Hotel Review: Studio Plus in Kennesaw, Ga

In these tough economic times, several individuals have found themselves laid off from their employers for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, downsizing of employees had already affected millions of people in 2009 alone. I was not spared in these tumultuous times, and my husband was laid off due to an economic cutback. With little options left in our former city, we expanded our horizons nationwide in search of a stable opportunity for our family. It just so happens, we landed an offer with a company in my home state of Ga. It didn't take much convincing to get us to pack up and move.

Before our arrival to Georgia, we performed several online searches looking for either an extended stay type hotel or a temporary apartment rental where we could reside while looking for our home. Studio Plus, in Kennesaw, Ga. immediately caught our interest not only for the affordable price, but also for the amenities and the advertised size of the rooms. After a few pertinent questions, we booked a suite for a two month stay with ease.

Upon arriving, the first thing we noticed was the convenience of the location. Studio Plus is nestled in a safe area north of Atlanta, with restaurants, a mall, movie theater, stores, parks, and easy access to major highways. The street was not as easy to find as there are a few other extended stay suites in the area, and a few streets with the same name. However, a quick phone call and we were at our destination within a few minutes. Upon entering, I admit the smell of the lobby was a bit of a turn off. Think of the smell of a cheap cleaning product combined with a pungent coffee odor. Other than that, the lobby was comfortable with ample seating and cable television. Check-in was relatively easy. Since we already booked the suite using our debit card, a quick show of identification, and a few signatures had us our suite card in less than 20 minutes.

Once out of the lobby area, the hallways were immaculately kept and the odors disappeared. The entire hotel is interior, and the walls were nicely yet modestly decorated. There are three floors, with the first two floors exclusively for non smokers, while the third floor is reserved for smokers. We were placed on the first floor at an end unit. Right down the hall we had access to a small yet adequate gym, vending machines, a public restroom, and a laundry room. All equipment and laundry appliances functioned properly from the time we arrived until the time we departed. Laundry costs $1.50 to wash and $1.50 to dry. Quarters are readily available at the front desk for all patrons. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, and although the weather was still nice and sunny in Georgia, the pool had already been closed and covered for the season.

Once we entered the room, my dismay of the lobby odors was soon forgotten. The suite was extremely spacious with a separate living area containing a maroon fold out couch, maroon chair, television with satellite cable, a coffee table, and and end table with a lamp. A work station sits beside the living area and consists of a work table with ample room, a telephone that includes voice mail and free local calls, and two black swivel office chairs. An internet connection is provided for a one time flat fee of $4.95. The connection was fast and were never "booted". The kitchen is what is considered to be a "full kitchen", meaning the kitchen is in a separate area with a full fridge, microwave, stove, oven, toaster, dishwasher, coffee maker, dish towels, utensils, plates, cups, bowls, pots, and pans. The bathroom area is your standard bathroom, but what impressed me the most is that it was spotless with brand new towels and hand cloths. The bedroom is open to the living room, however it is sectioned off into its own area. The queen sized bed was extremely comfortable with fresh linens and extra pillows. Two end tables sat on each side of the bed with a lamp on each table. An extra telephone was installed on the right end table.

House service is not provided for free. However, if you ever need clean linens or towels, simply exchange your old ones in the front office for a clean set. You may also borrow a vacuum cleaner from the lobby as well. If you prefer full maid service, it is available at a charge of $10 each.

All in all we have been satisfied with our stay at Studio Plus 6 in Kennesaw, Ga. The manager is absolutely wonderful and every staff member I have encountered has been extremely friendly. There is hardly any noise at all except for the early morning traffic, which you can only hear if you open your window. Please note however, that this is a pet friendly place. This may be a deal breaker for people who do not like or are allergic to pets. It was not uncommon for us to see a few guests every morning outside with their small pets.