We stayed at the Staybridge in December, down from Canada to do some shopping and dining.
Our first impression as we approached the hotel area was how run down the general area was.
I agree with previous comments that it is a lovely hotel, with a very nice patio in the back of the hotel overlooking the canal. We found the breakfast to be not up to par....cheap microwaved bacon, and psuedo scrambled eggs, don't quite entice me, thank god the coffee was decent.
The room itself is very nicely laid out with nice ammenties, and yes the lobby is attractive..and .the staff was accomodating. Next time in Rochester i would likely stay at the Holiday Inn in Webster.

I was surprised at how downhill the service has gone over the past year or two. I really like the hotel. The lobby is nice, the location/setting is lovely along the canal so really it is the service that was off. Our room was fine BUT the cleaning was not up to par and the shower filled with water and did not drain properly. The housekeeping was horrible. I probably should have complained. We were here on business for a few days and they did come in to "clean" the room but it was really just making the bed and leaving towels. I do feel it used to be really nice and the manager was so friendly but do think things have changed.

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.