You’re driving up I-93, maybe heading toward New Hampshire or just trying to navigate the tech corridor in the Merrimack Valley. You need a place to crash. You see the signs for the Minuteman Road exit. Most people think of the SpringHill Suites Andover MA as just another roadside Marriott property, a place to sleep before a meeting at Raytheon or a visit to Phillips Academy.
But honestly? It's a bit more than that.
The hotel, located at 550 Minuteman Road, underwent a massive renovation recently. We’re talking 2023. If you haven't been there since then, the lobby you remember—the one with the dated carpets and that weird 2000s vibe—is gone. It’s been replaced by a West Elm-influenced aesthetic that feels surprisingly high-end for a mid-range suite hotel.
The Space Dilemma at SpringHill Suites Andover MA
Most "suites" in this price bracket are just regular rooms with a half-wall. It’s a trick.
The SpringHill Suites Andover MA actually handles this differently. Because the property was built specifically as an all-suite hotel back in 2002 (and revamped from top to bottom just two years ago), the geometry of the rooms is different. You get about 25% more square footage than a standard hotel room.
You’ve got a dedicated workspace. A trundle sofa that actually fits a human being. A microwave and mini-fridge that aren't hidden in a closet.
I’ve seen people try to squeeze a family of five into a single room here. It works, mostly because of that trundle bed. It’s a lifesaver for parents who don't want their kids sharing a bed or, worse, sleeping on a questionable pull-out couch that feels like a bag of springs.
Why the 2023 Renovation Changed the Game
Let’s talk about the bathrooms. Usually, hotel bathrooms are an afterthought. Here, they did the "split" design. The sink and vanity are separate from the shower and toilet.
This is huge.
While one person is showering, another can be getting ready at the mirror. It saves about 20 minutes of arguing in the morning. The new walk-in showers (in most rooms) have that rainfall feel, and the Alice + Co. botanical products—lavender and eucalyptus—actually smell like a spa, not a chemistry lab.
What's the Catch?
It’s not perfect. No hotel is.
Some guests have mentioned that the HVAC units can be a bit loud. They’re the "under the window" style units. If you’re a light sleeper, that cycling on and off might bother you.
Also, the breakfast. It’s free. It’s a buffet. You know the drill: scrambled eggs, sausage, those little yogurt parfaits. It’s decent, but if you’re looking for a five-star brunch, you aren’t finding it here. On busy weekends, especially during graduation at Merrimack College or Phillips Academy, the breakfast area can get chaotic.
Think: kids running around, a line for the waffle maker, and the staff sprinting to refill the coffee.
The Location Reality
You are in a business park.
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It’s quiet. Wooded. Very peaceful. But you aren't walking to a bar or a 7-Eleven. You’re going to need your car or an Uber.
The good news? You’re right near:
- Merrimack College: About 15-20 minutes away.
- Phillips Academy: Less than 10 minutes.
- Canobie Lake Park: About 20 minutes north in Salem, NH.
- Tuscan Village: Also in Salem, NH, for serious shopping and dining.
If you’re hungry and don’t want to travel far, The Chateau is just over a mile away. It’s an old-school Italian spot. Huge portions. The kind of place where they still give you breadsticks that could feed a small army.
Business vs. Leisure
During the week, this place is a ghost town of quiet professionals. The 24-hour business center actually has working printers (a miracle in 2026). The Wi-Fi is fast enough for Zoom calls without that annoying three-second lag.
Come Friday night? It flips.
Youth hockey teams. Wedding parties. Families visiting kids at school.
The indoor pool becomes the epicenter of the hotel. It’s a heated pool, and while it’s not Olympic-sized, it’s enough to wear out a few kids before bed.
Sustainability and Tech
Marriott has been pushing the "Mobile Key" thing hard. It actually works here. You can skip the front desk entirely if you’ve checked in on the app. They’ve also swapped out the tiny plastic bottles for large-format toiletries to cut down on waste.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're booking at SpringHill Suites Andover MA, here is how to do it right:
- Ask for a room facing the woods. The parking lot side can get a little engine noise from the nearby highway access, but the back of the property is remarkably still.
- Check the calendar. If there’s a major event at the nearby colleges, rates will triple and the lobby will be packed.
- Use the Trundle. Don't bother with a rollaway bed. The suites already have a trundle tucked under the sofa.
- Dining Backup. Grab some snacks at the 24-hour "Market" in the lobby. They have local craft beers and actually decent snacks, though you'll pay "hotel prices" for them.
- Electric Vehicles. Check for charging stations. The area is becoming very EV-friendly, and most business parks in Andover have added ports recently.
At the end of the day, you're staying here for the space. It’s a "suite" that feels like a small apartment, managed by a staff that actually seems to care about the "Andover hospitality" reputation. It’s not a boutique hotel in downtown Boston, but it’s a far cry better than the cramped alternatives.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Verify your dates against the Merrimack College academic calendar to avoid peak pricing.
- Download the Marriott Bonvoy app to enable your Mobile Key before arrival.
- Map out your route to Tuscan Village if you plan on doing tax-free shopping in New Hampshire—it's just a 15-minute straight shot up the road.