meal preparation, especially for longer stays, and be mindful of the surrounding urban environment, particularly during evening hours.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the convenience of the hotel's spacious suites, which often include full kitchens equipped with a fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, and utensils, providing a comfortable and self-sufficient stay. The hotel features a fitness center that is generally well-regarded and well-equipped. However, feedback on the pool is mixed; many guests noted it is small, often cold due to a broken heater, and sometimes has an unpleasant odor, though children still found it enjoyable. The elevators are a recurring point of concern, with guests frequently experiencing long waits and frustration due to their slow speed and the fact that only two serve sixteen floors, often with one being out of service. The key card system for elevators and other areas is also mentioned as occasionally problematic. Free Wi-Fi is available, though some found its reliability inconsistent, and laundry facilities are present for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its very clean and spotless rooms, often describing them as modern and well-maintained. The spacious nature of the suites, complete with separate living areas, is a significant positive. Beds are widely praised for being comfortable and large, contributing to a restful sleep, though a few guests found mattresses too soft or slightly sunk-in. The presence of a full kitchen with provided dishes and utensils, along with a dedicated workspace and ample furniture, enhances the in-room experience. While most rooms are reported as quiet, some guests experienced street noise or disturbances from other guests, such as stomping or slamming doors. Minor issues like dim lighting, a musty smell in some rooms, or condensation on windows were occasionally noted, but overall, the comfort and condition of the rooms are highly rated.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a major highlight for most guests, frequently described as fantastic, delicious, and offering an excellent selection. Guests appreciate the variety of options available, including popular hot items like eggs and sausages, though some noted that the hot food could be lukewarm or that certain items, like bacon, ran out quickly. The waffle machine is a particular favorite. While the breakfast area is generally clean and well-maintained, it can become crowded and chaotic during peak times, leading to long lines and rapid depletion of food items. Staff are often seen working diligently to replenish offerings. Some guests felt the overall food quality was average or that the variety could be improved, especially regarding vegetarian or sweet options. Despite these minor points, the breakfast is largely considered a significant value-add to the stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in downtown Hamilton is a primary advantage, offering convenient access to local attractions, restaurants, bars, and the First Ontario Centre. Its proximity to public transit and major roadways makes it easy to get to and navigate the city. However, many guests expressed concerns about the surrounding area, noting a visible presence of homeless people that led to feelings of unease or unsafety, particularly after dark. Parking is a significant aspect of the guest experience; the hotel provides underground parking which is widely considered convenient and secure. This parking, however, incurs an additional fee that many guests found expensive. Some also reported the parking garage to be cramped, difficult to navigate, or to have limited availability, occasionally resulting in guests being unable to find a spot upon arrival.

Staff & Service
Most guests praise the staff for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, often highlighting their professionalism and willingness to assist with various requests. The check-in process is frequently described as smooth and quick. Many positive interactions were reported, with staff going above and beyond to resolve issues or provide local recommendations. However, feedback regarding the front desk staff is mixed; some guests encountered unfriendly, disinterested, or rude service, particularly concerning communication about hotel policies, system outages, or specific needs. Housekeeping service requires advance request, which some guests found inconvenient. Despite these inconsistencies, many guests felt that the staff genuinely cared about their experience and contributed positively to their stay, especially those on extended stays or with medical treatment needs.

Additional Information
The hotel utilizes a comprehensive key card system for access to various areas, including elevators and ice machines, which is generally perceived as a safety feature but can be inconvenient if cards malfunction. There are multiple reports of fire alarms sounding, sometimes in the early morning hours, which guests found disruptive and poorly managed in terms of communication regarding the cause. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with animals. Some guests noted minor maintenance issues, such as leaking doors or clogged toilets, though these were often addressed promptly. The lighting in rooms is occasionally described as dim. Guests should also be aware of an additional fee for parking and occasional issues with credit card pre-authorizations upon check-in.