need to visit 'new' family in bel air area of Maryland. Curious about the hotels. Interested in something like Hilton Homewood suites or springhill suites or something better. What is the difference between these two establishments.

Driving your own car or a rental from BWI or somewhere else?
Are you a member of a points club with either?

driving own car from nyc....destination: Abingdon, bel air

It varies, look at trip advisor for pictures, age and what is around the hotel. We stayed recently in the area and it was a nice La Quinta. It was out of desperation because we could not find a place to stay. I think there was a game that night in Baltimore. We were winging it to New Jersey trying to get in as many miles as possible that day. It was super clean and new.

Since you are coming from NYC to Belair, are you actually planning on going into Baltimore? If not, then stay in or very near Abingdon/Belair. No point going all the way to Baltimore, then going back and forth. There are several hotels near the highway in Belair, one I believe is a Hilton Homewood suites.