Every day, I search high and low for the latest gadgets, games, gizmos and generally cool stuff. My job is a lot of fun, but I’m also on the road a lot. Being away from home for extended periods, the best thing I can hope for is a place to stay that feels like home, and won’t break the bank.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott recently invited me to spend some time at one of their extended stay hotels. What I loved about my stay was that it really did feature many of the comforts of home, while offering everything I needed to be productive and relaxed.

For starters, the rooms are bright, cheery and comfortable, but set up more like an apartment than a hotel room. In my suite, I had a full living room, a kitchenette, and a dedicated work area, complete with high-speed internet. And unlike many hotels I’ve stayed at, the internet really was fast and stable, a must given that I make my living on the Internet. Oh, and there are plenty of outlets for charging gadgets both in the living room and the bedroom.

The bed was extraordinarily comfortable, and the room darkening shades ensured I got a really good sleep each night. It’s nice to not have to live out of a suitcase or a cramped dresser, so having an Elfa bedroom closet built out by The Container Store is a really nice touch.

Like most hotels, there’s laundry service available, but in this case, there’s also a coin-operated laundry room, so you can do your own wash if you prefer.

The whole environment at TownePlace Suites by Marriott is so welcoming, from the friendly staff to the cheerful and modern interior design of both the public spaces and the rooms. Every morning, guests are treated to a tasty breakfast, and there’s free coffee, tea, and cocoa whenever you need a cup.

The well-stocked “In a Pinch” station offers up all kinds of nibbles and essentials you can charge to your room 24 hours a day. They even stock some microwave meals if you don’t feel like running out to the grocery store.

For cooking proper meals, the in-suite kitchen came in extra handy, with an electric cooktop, a big microwave, a coffee maker, refrigerator/freezer, sink, and even a dishwasher. Plus, the cabinets are stocked with dishes, utensils and pans too. There’s also an outdoor grill in the common area.

There’s more to life than working and eating of course, so when it was time to take a break, the workout room and pool provided a great place to focus on my fitness and get some relaxation in.

I had a really great time staying at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott. They offer an upbeat and friendly environment that feels much more like home than a traditional hotel. If you expect to be in a place for more than a night or two, it’s the perfect place to spend your time.