Extended Stay Rutherford Review: Quick, Budget Stay Near American Dream Mall
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Extended Stay America - Meadowlands - Rutherford
750 Edwin L. Ward Sr. Memorial Hwy, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Rating: ♡♡♡ 3 out of 5 hearts
My partner booked a last-minute stay on Booking.com on July 17th for $104 plus tax, totaling $121. We decided to stay here because it was super close to the mall, just 6 minutes by car, and we were dealing with serious storm weather. He didn't want me driving in any direction with those rain storms, but this was close enough to make it work. This was not part of our hotel date night series, but it is part of my American Dream Hotel Round Up series.
Location Mix-Up Alert
Here's a crucial heads up: we accidentally went to "Extended Stay America - Meadowlands - East Rutherford" instead of just "Rutherford." These are two completely different locations! Be very aware of where you're actually booking and the exact name before you head out, or you'll find yourself making the same mistake we did. Honestly, they should change the names to create better differentiation. I bet tons of people mix them up!
We managed to snag the last room available, and we watched some people in the main lobby get visibly frustrated because they couldn't book a room in person. Pro tip: your main booking method should always be online, especially during peak season. Don't count on walk-in availability.
Parking Perks
Lots of free parking spots to choose from! Even with a fully booked hotel, we didn't have any issues finding a space. The parking lot was easy to navigate both getting in and out, which is always appreciated when you're dealing with weather.
Room Reality Check
We've never had a room with a kitchen before, but since everything was last minute, we didn't use it. The kitchen area looked pretty run down anyway, so I'm not sure how much we would have trusted it. When in doubt, UberEats is your friend! We also checked in pretty late because it had been such a long day.
The bed was the perfect height in my opinion, though I wouldn't say it delivered the best sleep I've had. The mattress was solidly average, not too hard or soft. I've definitely stayed in worse places, so overall I'm not unhappy with the room at all.
The AC worked great, and the hot water performed well too. The color scheme was weird and dingy, but functionally everything worked as it should. The TV was good with great channel selection to choose from.
The one thing I definitely need to mention: these rooms are not soundproof. I heard kids and a family outside our door way too early in the morning. The sun was barely up yet, so that was less than ideal.
Bathroom Breakdown
The shower was very weirdly constructed. I don't think I've ever seen such a low shower without an actual door. It gave me serious public gym shower vibes. Everything else was okay, though the bathroom color scheme could definitely use some updating.
Since this was such a last-minute decision, we came with nothing, not even shampoo or a change of clothes. I was not planning for rain storms! So we definitely utilized the bathroom freebies this time around. The soap was gentle enough, but the shampoo left my hair feeling mucky.
The Bottom Line
It's a roof over our heads and one of the absolute closest stays to American Dream Mall that we've experienced. We managed a quick reservation and scored one of the last rooms available, which was clutch given all the storms and flooding happening that day.
It's not the best hotel we've stayed at, but it's definitely not the worst either. For $121 a night, especially considering the prime location and emergency booking situation, it's really not that bad! Sometimes you just need a place that's close, available, and functional, and this delivered on all those fronts.
Perfect for last-minute bookings when weather or circumstances force your hand, just don't expect luxury.
Till Next Time!
~Diana
