The Homewood Suites in Cranford, NJ is located at 2 Jackson Drive. More importantly, when describing any location in New Jersey, it is right off of the Garden State Parkway at exit 136. Their phone number is 1-908-709-1980.

This is by and large a wonderful, convenient, clean, comfortable, new hotel. Parkway hotels have come a long way over the years. Competition seems to have driven quality to higher and higher levels, and this is very evident at the Cranford Homewood Suites.

First of all, the rooms are suites! You would have been hard pressed to find any suites along the parkway twenty years ago. The quality here does not tarnish the parent company's Hilton name. The suites are large, with a bedroom and living area which includes a fully functioning kitchen. The kitchen is quite complete with a refrigerator, dishes, dishwasher,coffee maker, sink, oven and microwave. There is of course complimentary coffee, and there is also the unique added touch of a pouch of microwave popcorn as a welcoming gift. Our room was impeccably clean and fresh.

The room is equipped with a television in the bedroom and a television in the living area. HBO is included, and current movies can be purchased as well. Our suite had two telephone lines, so that internet access was possible. As you would expect, a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and basic toiletries are provided. I was somewhat surprised that hair conditioner was not provided, however. There is also a pool at this hotel, which is open until sunset. There is also a mini-store in the lobby, where you can buy some staples for your room, like bread, razors, etc.

One minor annoyance with the hotel is the fact that there are no signs to indicate where the elevators are located. After you check in and park in the back, you enter the hotel and must traipse around until you find one, if you are on an upper floor. A few simple signs with arrows directing people to the elevator locations would be very helpful.

The highlight of our stay at the Cranford Homewood Suites, would have to be the complimentary breakfast. To call it a continental breakfast would not be accurate. There are cereals, bagels, breads, Danish, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and fruit. You can also make your own fresh waffles, which are quite good. There is a full selection of beverages, but the juices did seem to be watered down. Despite the watery juice, the breakfast is outstanding.

I suppose that the next wave of competition will provide a manger's reception 7-days per week. It is now standard at most hotels to have a reception only on Monday through Thursday, which is what this hotel does. In my opinion, weekend travelers deserve a reception as much as weekday travelers. Hopefully this will improve in the future.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Homewood Suites of Cranford, New Jersey is an excellent hotel, that I would recommend.



Recommended: Yes