Staybridge Suites College Station

The all-suites Staybridge is situated on attractively landscaped grounds. Interiors are polished and contemporary, done in earth tones with a subdued nature-themed decor. The lobby is a standout space, with a decorative fireplace, high ceilings, large windows to allow ample natural light, and a seating area with a flat-screen TV and board games. Guests mingle here and also at the free breakfast buffet and free evening reception held on some weekdays, where wine and beer is on offer. Those doing business nearby or visiting students at Texas A&M make up most of the clientele. Families are drawn to the spacious suites and outdoor pool, and full kitchens appeal to extended-stay guests. 

Staybridge Suites is a two-minute drive off Texas State Highway 6 on busy University Drive, in an area with fast-food and chain restaurants, a shopping center, and other hotels. The Experience Bryan College Station visitor center is a five-minute walk. A movie theater multiplex is five minutes by car, as is Post Oak Mall, with a food court and more than 100 shops. It's a slightly longer drive to the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. Proximity to Texas A&M is fairly convenient: the northeast corner of campus is about a five-minute drive, and Kyle Field football stadium and The Quad, Rudder Plaza, and Albritton Bell Tower are roughly 10 minutes by car. Reed Arena basketball venue is also a 10-minute drive, and George Bush Presidential Library and Museum takes slightly longer. Driving to Easterwood Airport takes about 10 minutes. 

Nature-inspired decor found in the hotel's common areas carries through to the 88 contemporary studios and one- and two-bedroom suites. Suites are all spacious, but it's a bit of a tight squeeze in some between walls and the ends of beds. They're done in earth tones such as beige, brown, and pale green, and walls are accented with prints and nature photographs. The units are ideal for extended stays, with fully equipped kitchens that have high-quality stainless steel refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers, plus two-burner stovetops, toasters, coffeemakers, cookware, and tableware. Units also feature sofa beds and 39-inch flat-screen TVs with HBO and DVD players. Guest rooms lack safes, but there are safety deposit boxes at the front desk. The spacious and well-lighted bathrooms come with showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. As for views, some suites overlook the swimming pool.

One of the top features at Staybridge Suites College Station is the free hot breakfast, which gets a thumbs-up from guests for its generous spread of make-your-own waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, and wide range of cold items. They're also enthusiastic about the evening social, held on some weekday nights, offering free beer, wine, soft drinks, salads, and comfort food like nachos and bratwurst. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day. There’s no full-service restaurant on-site. Another highlight is the outdoor pool, about 10 meters in length and open year-round. The pool is unheated, but the water is rarely too cold for a swim. It’s surrounded by a deck with sun loungers, a lounge area with cushioned armchairs, and a covered alcove with gas barbecue grills. There's a 24-hour fitness center with a weight machine, free weights, and several cardio machines. The business center is also open 24/7. Other amenities include a lobby convenience store, laundry room where guests can use machines at no charge (detergent for purchase), 24-hour front desk, and free on-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout. Up to three pets per room are allowed for a non-refundable fee, with no weight limit.