Embassy Suites Meadowlands Secaucus

I chose Embassy Suites because of its proximity to the Meadowlands complex. Little did I realize that the busiest day of the year for the Expo Center next door was also taking place at the same time as our stay in Secaucus. Traffic from the Meadowlands to the hotel was horrendous, but I was told at the front desk that it was extremely rare for there to be so much congestion in the area and that it was all due to the Christmas holiday shopping event going on next door.

Once we got to the hotel, the chaos ended. There was plenty of parking in the garage next door, despite the crazy holiday crowds in the area.

There's a decent Italian restaurant in the hotel that serves just about anything Italian or what you think might be Italian food. Also, Embassy Suites offers a nightly manager's reception with a free cocktail and appetizers. In the morning, you can partake in the all-you-can-eat hot breakfast, complete with pancakes, waffles and made-to-order omelets. Beware of the crowds, especially on the weekends.

Including taxes, the room was $150USD, which is not bad for a two-room suite and hot breakfast.

Embassy Suites Secaucus is located in the Harmon Meadows retail, hotel, and office complex. We found it a very convenient place to stay when visiting New York City. Harmon Meadows is easy to reach by car from the New Jersey Turnpike and there is frequent New Jersey Transit bus service to New York City. (The NJ Transit Line 320 motorcoach stops right next to the hotel.)

Each room features a bedroom with two twin beds and a sitting room with a sleep sofa. (It would be possible to put six people in a room, though it would be crowded. We had four.) Also in the room are two flat screen TVs, coffee maker, microwave, mini-refrigerator, iron, and hair dryer. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool, fitnes center, wireless Internet, and Internet kiosks in the atrium. The Meadowlands Exposition Center is next door.

Complementary breakfast is served each day. The buffet-style breakfast is itself a value. Included are made-to-order omeletes, freshly made pancakes, bacon sausage, hash browns, bread and pastries, and fruits and juices.

A recommended alternative to staying in Manhattan.