I recently stayed at the Staybridge Rochester for the last time. I've stayed many many times in the past (at least 30+ times) and this will be my last visit. There has been major staffing changes that have severely impacted the friendliness, helpfulness, and customer service at this hotel. The staff used to be great, it was just like a family, from managers on down. Now, it is nothing like that. It is now bottom line oriented and you can really tell. For example, breakfast is broken down before the 9:30 cutoff and the staff won't even get you a package of oatmeal if it's a couple of minutes later, and won't even discuss it. The old staff would have brought you out a plate full of food, even if it was late. Once when we stayed, it was 9:30 and the eggs were gone and everything was being broken down, but the kitchen girl made my family plates of fresh eggs and bacon. The management no longer cares if guests are happy. I'm not really surprised, I've heard that they fired everyone who went out of their way for guests, from management on down. I certainly hope all of those great employees found something better where they are appreciated.

Newish extended stay hotel located right by walking bridge to river campus. Nice sized rooms with kitchen facilities; checked into one of the smallest studios but even that was at least twice the size of a regular hotel room. Nice sized desk with desk top outlets; started with WiFi but it would periodically stall out so switched to conveniently placed jack connection. Even night table had table height outlets to recharge cell phones. Flat screen tv could rotate to face couch or bed area. Granite countertops were a nice touch as was a small table that could be used for dining. Could certainly suffice for an extended stay with cook top, fridge and microwave. Breakfast was provided but of marginal quality, better choice would be to go to Boulder Cafe across street. Not a great area to go wandering around but seemed to be safe and well patrolled by UR security.

If your primary criteria is to be walking distance from the UR campus, given that this is the only hotel choice that fits that criteria, this is an acceptable hotel for that purpose. I think we may have stayed on an irregular overnight. . . Saturday after Thanksgiving. The hotel had a very diverse clientele from holiday travelers passing through, to academic UR visitors, to extended family of locals. Though the hotel was reasonably quiet on our floor, it was hopping with activity late at night on the main floor. The next morning on the elevator I overheard a conversation about a party at the pool the night before which involved non-hotel guests (extended family members). Based on that same overheard conversation, I gathered that some of these non-hotel guests had returned to enjoy the already very crowded breakfast buffet.

The hotel room was adequate (queen standard with view), the wi-fi was included in the room price, which was affordable (AAA rate of $109 plus tax), and the river scene out the window was lovely. The buffet was only OK (dry eggs, thawed frozen fruit, glue-y oatmeal) but there was yogurt, bagels, cereal and juices, and many folks were making waffles.

I can see how this particular address might have more charm in the warmer months when the outside deck seating is open and there is activity on the water. I also can see the advantages if you fly in to the area in order to visit U of R, and don't have access to a car. However, I wouldn't count on walking from the hotel to get lunch or dinner anywhere close in the neighborhood. You would want to cross the river and eat at the university instead.

My wife and I recently traveled to Rochester for our first overnight stay to visit our daughter on homecoming weekend at RIT. We booked a room at the Staybridge Suites based mostly on availability on the web. What an excellent choice! The room was outstanding, the staff was friendly and courteous, and breakfast was honestly the best free buffet I've had at a hotel in quite a while. The location is very convenient and would have been quite scenic (right on the river with a nice deck) if the weather had been better. Don't worry about the allegedly "sketchy" neighborhood. We went out at night and never felt unsafe. We will definietly stay here again.

In the big picture, after a recent stay at a Residence Inn elsewhere that seemed tired and cheap, I will always choose Staybridge Suites when I can.