I'm a functional type of engineer. I want a sizable fridge+freezer and metal utensils in addition to a microwave as I don't like to eat out, and don't want to buy plastic utensils. I also like a decent area to eat and use two (2) notebook computers (personal and work), and a couch instead of having to sit on the bed to watch TV. I'm fine with a smaller suite that's still bigger than a typical room, but absolutely dislike any suite, even if larger, with little more than a mini-fridge (with its typical joke of a freezer) and no utensils. Having a laundry option on-site is also major plus.

Homestead Studio Suites are my favorite in the Extended Stay America (ESA) family, I know what to expect from them (others in the ESA franchise, let alone other suites, vary). They are typically withing $10-20 of the cheapest hotel, while still having all those amenities of a "suite" type hotel costing twice as much (or more for those of the "more elegant" presentations). The Homestead Studio Suites Raleigh Northeast has just the exact accommodations I desire, and they seem to be pretty uniform in their experience -- full size fridge+freezer, stove, toaster, metal utensils and basic kitchenware plus dish washer in addition to the expected microwave and coffee maker. The layout is always ideal, decent 2-person table for kitchen and desk, a couch and coffee table, in addition to the bed (even if only queen or twin options).

Wireless Internet is also something they don't gouge you for, it's either free or a flat rate per week or stay ($4.99 per stay here). The laundry option downstaires saves me from having to track elsewhere, or try to fit in cleaning during my limited time home on the weekends. Most Homesteads have an arrangement with a local laundry/dry cleaner, but this location doesn't currently, although their staff is always friendly and helpful in letting you know the nearby and local optoins. Yeah, you won't find a membership program with Homestead Studios, just an e-mail deal list, but you don't have to go searching for their best price -- it's pretty much the same across the board (agent, phone, on-line, etc...), so everyone gets close to the best deal.

Always a great fallback, even if you don't stay with Homestead by default.

I have stayed here many times. Awesome deal! Refigerator, stove and microwave in the rooms! Quiet and calm but only a mile or two away from capital blvd.

Booked through hotwire, paying less than $40 per night in total including taxes and fees.

The Good:
Quiet location, with little directly passing traffic and no traffic noise from the nearby interstate. Large room with king bed, sitting area, breakfast bar/desk and kitchen plus bathroom. Kitchen included full size fridge, dishwasher, cooker, microwave etc plus pans, dishes and cutlery. Large TV could be seen from the bed, sofa or kitchen.

The Bad:
Closet fittings were loose - hanging just one jacket resulted in the whole thing collapsing. Despite reporting this to reception nothing was done to fix it over the next 2 days. Switching on the heating resulted in the fire alarm going off - reception said not to worry, it was just the dust from the heater! Buffet breakfast poorly stocked, and items not replenished - so if you got down for breakfast at 9 am there was very little left.

The Ugly:
Bathroom not as clean as it should be.

Stayed here on Thanksgiving Day. Got a great rate from the hotel's website of less then $40.00. The hotel is well maintained, mostly catering to business clentele for longer stays. Amenities include a full kitchen with utensils. The room was average size, very clean and comfortable. There is no daily housekeeping service, but you can get extra towels or linens at the front desk. Also be advised the front desk is usually closed at night, but there is a 24 hour person on duty that will come down if you need something. This is a good place to stay if you are single, want to be in a quiet environment, and do not care about full service. There is also a free continental breakfast served on weekdays.