Hampton Inn Princeton

Though it features standard contemporary hotel decor (patterned carpets, geometric shapes), there are some extra details that feel a bit homier than expected for a mid-range chain, like the bowls of fruit in the lobby, or coffee and tea available at all hours. This Hampton Inn was given a facelift in 2013, and the rooms and lobby were updated with modern furniture. The hotel even has a clean, simple outdoor pool, if you visit in the summer season. The property is set back from an often congested highway (potentially causing street noise) in a suburban area close to leafy Princeton. The hotel sees many business travelers, but also gets a mix of families visiting the university and guests in town for sporting events or weddings, especially on the weekends.

On a stretch of busy highway in a row of chain hotels (DoubleTree, Westin, Holiday Inn), the Hampton Inn Princeton doesn't have much by way of views or neighborhood charm. The highway, Route 1, is lined with dozens of shopping centers and corporate parks. It’s about a 10-minute drive to reach downtown Princeton, where there are several bars and restaurants -- and the storied Ivy League is around 10 minutes as well, by car. Guests will probably need a car to get to the hotel and around the area -- and be aware that Route 1 is often backed up with traffic around rush hour. There is a free shuttle into town on weekdays.

The rooms are spacious with warm, contemporary decor, nice beds and many modern amenities -- including iPod docks, 46-inch flat-screen TVs, and thoughtful touches like a laptop tray for the bed and extra outlets for charging gadgets on the nightstand. The bathrooms are small and simple, and the sink area is separate from the toilet and shower (convenient for couples). Another plus: the Neutrogena soap and bath products. All rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers.

The Hampton Inn Princeton definitely does not lack in amenities -- from the guest laundry room to the fruit in the lobby to the clean, modest pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The 24-hour fitness center is small, with a few basic machines. There is a free buffet-style dinner served Monday through Thursday nights, with another bonus: free wine and Heineken beer and available to guests from 5 to 7 pm. The menu changes nightly. The breakfast buffet is free everyday with hot and cold options (bring your own champagne, though).

Snacks, beer, wine, frozen dinners, and other odds and ends are for sale in the lobby, should a guest crave a midnight bite or nightcap. However, there is no bar or restaurant on-site, and room service is not available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there is a one small meeting room. The business center consists of one computer in the lobby with a printer.