Whenever I visit a new city, one of my top priorities is finding accommodation that balances comfort, convenience, and affordability. In Hamilton, Ontario—a city that blends industrial history with waterfalls, green spaces, and a lively cultural scene—I found myself researching chain hotels that offered both reliability and good value. I wasn’t looking for luxury suites or boutique extravagance this time. Instead, I wanted chain hotels that delivered on the basics while still adding thoughtful touches to make my stay enjoyable.
Over the course of several visits to Hamilton, I tried out five different chain hotels that stood out not just for their prices but also for their service, location, and amenities. I booked most of them using Booking.com and Hotels.com, occasionally checking Expedia.ca to compare bundled deals with flights or car rentals. For those who prefer unique stays, Airbnb Canada is also worth checking, but when it comes to predictable service and points rewards, chain hotels usually win me over.
Below, I’ll share my detailed impressions of these hotels: their locations, highlights, what other travelers had to say, how much I spent, and tips for snagging the best deals.
Staybridge Suites Hamilton – Downtown
Location: 20 Caroline St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 0B1
My first stop was Staybridge Suites, right in downtown Hamilton. Walking into the lobby, I immediately felt a sense of calm. The interior was modern, bright, and welcoming without being pretentious. This property is part of the IHG group, so I already knew what kind of consistency to expect, but the Hamilton branch surpassed my expectations.
Features & Advantages
The suites were spacious—almost like mini apartments. My room had a full kitchen with a stove, fridge, and dishwasher, which made it easy to cook my own meals when I didn’t feel like eating out. For someone like me who likes to save on dining costs, this was a huge plus. The hotel also offered a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. I loved waking up to the smell of fresh coffee, scrambled eggs, and waffles.
The property has a small but well-equipped gym, an indoor pool, and laundry facilities. During my stay, I noticed a lot of business travelers, but also families making use of the communal areas.
Guest Impressions
Reviews I read beforehand often praised the cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff, and I found those comments accurate. During check-in, the front desk clerk gave me a list of recommended restaurants within walking distance, which I used that same evening.
Booking & Costs
I paid around \$180 CAD per night in September, which felt fair given the suite’s amenities and the downtown location. I booked through Booking.com, where I often find slightly better rates than going directly through IHG. Signing up for the IHG Rewards program also helped me collect points for future stays.
Tip: Book at least a month in advance if your trip coincides with Hamilton’s festival season. Rooms sell out quickly, especially when concerts or sports games are happening at FirstOntario Centre.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Hamilton
Location: 40 Bay St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 0B3
Next on my list was the Hampton Inn by Hilton, which is literally a stone’s throw from Staybridge Suites. I stayed here during a weekend when downtown Hamilton was buzzing with events, and I wanted a hotel that put me right in the middle of the action.
Features & Advantages
The Hampton Inn has a reputation for reliability, and this location is no exception. The rooms were clean, modern, and straightforward. What I appreciated most was the large work desk and comfortable chair—it made catching up on emails easy.
Complimentary breakfast was included, and though it wasn’t as varied as Staybridge Suites, the waffles and pastries were fresh and satisfying. Coffee was available 24/7 in the lobby, which I took advantage of late at night after coming back from a live music show on James Street North.
The hotel also has a small fitness center and offers free Wi-Fi throughout. Parking was extra, but the underground garage was secure and convenient.
Guest Impressions
Other guests often commented on the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the rooms. One review mentioned how the location made it ideal for exploring downtown on foot, and I completely agree. I walked everywhere—restaurants, the art gallery, and even down to the waterfront.
Booking & Costs
My room cost around \$165 CAD per night, which I booked through Hotels.com. Thanks to their rewards program, I was working toward a free night after collecting enough stays.
Tip: Check for weekend deals. Hilton’s app sometimes offers last-minute discounts that can undercut even third-party booking sites.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton
Location: 40 Bay St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 0B3
Sharing the same building as the Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites caters more to long-term stays. I was curious to see how it compared, so I spent a few nights here on another visit.
Features & Advantages
My suite was impressively spacious, complete with a kitchenette, living room, and separate bedroom. It felt more like an apartment than a hotel. The included breakfast was hearty, but what stood out was the evening social reception offered on certain days. Complimentary snacks, beer, and wine created a relaxed, communal vibe in the lounge.
The location was just as convenient as the Hampton Inn, and I walked to Jackson Square Mall and the Art Gallery of Hamilton in minutes.
Guest Impressions
Many reviews online highlighted the excellent value for families. I saw plenty of kids enjoying the pool and parents cooking in their suites. Guests also praised the staff for being attentive without being overbearing.
Booking & Costs
Rates were slightly higher than the Hampton Inn, at around \$190 CAD per night. I booked through Expedia.ca, which offered a bundled flight and hotel deal that shaved off about 10% compared to booking separately.
Tip: If you’re staying longer than three nights, the suite amenities make it worth the extra cost. You’ll save on meals by cooking, and the evening socials feel like a bonus.
Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton
Location: 1224 Upper James St, Hamilton, ON L9C 3B1
For a change of pace, I tried the Courtyard by Marriott, located a bit outside the downtown core near Upper James Street. This was a different experience—quieter, more suburban, and closer to Hamilton Airport.
Features & Advantages
The hotel had a sleek, modern design. The lobby included a Bistro Café that served Starbucks coffee, light meals, and evening cocktails. I found myself hanging out here often, either working on my laptop or people-watching.
My room was spacious with a very comfortable bed, large TV, and mini-fridge. The indoor pool was clean and inviting, and I appreciated the well-equipped fitness center.
Being slightly removed from downtown meant less street noise and more parking availability. It was also convenient for exploring the Hamilton Mountain area, where many of the city’s famous waterfalls are located.
Guest Impressions
Other travelers noted the hotel’s cleanliness and comfort, though some mentioned that being away from downtown required a car. I actually liked the quieter vibe—it felt more relaxed after a long day of exploring.
Booking & Costs
I paid around \$175 CAD per night through Hotels.com, which was competitive compared to downtown options. Marriott Bonvoy members can also redeem or earn points here.
Tip: If you’re flying into or out of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, this hotel is one of the most convenient choices.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hamilton – Downtown
Location: 183 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8
On another visit, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, part of the IHG group. This hotel is located on the east side of Hamilton, closer to Stoney Creek, which made it ideal for exploring that area.
Features & Advantages
The hotel offered everything I’ve come to expect from a Holiday Inn Express: modern rooms, free hot breakfast, and reliable service. The fitness center was small but functional, and the lobby had a relaxed feel.
One detail I appreciated was how quiet the rooms were despite being close to a major road. After a day of visiting Confederation Park and walking along Lake Ontario’s shoreline trails, I had no trouble falling asleep.
Guest Impressions
Other travelers frequently praised the breakfast and the attentiveness of the staff. Families liked the convenient location near the highway, making it a good stopover point.
Booking & Costs
At around \$160 CAD per night, it was one of the most affordable options I tried. I booked through Booking.com, which gave me a free cancellation option in case my plans changed.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit Hamilton’s east side or drive to Niagara Falls, this hotel is strategically located.
Best Western Premier C Hotel by Carmen’s
Location: 1530 Stone Church Rd E, Hamilton, ON L8W 3P9
My final pick was the Best Western Premier C Hotel by Carmen’s, a property that surprised me with its boutique-like touches despite being part of a chain.
Features & Advantages
The décor was stylish, with Italian-inspired elements and a rooftop lounge offering views of the Niagara Escarpment. My room had a fireplace, which instantly made it feel cozy, even though it was September.
The hotel also houses Baci Ristorante, an Italian eatery known for wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Having such a quality restaurant downstairs was incredibly convenient—I didn’t have to leave the property after a long day of sightseeing.
Guest Impressions
Reviews consistently praised the spacious rooms and unique design. Many mentioned the restaurant as a highlight, and I couldn’t agree more. Staff were warm and seemed genuinely proud of the hotel.
Booking & Costs
This was the priciest of the chain hotels I stayed at, at around \$200 CAD per night, but the experience felt worth it. I booked through Expedia.ca, using a bundled deal that included a rental car.
Tip: If you’re traveling with a partner and want something a little more romantic without venturing into boutique-hotel pricing, this is the perfect middle ground.
Thoughts on Booking Chain Hotels in Hamilton
What I learned from these stays is that Hamilton’s chain hotels offer a wide range of experiences, depending on your budget and preferences. Downtown locations like Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites are ideal if you want to be close to the action. Suburban options like Courtyard by Marriott or Holiday Inn Express are quieter and better suited for road trips or early flights.
Booking strategies that worked for me:
- Booking.com for flexible cancellations and frequent discounts.
- Hotels.com for rewards nights (stay 10 nights, get one free).
- Expedia.ca for bundling flights and hotels, which often saves 10–15%.
- Checking the official hotel apps for last-minute promotions.
For anyone visiting Hamilton, whether for business, leisure, or to chase waterfalls, these chain hotels strike an excellent balance of comfort, value, and reliability. I left each stay with a few new memories—from sipping wine at the Best Western’s rooftop to cooking pasta in my Staybridge suite—and the reassurance that good value doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality.
