You’re driving up I-95 or 495, the sun is starting to dip, and you just need a place that doesn't feel like a cramped shoebox. If you've looked at staying anywhere near Boston lately, you know the prices are—honestly—a total nightmare. That’s usually when SpringHill Suites Boston Andover pops up on the radar.
It’s tucked away in Minuteman Park, which sounds like a revolutionary war reenactment site but is actually a quiet business campus. People often assume "business park hotel" means "soul-crushing beige walls and stale coffee." But there is a reason this specific spot keeps a 9.0+ rating on several booking sites while other mid-range hotels in the area are struggling to keep their carpets clean.
The Reality of the 2023 Renovation
Let's get one thing straight: this isn't the same hotel it was five years ago. They finished a massive, top-to-bottom renovation in June 2023. This matters because the "old" SpringHill brand had a very specific, slightly dated vibe. Now, it’s much more modern. Think West Elm meets Marriott.
The rooms are all "studios," which is basically code for "we put a half-wall between your bed and your couch." It works, though. If you’re traveling with kids or a roommate who snores, having that West Elm-inspired trundle bed and a separate sitting area is a lifesaver. You aren't literally on top of each other.
The furniture is crisp. The lighting is LED and actually bright enough to see what you’re packing. Honestly, the most underrated part of the renovation is the workspace. Most hotels are getting rid of desks. Here, they kept them. If you’re a remote worker or a business traveler, you actually have a surface that isn't a wobbly nightstand to put your laptop on.
What You Need to Know About the Suites
- The Trundle Bed Factor: Every room has one. It’s a pull-out bed under the sofa. It’s way better than a standard "rollaway" that feels like sleeping on a bag of springs.
- The "Kitchenette" Situation: Don't get too excited—you aren't cooking a five-course meal here. You get a microwave, a small fridge, and a sink. It’s perfect for heating up leftover pizza from The Chateau down the street, but that’s about it.
- Storage: They have these open-closet systems now. Some people hate them because they like to hide their mess behind a door, but it makes it way harder to leave your favorite sweater behind when you check out.
Why Location Is Everything (and Why It Isn't)
If your goal is to walk to Faneuil Hall in 5 minutes, you are in the wrong place. SpringHill Suites Boston Andover is about 25 miles north of Boston.
But here is the thing: staying in Boston usually costs $400 a night plus $70 for parking. At this location, parking is free. The Wi-Fi is free. The breakfast is free. You’re basically saving $200 a day just by being a 30-minute drive away from the city.
It’s a strategic home base. You’re 15 minutes from Salem, NH (tax-free shopping, hello!), and about 20-25 minutes from the spooky history of Salem, MA. If you're visiting Phillips Academy or Merrimack College, you’re basically right there.
The hotel backs up to a small wooded area. It's quiet. Like, really quiet. You won't hear sirens or city traffic. You might hear the occasional person in the hallway because the floors are a bit thin, but that’s standard for any building built in the early 2000s.
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The Breakfast Debate: Eggs, Waffles, and Reality
Look, we have to talk about the "free breakfast." It is a buffet. Is it a Michelin-star brunch? No. Is it better than a dry granola bar and a bruised apple? Absolutely.
They do the standard Marriott spread: scrambled eggs, sausage (usually pork or turkey), and those DIY waffle machines that kids lose their minds over. On weekdays, it starts early—6:00 AM—to catch the business crowd. Weekends give you an extra half hour of sleep, starting at 6:30 AM.
One thing people get wrong is the "hot" part. Sometimes the buffet gets hit hard at 8:30 AM, and the food can be lukewarm. Pro tip: If you want the freshest stuff, go early or right after they replenish a tray.
Local Dining (Since there’s no on-site restaurant)
Since the hotel only does breakfast, you’re on your own for dinner. You’ve got a few solid options within a mile or two:
- The Chateau: Classic Italian-American. It's a local legend for toasted ravioli.
- Norm's White Horse: Good for a burger and a beer.
- Anthony's Roast Beef: If you want a "real" North Shore roast beef sandwich, this is a local staple.
The Amenities: Small but Mighty
The indoor pool is... fine. It’s not an Olympic lap pool. It’s a "let the kids burn off energy so they sleep" pool. Some guests have mentioned the water can be a bit chilly, so maybe test it with a toe before you cannonball in.
The fitness center is actually decent. It's open 24/7. They have the standard cardio machines and a rack of free weights. It’s clean, well-lit, and usually empty unless there’s a youth hockey team staying at the hotel.
A Few Real-World "Gotchas"
I’m all about being transparent. No hotel is perfect.
The air conditioning units are those under-the-window blocks. They work great, but they can be a little loud when they kick on. If you’re a light sleeper, bring a white noise machine or use a fan app on your phone.
Also, the "Market" by the front desk is convenient but expensive. They have beer, wine, and snacks, but you’ll pay a premium for that convenience. There is a grocery store just a few minutes away if you want to stock your in-room fridge for a longer stay.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, here is how you actually maximize the experience:
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- Ask for a "High and Away" Room: Specifically, ask for a room on the top floor (4th floor) away from the elevator. It significantly cuts down on the noise from people walking above you.
- Check the "Trundle" Availability: If you have more than two people, confirm your room has the trundle bed. Most do, but it's worth a quick call to be sure.
- The Salem Hack: If you’re visiting Salem, MA in October, do NOT try to drive there from the hotel. Drive 15 minutes to the Beverly or Salem commuter rail station and take the train in. You’ll save hours of traffic frustration.
- Bonvoy Points: Since this is a Marriott property, use your Bonvoy number. Even if you don't stay often, the "Member Rate" is usually $10-$15 cheaper than the standard rate.
SpringHill Suites Boston Andover is basically the "smart" choice for people who want the amenities of a high-end suite without the Boston price tag. It’s clean, it’s recently updated, and it gives you enough space to breathe. Just don't expect a quiet breakfast if there's a soccer tournament in town.