Gainesville's BEST Extended Stay? I-75's Hidden Gem! (Select Suites Review)

Extended Stay America Select Suites - Gainesville - I-75 Gainesville (FL) United States

Gainesville's BEST Extended Stay? I-75's Hidden Gem! (Select Suites Review)

Gainesville's "Hidden Gem" or Just Plain Hidden? My Select Suites Review… (Buckle Up, Buttercups!)

Okay, folks, let's be real. Extended stays aren't exactly known for their… glamour. But hey, sometimes you need a home away from home, and that's when you start sniffing around for the "best" of the bunch. In Gainesville, that seemingly elusive title belongs to Select Suites, conveniently (or maybe inconveniently, depending on your perspective) nestled off I-75. This review is gonna be less "formal travel guide" and more "drunken late-night conversation with a friend." So, grab a drink (or a massive coffee – I'm still recovering), and let's dive in.

Accessibility & Everything-y-ness (The "Let's Be Inclusive" Section… Kinda)

Alright, so, accessibility. They’ve got the basics covered, it seems. Wheelchair accessible, elevator (thank god, because I’m not climbing stairs with all my luggage!), and facilities for disabled guests are supposedly available. Good. That's a bare minimum, and I didn't personally test these things, but I feel good about the fact that they at least say the offer them. My own accessibility needs are limited to wanting a comfortable bed and a working Wi-Fi. Speaking of which…

Internet Access: The Lifeline of Modern Existence

Let's be blunt. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a non-negotiable. And Select Suites… they mostly deliver. The Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) worked, typically. There were a few moments (usually when I was trying to upload a crucial document), when the connection decided to take a long lunch break. Annoying? Yes. A deal-breaker? Maybe not, but it definitely made me mutter under my breath about the digital age. Also, they do have Internet access – LAN, but honestly, who still plugs in a cable these days?! My inner techie is cringing right now.

Cleanliness and Safety: Because Germs are the Enemy

COVID-19 changed us, didn't it? Select Suites tries to keep up. They boast about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I didn’t exactly see them scrubbing every nook and cranny with a hazmat suit on, but the room felt clean. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere, and that’s a big plus in my book. Staff trained in safety protocol - hopefully, that means they haven't forgotten to put those protocols into practice! They also offer Room sanitization opt-out available, for those who might be a little too trusting or perhaps a bit too germophobic.

Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Extended Stay Apocalypse

Okay, this is where things get… interesting. Select Suites doesn’t exactly scream "culinary paradise." They serve Breakfast [buffet], which in my experience, was a standard affair. Think: cereal, maybe some sad-looking pastries, and instant coffee that tastes vaguely of disappointment. There’s talk of Coffee/tea in restaurant, but I only found a lukewarm urn of the stuff near the front desk. In a pinch, it served its purpose.

They have a Snack bar and a Convenience store, but don’t expect gourmet meals. I can attest to the fact that I ate a microwave burrito at about 2 AM because this is an extended stay afterall.

Services and Conveniences: The Perks… or Lack Thereof?

Cash withdrawal on-site? Nope. Concierge service? Not that I saw. But they have a Daily housekeeping, which is a massive win. They also offer Laundry service, and a dry cleaning option. That's crucial for those of us who are perpetually packing the wrong type of clothes!

A nice plus: Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] - this is great in a city like Gainesville where parking can be a NIGHTMARE.

For the Kids: Maybe Bring Grandma Instead?

While the website claims Family/child friendly, the amenities geared specifically towards kids feel a tad lacking. There is no mention of a playground OR a pool. Babysitting service isn't available.

Getting Around: The Great Escape (or at Least, the U-Turn)

Airport transfer? Nope. You're on your own, pal. Taxi service? Yes. Car park [free of charge]? YES! Car park [on-site]? Still YES! This is Gainesville, so you're gonna want a car, anyway.

Available in All Rooms: The Stuff You Actually Need

Okay, let’s talk about the rooms themselves. They have your basic needs covered. Air conditioning (and the ability to control it!) is a MUST in Florida, and thankfully, it works. A refrigerator and coffee/tea maker, are lifesavers. A desk and laptop workspace are great for getting work done while you hide from the outside world.

The beds? Pretty comfortable. I slept well. Maybe a little too well.

The "Quirky Observation" Section (Because Life's Messy)

• I walked by the exterior corridors a few times and thought "Ohhh so this is where the plot thickens!"
• The "pool with view" is debatable. It's a pool. With… a fence. Not exactly infinity-edge vibes.
• I became oddly attached to the little packet of shampoo. It’s those small comforts in hotel life, you know?
• The staff, bless their souls, were generally friendly. They probably saw some things in their time.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth a Stay? (The Big Reveal)

Look, Select Suites isn’t the Four Seasons. It's a practical, functional place to stay. It's a Hotel chain, which helps establish a certain level of consistency. If you're looking for a long-term rental in Gainesville, and you need a place that’s reasonably clean, has free Wi-Fi and is conveniently located off the highway, and it works. It's not glamorous, it's not perfect, but it gets the job done. And sometimes, that's all you need.

Metadata & SEO Optimization (Yes, I'm trying to trick the Google bots too!)

• Keywords: Gainesville hotels, extended stay Gainesville, Select Suites review, I-75 hotels, cheap Gainesville hotels, Gainesville Florida lodging, pet friendly hotels Gainesville, Wi-Fi Gainesville hotels, free breakfast Gainesville, clean hotels Gainesville, amenities Gainesville, fitness center Gainesville, swimming pool Gainesville
• Title: Gainesville's BEST Extended Stay? I-75's Hidden Gem! (Select Suites Review)
• Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of Select Suites in Gainesville, FL. Explore cleanliness, amenities, accessibility, and what to expect from this extended stay hotel near I-75. Is it a hidden gem or a hidden disappointment? Find out!
• Focus keywords: Gainesville extended stay, Select Suites review, I-75 hotel
• URL: (Example: /gainesville-select-suites-review)

So, there you have it. My messy, honest, and thoroughly caffeinated review of Select Suites. Hopefully, it helps you decide if it's the right place for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another refill… and maybe a nap.

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Extended Stay America Select Suites - Gainesville - I-75 Gainesville (FL) United States

Alright, here's the itinerary for my Gainesville adventure, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a wild ride. Buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your glossy travel brochure. This is real.

Extended Stay America Select Suites - Gainesville - I-75 (Why though? Oh, right, budget. And proximity to… the highway. Sigh.)

Day 1: Arrival & Disappointment (and a whole lotta unpacking)

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (ish): ARRIVAL! Finally. After a murderous drive (thanks, traffic!), I pull into the Extended Stay. The exterior? Let's just say it's got that "generic motel chain after a hurricane" vibe going on. My emotional reaction? Mildly deflated. But hey, it's a roof, right?
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (and likely longer): Unpacking hell. You know the drill. The struggle is real. Finding outlets (always a quest), fighting luggage zippers, and trying to make this sterile box feel like…home. God, I need a vacation from this vacation already!
• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Snack raid of the vending machine. I mean, the hotel. Because the "free" breakfast options were…well, let's just say they didn't inspire confidence. The options were sad, the coffee tasted of burnt dust. So, vending machine it is. The anticipation of the chips and a soda keeps me going.
• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Trying to summon the energy to do stuff. Flip through local guides hoping for a spark of inspiration. Maybe that quirky little bookstore I saw mentioned online… or god forbid the gym. (I'm not counting on the latter, let's be real.)
• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. The culinary options are…limited, considering the location. Maybe a chain restaurant sounds tempting. Or I'll default to ordering takeout. Probably pizza. I mean, pizza is the universal comfort food, right?
• 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Watch some of the tv selection, browse the internet, or read your book. Try to sleep in the room, even if it feels like a strange prison.

Day 2: Gator Nation & Minor Existential Crises

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Wake up to a symphony of… truck traffic. Sigh. Okay, let's try that "free" breakfast again. Another sad bagel? At least the coffee provides a little hope for a caffeine jolt
• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The University of Florida… is HUGE. Like, seriously massive. Got a bit lost at the beginning. Wandering around campus, trying to look sophisticated and cultured, but also feeling like I'm intruding on a sacred space. The architecture is cool, though. And the squirrels are absolutely fearless. They're basically little highway bandits.
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch on campus. Grab a bite at a campus café with a massive group of students. Everyone is buzzing with energy, and I’m just there, feeling old and out of place. (But hey, the food was good!)
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History! I was genuinely excited about this and it did not disappoint. The exhibits were fascinating, especially the butterfly section. You know what, I could get lost in there, and you know what? I did. Spent way more time than I planned enjoying the exhibit, as well as people-watching.
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: An hour of relaxation on the benches outside of the museum
• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Consider going to a restaurant in the town, but I might be too exhausted.

Day 3: Nature, Nostalgia, and the Search for Meaning (and Good Coffee)

• 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Find coffee. Find GOOD coffee. That is the quest of the morning. The motel coffee ain't cutting it. Find a local cafe - hopefully a cool one.
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Pay a visit to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and my mental health feels better. Nature always does the trick, so there. So many pretty plants and quiet spots to just be. Almost forgot I was on a budget motel vacation.
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Picnic lunch (hopefully). I packed a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a bottle of water. I'm turning into a nature-loving hippie.
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Take a drive in the historic sites. It was a bit sad to see all the crumbling buildings and hear the stories of yesteryear, and I'm glad this place is trying to keep the past alive.
• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Reflect on my past as I stare out into the sky.
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pre-packing and getting ready for my next adventure.
• 6:00 PM - Bedtime: Say goodbye to the motel and think about what I have seen!

Reflection & Realizations:

Okay, so Gainesville wasn't exactly the sun-drenched paradise I'd envisioned. (The highway view from my window was a constant reminder.) But you know what? It was… something. The university was impressive, the museum, and the botanical gardens offered a pleasant escape, and even the slightly depressing motel had its… charm? Travel, for me, isn't about perfect Instagram shots or ticking off a list of "must-sees." It's about the messy bits, the unexpected turns, the moments of pure bliss and those moments that make you roll your eyes so hard they almost get stuck. It’s those things that make the heart really pump hard and realize you are alive right now. So, yeah. Gainesville. It was… an experience. And honestly, that's all I can ask for. Now, where to, next?

Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to extreme alterations based on mood, impulse, and the availability of decent coffee. Also, my memory is terrible. Details may be fuzzy.

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Extended Stay America Select Suites - Gainesville - I-75 Gainesville (FL) United States```html

Gainesville's BEST Extended Stay? I-75's Hidden Gem! (Select Suites Review) - REAL Talk!

Okay, is this place *really* a "hidden gem"? Like, actually?

Look, "hidden gem" is a loaded term, I know. Throwing that around feels like hotel marketing 101. But honestly? For an extended stay, *yeah*, Select Suites is pretty darn good. I mean, it's not the Ritz, okay? Don't expect white glove service and caviar. But for the price, and *especially* the location? Gold. Pure gold. I was driving through Gainesville on a road trip, my car decided it was a good time to break down, and I ended up staying for what felt like an eternity. And I’m still thinking about how nice it was… compared to what it could have been.

So, what's the deal with the location? Is it...sketchy? Close to anything?

Sketchy? No. Okay, there was that one time the parking lot light flickered, and I *might* have imagined a spooky shadow, but that’s because I’d been watching horror movies on my laptop. It's right off I-75, which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because you can *easily* get anywhere. Curse because...I-75. But! Restaurants and stores are right there. You can walk to a few, or take a quick Uber. And the best part? You're practically *at* the heart of Gainesville. Downtown, UF, all easily accessible. Convenience is king here. Plus, the price point just makes it all worth it.

Let's talk rooms. What are they *actually* like? Photos can be deceiving...

Here's the truth: the rooms are… functional. Clean. Spacious enough. I’m not saying they’re winning design awards, you know? You're not going to find a fireplace. But the suites I saw genuinely exceeded expectations. I think I saw an air freshener at some point? It smelt really good… I'm not complaining! They had a fully equipped kitchen… which was amazing. I’m not a great cook, but being able to whip up a sad little meal in my room, instead of relying on takeout for weeks? HUGE win. The bed was comfortable. And, crucially, the AC worked. (Florida in summer, people, it's a *must*.) My only gripe? The Wi-Fi could have been a *little* faster. I had a few Zoom calls that were…interesting.

Is there a pool? Because that's important. Okay, maybe not *important*, but...

There is! A pool! Not a giant, Olympic-sized monstrosity, mind you. Think more… functional. It’s clean, and it's a nice way to unwind after a day of working or dealing with your car troubles (again, speaking from experience here). I definitely appreciated a nightly dip. It’s nothing to write home about, but it's there. Plus, the sun chairs are *actually* comfortable!

What about the staff? Are they, you know, *human*?

The staff were a *highlight*. Genuinely friendly and helpful. I'm talking beyond the polite, customer-service-voice. They were actually *nice*. I had a problem with my TV (I'm technologically challenged, sue me), and the guy at the front desk came up in, like, two minutes and fixed it. No eye rolls! No sighing! Just helpfulness. I felt genuinely cared for. I was there long enough that I swear I started to feel like one of the furniture.

Is laundry available? Because, you know, dirty clothes pile up. *Fast.*

Yep. There's a laundry room. It works. That's all I ask. Clean machines, reliable dryers. No complaints. Thank goodness. I was there long enough to fill up a few baskets. And actually use them!

Okay, real talk. What’s the *worst* part? Gotta be something...

Alright, here's the honesty you crave. The *worst* part? The breakfast. It's…free. And definitely not gourmet. Think continental. Basically, there's a selection of the usual suspects – muffins, bread, coffee, cereal. It's fine, it'll get you going in the morning, but you're probably not going to be blown away. It's convenient, but… well, don't expect the best meal of your life. I ended up just grabbing something from the local restaurants. Then I got used to the convenience of having breakfast.

Let's go deeper! What was your *best* experience, *really* truly?

Okay, prepare for total digression and maybe a little bit of oversharing. So, my car broke down, right? Which, let's be honest, wrecked my whole carefully planned road trip. I was *stressed*. I'm talking full-on, can't-sleep, pacing-the-room stress. The first night, I was sure I’d made a mistake. Then I saw the staff treat the hotel. I needed a drink. I didn't know anyone in Gainesville. I was stuck with this *thing*. But then, the staff asked what I did for work. I shared my story. And asked the staff for help. The nice guy at the front desk, remember I said the staff was nice? He asked if I was going to stay at the hotel for a few days while my car was in the shop. And I said, yes! I actually *told* him, I was going to be here for a little while... And the staff helped me find the best mechanic in town. They even helped me with some paperwork. And I felt…comforted. Not just by the location or the clean room, but by the kindness. It sounds cheesy, but I felt human. I could be myself. I didn't feel completely stranded, like I had anywhere else. And they helped me find out that the hotel was in walking distance to a fantastic, local taco eatery... Which I proceeded to eat at every night. That's the best experience. That's what made it a "gem" for *me*.

Would you recommend Select Suites for an extended stay?

Absolutely. Yes. Without a doubt. If you're looking for a comfortable, clean, conveniently located place to stay in Gainesville for an extended period, and reasonable prices, Select Suites is a winner. It won’t be the fanciest hotel you’ve ever stayed in, But honestly, it’s the best. And sometimes, that’s enough. It's a solid choice!Book Hotels Now

Extended Stay America Select Suites - Gainesville - I-75 Gainesville (FL) United States

Extended Stay America Select Suites - Gainesville - I-75 Gainesville (FL) United States

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