Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St. Jacobs

The hotel is widely praised for its spacious suites featuring full kitchens, making it an excellent choice for families and long-term stays seeking a home-like environment. Its signature feature is its prime location within walking distance of the St. Jacobs Market, appealing greatly to sightseers and those looking to explore local attractions. Many business travelers and couples also find the accommodations comfortable and convenient. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and the complimentary breakfast as significant advantages. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to verify your room's cleanliness upon arrival, especially the kitchenware, and be prepared for potential check-in delays, particularly if arriving precisely at 3 PM.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that enhance guest stays. The indoor pool is a popular feature, often described as warm and clean, making it enjoyable for children, though some guests note its shallow depth. There are occasional reports of the pool being busy or having issues with towel availability or a specific sign-out policy. The fitness center is well-equipped and larger than typically found in hotels, though a few machines may be out of order. Free Wi-Fi is generally available, but some guests experience connectivity issues. Electric vehicle chargers are on-site, but they are not complimentary and can be expensive. A grab-and-go food counter in the lobby provides convenience, and laundry facilities are available, which is particularly useful for longer stays.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms, often configured as suites with separate living and bedroom areas, providing ample space for families. The kitchenettes, complete with a full-size fridge, cooktop, and dishwasher, are highly valued, though some reviews mention finding dirty dishes or uncleaned kitchenware upon arrival. While many find the beds comfortable, some describe them as hard or sagging, and pillows are occasionally noted as being too flat. Room cleanliness receives mixed feedback; while many find rooms clean, there are recurring complaints about missed spots, such as hair on bathroom floors, dusty surfaces, dirty vents, or rooms not being properly serviced before check-in. Noise levels can be an issue, with reports of noisy HVAC units, refrigerators, and disturbances from hallway noise, particularly from sports teams, as well as disruptive fire alarms.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant draw for many guests, offering a good variety of options, including hot items like eggs and sausage, as well as waffles, cereals, and fruit. However, feedback on food quality is mixed, with some items described as bland, overcooked, or having issues like hair on plates. Many guests express disappointment with the use of paper plates and wooden cutlery, and some note concerns about communal serving methods for items like yogurt. The hotel also hosts a manager's reception on certain evenings, which guests generally appreciate for the complimentary snacks, though some wish for more hot items or proper desserts. There is no full-service restaurant or bar on the premises, which some guests find inconvenient.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for exploring the area. It is within easy walking distance of the popular St. Jacobs Market, the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall, and Jack's Restaurant. Other nearby attractions include the Playhouse Theater, a craft brewery, and the Conestoga Mall, all within a short drive. Parking is generally ample and free, though it can become full during peak times, and some guests have noted issues with unplowed lots during winter storms. While the location offers great accessibility to local points of interest, some guests mention occasional train noise from a nearby rail line, which can be disruptive, particularly at night.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, with many guests highlighting positive interactions. However, the check-in process can be a point of frustration for some, as rooms are frequently not ready exactly at the 3 PM check-in time, leading to long lines and delays. Housekeeping service receives mixed reviews; while some find it attentive, others report issues such as rooms not being serviced daily, a lack of towel replacement, or maintenance requests not being fully addressed. There are also significant concerns regarding broader customer service, including unaddressed complaints, perceived lack of accountability from management, and difficulties with refunds or obtaining receipts for purchases, which has left some guests feeling disappointed.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with animals, though finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be challenging. Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing renovations in some areas, which has resulted in updated decor but also occasional reports of strong, unpleasant chemical smells in hallways. Disruptive fire alarms have been a recurring issue for some guests, going off multiple times during early morning hours. The hotel's towel policy, requiring guests to sign out pool towels or facing limited in-room supply, has been noted by several visitors. While the hotel offers complimentary breakfast, some guests express disappointment that 24-hour coffee is not available in the lobby area.