SpringHill Suites do indeed have microwaves and small refrigerators in each room. Residence Inns, on the other hand, are equipped with full kitchens, including stove/range and full size frig.

RI suites tend to be larger than SHS suites.

First generation SHS suites have ceiling fans above the desk in the "living room" area. These appear to be missing in second generation (newer) properties.

RI properties include recreational areas like Sport Courts; weekly activites for guests like barbeques and snacks; and their breakfast is more substantial than SHS. SHS has a pool but no other recreational areas. Their included breakfast is continental.

SHS is based on the original "Fairfield Suites" concept, when the idea was to create a brand extension of the economy brand Fairfield Inn. A few Fairfield Suites were built, but research began to show that guests were willing to pay more than economy rates for a slightly better product. So SpringHill Suites was developed as a separate brand. Interestingly, a couple of years after that, some "Fairfield Inn & Suites" properties appeared, with a mix of regular rooms and suites. Marriott's brand history is pretty complicated.

From (generally - always exceptions) highest priced to lowest priced, Marriott's brands might look like this:

Ritz-Carlton
Bulgari (assuming Marriot has actually developed this brand)
JW Marriott (actually, a brand extension of the regular Marriott brand)
Marriott Executive Apartments (internationally)
Marriott Conference Centers
Marriott Vacation Club International
MHRS (Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites)
Renaissance
Ramada International (not in U.S.)
Residence Inn (extended stay emphasis)
Courtyard
SpringHill Suites
TownePlace Suites (extended stay emphasis)
Fairfield Inn (and the occasional & Suites)

Socrates, did I miss anything?

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Brian/\/\