There was a time when I thought short-term hotels were enough. A bed, a desk, maybe a small gym in the corner of the building—that was all I needed, or so I believed. But after spending a few weeks in Hamilton during a writing project, I realized how draining it felt to live out of a suitcase, eat every meal out, and have nowhere comfortable to stretch into a routine. That’s when I discovered the difference that apartment-style hotels can make.
In Hamilton, these places are more than just a roof over your head. They offer kitchens, laundry facilities, bigger living spaces, and often locations close to the heart of the city or near the waterfront. What struck me the most was how much more human it felt to come “home” to an apartment hotel after a day exploring Dundas Valley, biking along the waterfront trail, or meeting friends on James Street North.
Over time, I’ve stayed in and researched several of Hamilton’s best long-stay, apartment-style hotels. Some are sleek and modern, others cozy and practical, but all of them have one thing in common: they make long stays easier, cheaper, and far more enjoyable.
How I Book Long Stays in Hamilton
Before I dive into the hotels themselves, I want to share the platforms I’ve leaned on most when booking long stays in Hamilton:
- Expedia.ca — Consistently reliable for comparing apartment hotels and locking in discounts when booking for a week or longer.
- Booking.com — I’ve found flexible cancellation policies here, which are essential when my plans might change.
- Airbnb.ca — Sometimes, the line between “apartment hotel” and “vacation rental” blurs. Airbnb has helped me find apartment-style suites in professional buildings downtown.
- Hotels.com — The loyalty program here, with free nights after multiple stays, has saved me money on longer bookings.
I’ve noticed that apartment hotels often offer direct discounts on their own websites for long-term stays, but I still check these platforms first because bundled deals (especially through Expedia.ca) can make a big difference.
1. Staybridge Suites Hamilton – Downtown (20 Caroline Street South)
What Makes It Stand Out
Staybridge Suites has become my go-to when I want a mix of comfort and practicality. Located right downtown, it’s walking distance from Jackson Square, James Street North, and the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. The suites here come with full kitchens—fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and all the dishes you need. It feels like moving into a small condo rather than a hotel.
My Experience
One winter, I stayed here for three weeks. Every morning, I cooked breakfast in my kitchen instead of eating out, saving money and keeping healthier. Evenings were spent curled up on the couch with takeout from a nearby Portuguese bakery. Having laundry facilities on-site was a lifesaver—no dragging bags of clothes around the city.
Guest Feedback
Most online reviews highlight the spaciousness, the free hot breakfast, and the friendliness of the staff. Some mention the parking fees as a downside, but in downtown Hamilton, that’s expected.
Cost & Booking Tips
Rates usually range from CAD \$170–\$220 per night, but booking for a week or longer drops the average cost. I’ve had the best success on Booking.com, especially when choosing flexible rates. If you’re staying longer than 14 nights, call the hotel directly and ask for an extended-stay rate—it often beats what you see online.
2. Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton (40 Bay Street South)
What Makes It Stand Out
Homewood Suites feels modern, sleek, and perfectly located. It’s only a short walk to the FirstOntario Centre and Hamilton’s downtown restaurants. Each suite has a kitchen, and the layout makes it easy to live comfortably for weeks at a time.
My Experience
During a July stay, I loved being able to cook my own meals in the evening and then walk a few minutes to the waterfront trail at Bayfront Park for sunset. The free evening socials that the hotel sometimes offers made it easy to meet other long-stay guests.
Guest Feedback
Reviewers consistently mention the cleanliness and excellent staff service. Many note that the rooms are quiet despite being in a busy area. Families staying for hockey tournaments or work trips praise the “home away from home” feel.
Cost & Booking Tips
Rates hover around CAD \$180–\$230 per night. I usually book this one through Expedia.ca, where I can bundle with flights if I’m hosting friends visiting from out of town. Pro tip: book early for summer months, as it fills quickly with concert and festival-goers.
3. Visitor’s Inn (649 Main Street West)
What Makes It Stand Out
Visitor’s Inn doesn’t always get as much attention as chain hotels, but it’s one of Hamilton’s hidden gems for longer stays. Located near McMaster University, it offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, plus an indoor pool and fitness area.
My Experience
I stayed here while working on a project at McMaster, and it struck the perfect balance between comfort and affordability. My kitchenette wasn’t as full as the setups at Staybridge or Homewood, but it was more than enough for basic meals. Being able to swim laps after work in the pool felt like a luxury.
Guest Feedback
Guests praise the cleanliness and quiet atmosphere. Some describe it as “unassuming but reliable.” Long-term guests often highlight the value for money compared to downtown properties.
Cost & Booking Tips
Rates usually fall between CAD \$150–\$180 per night. I’ve found the best deals on Hotels.com, especially if you’re stacking free nights through their rewards program. For week-long stays, calling the hotel directly sometimes gets you an upgraded kitchenette suite for the same price.
4. McMaster University Residence Suites (1280 Main Street West)
What Makes It Stand Out
This is a seasonal option, but in summer, McMaster opens its residence suites to the public. They’re apartment-style, with kitchens and multiple bedrooms, and are ideal for budget-conscious long stays.
My Experience
I stayed here during an August when I needed a full month in Hamilton. The setup was basic—think student housing—but it had everything I needed: a full kitchen, private bedroom, and easy access to the trails in Dundas Valley. The affordability meant I could splurge on meals and activities elsewhere.
Guest Feedback
Reviews often note the simplicity of the rooms but appreciate the value. Travelers who need longer stays, especially families, say it works well if you don’t mind a no-frills environment.
Cost & Booking Tips
Rates are much cheaper than hotels, averaging CAD \$90–\$120 per night. Bookings can be made through McMaster’s official site or through Airbnb.ca, where some of the suites are listed in the summer. The key tip: book early. These suites fill fast for events and conferences.
5. Sandman Hotel Hamilton (560 Centennial Parkway North)
What Makes It Stand Out
On the east side of Hamilton, close to Stoney Creek, the Sandman Hotel offers modern suites with kitchenettes, making it a strong option for long stays outside the downtown core. It’s especially convenient if you want access to both Hamilton and Niagara.
My Experience
When I needed a base to explore both Hamilton waterfalls and Niagara wineries, the Sandman made perfect sense. The in-room kitchenette let me pack lunches for day trips, and the surrounding area had grocery stores within walking distance.
Guest Feedback
Guests mention the cleanliness and newness of the property. Some reviewers highlight the convenience of having an in-house restaurant (Denny’s) for nights when cooking feels like too much work.
Cost & Booking Tips
Rates average CAD \$160–\$190 per night. I’ve booked here through Expedia.ca, but I’ve noticed direct bookings often come with perks like free parking. For stays longer than two weeks, it’s worth asking about extended-stay discounts.
6. Extended Stay Canada – Hamilton Options via Airbnb
What Makes It Stand Out
While not branded as a single hotel, Hamilton has multiple apartment-style hotel options listed on Airbnb.ca, especially in new condo developments downtown. These often come with full kitchens, laundry machines, and access to gyms or pools.
My Experience
Last spring, I rented a loft downtown through Airbnb for two weeks. It overlooked James Street North, giving me immediate access to cafés, galleries, and nightlife. Cooking breakfast in a modern condo kitchen each morning felt worlds away from the anonymous feel of traditional hotels.
Guest Feedback
Airbnb reviews highlight the flexibility and convenience of these setups. Travelers staying more than a week often say they feel more like residents than tourists.
Cost & Booking Tips
Prices range from CAD \$120–\$200 per night depending on the property. Booking early, especially for July and August, is crucial. I also filter for “long stay discounts,” which can sometimes cut costs by 20% or more for week-long or month-long bookings.
My Personal Booking Strategies for Long Stays
- Compare Across Platforms: I check Expedia.ca, Booking.com, and Hotels.com side by side before confirming anything. Sometimes the difference for a two-week stay is hundreds of dollars.
- Look for Weekly or Monthly Discounts: Apartment hotels often quietly drop their nightly rates for longer stays. Airbnb hosts, in particular, tend to offer steep reductions for 30-day bookings.
- Contact Hotels Directly: After finding the best online rate, I call the hotel and ask if they can match or beat it for a long stay. More often than not, they do.
- Use Rewards Programs: Hotels.com’s free nights and Booking.com’s Genius perks have saved me meals’ worth of money over the years.
Why Apartment-Style Hotels in Hamilton Changed the Way I Travel
When I think back on my longer stays in Hamilton, it’s not the hotel lobbies I remember. It’s the little rituals: brewing coffee in my own kitchen before heading to Bayfront Park, doing laundry on a quiet evening after a hike in Dundas Valley, or hosting a friend for dinner in my suite instead of meeting at a crowded restaurant.
Apartment-style hotels let me live in Hamilton, not just visit it. They gave me a rhythm, a sense of home, and a base from which the city opened itself fully. Whether it was Staybridge with its condo-like suites, McMaster’s budget-friendly student apartments, or sleek downtown lofts on Airbnb, each place offered more than a stay—it offered a way to belong.
And that’s the gift of Hamilton’s apartment hotels: they turn a trip into a life, even if only for a few weeks.
