We never had the chance to stay at this hotel. In early July 2010, I reserved 3 two-bed rooms for 3 nights in mid-August. Not only did I get a confirmation number for these rooms, but I also paid for the rooms in advance to avoid any unnecessary holds on my card. About a week prior to my arrival, I received a call from the general manager who informed me that his sales manager oversold the two-bed rooms and asked that I accept 3 one-bed rooms. I work for a hotel as well and I know how these type of things can happen so I agreed - only because a one-bed room could sleep 4 (there were 10 people in my party). Three days prior to my arrival, I was contacted by the sales manager who stated that the hotel was oversold and that she cancelled my reservations. She informed me that my rate simply wasn't high enough for my family to stay there and that I should understand because I work for another hotel. Just to note, my hotel has never cancelled confirmed reservations - we just don't operate that way. So of course, as you can imagine, I was frantically looking for another hotel and had no idea how I was going to pay for it because I had already paid for this hotel and was not anticipating this outcome. Fortunately, we found another hotel in another city at a higher rate because it was last minute and I had to rely on a relative to pay for the rooms until I got my deposit back - eight days later. Needless to say, I will never attempt to use this hotel again nor will I ever suggest it to anyone else. All I can say is be careful - if you have a confirmed reservation and your aren't paying "Top dollar", you may find yoruself in a bind like I did.

After staying here for the last two years, we gave it anther try and were not disappointed. As pointed out before and by others, the hotel does need some updating and maintenance. The room was comfortable and included a mini-kitchen. The bed was comfortable but the bathroom door squeaked and was hard to close, the squeak reported at check out. The breakfast was a real bonus being both plentiful and different on each of three days. As noted before, you should request a room away from the highway, the main N-S route 53. Since it again was a holiday weekend, noise was not an issue but Monday mornings would be noisy. I had requested a room away from traffic but there were none available at check in and it appeared that the request had been ignored. Staff is accommodating and efficient. Internet service did not work at first but the help desk was able to correct the problem. There was a very large party in the breakfast area that overflowed into the lobby one evening but their talking, etc. was not heard in our room area. Everyone really seemed to be enjoying themselves. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub but it was too cool to use either. Surprisingly, breakfast hours on a holiday (Labor Day) were not extended from weekend hours but reverted to the normal Monday-Friday schedule.

I've always had good luck using Hotwire to book a room in Utica because the hotels are basically all in "Hotel Circle" at Hall Rd and Van Dyke freeway. The hotels are all new and no matter which one I get, it's been very nice.

Until Staybridge Suites. It's hidden behind Dave and Busters and according to the desk person, was built in 2000. It hasn't aged well. it's one of those places that tries to look expensive but doesn'r really execute. The carpets are stained and the elevators are dirty. Pets are allowed, which I don't mind, but I don't think the hotel does the extra cleaning that is necessary. Room seemed nice at first glance but on closer inspection, lots of things weren't right. Walls are thin. The bathroom door wouldn't close without using a shoulder. The towel rack was coming out of the wall. No knobs on the air conditioner! Bees and other things skimmed out of the pool were dumped on the patio. Being an extended stay facility, housekeeping services are difficult to come by on the weekends as well. I won't be taking any chances with Hotwire in Utica any more.

On the plus side, the breakfast is better than most places and the pool itself was nice. Extras like a mini-kitchen with a full fridge and a DVD player were also nice, although we didn't use them.

Whenever a problem occurred the staff promptly did everything to correct it. In particular, Paula Potter, the sales manager, and Ken Grandmaison, the hotel manager, made sure that we were satisfied. The hotel is a great value and location (shopping, dining, entertainment), although certain areas need updating. All rooms have a kitchen and full-size fridge; however, the appliances need to be updated and/or better maintained. The fridge constantly self-defrosted and the water ended up on the floor almost daily. If you are into working out, the fitness room might disappoint - equipment is dated and no free weights - also it is connected to the complimentary laundry room :) which makes the workout room damp and uncomfortable. Otherwise, we were quite happy with the hotel, and we will stay there again.