Extended Stay Hotels and Suites: Comfortable Long-Term Options with Choice Hotels
When life throws you a curveball, or your carefully laid plans require an extended stay away from home, finding comfortable and affordable lodging becomes paramount. Forget cramped hotel rooms and restrictive policies – extended stay hotels and suites offer a home-away-from-home experience, providing the space, amenities, and flexibility you need to thrive during your long-term sojourn. And when it comes to trusted names in hospitality, Choice Hotels stands out, offering a diverse portfolio of extended stay brands designed to meet the unique needs of today’s traveler.
What Defines an Extended Stay Hotel or Suite?
Unlike traditional hotels catering to short-term visits, extended stay hotels and suites are specifically designed for guests staying for a week, a month, or even longer. These properties prioritize creating a comfortable and convenient living environment, offering amenities and services that cater to the needs of long-term residents. Here’s what typically distinguishes an extended stay hotel or suite:
- Spacious Accommodations: Forget feeling cramped in a standard hotel room. Extended stay options offer larger suites, often featuring separate living, sleeping, and dining areas. This extra space allows you to spread out, relax, and maintain a semblance of your normal routine.
- Fully Equipped Kitchens: A key feature of extended stay accommodations is the presence of a fully equipped kitchen. This includes a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and often an oven, along with cookware, utensils, and dishes. Having a kitchen allows you to prepare your own meals, saving money on dining out and providing greater control over your diet.
- On-Site Laundry Facilities: Doing laundry on the road can be a hassle. Extended stay hotels typically offer on-site laundry facilities, either coin-operated or free of charge, making it easy to keep your clothes clean and fresh without having to search for a laundromat.
- Housekeeping Services: While you’ll enjoy more independence than in a traditional hotel, extended stay properties still provide housekeeping services. The frequency may vary (weekly or bi-weekly is common), but you can expect regular cleaning, linen changes, and trash removal.
- Flexible Rates: Extended stay hotels often offer discounted rates for longer stays. The longer you stay, the lower the nightly rate typically becomes. This makes them a cost-effective option compared to short-term rentals or traditional hotels for extended periods.
- Pet-Friendly Options: Traveling with a furry friend? Many extended stay hotels are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your beloved companion along for your long-term stay. Be sure to check the hotel’s pet policy for any restrictions or fees.
- Amenities for Extended Living: Beyond the basics, extended stay hotels may offer additional amenities to enhance your comfort and convenience, such as free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, business centers, and outdoor grilling areas.
Why Choose an Extended Stay Hotel or Suite?
Extended stay hotels and suites offer a compelling alternative to traditional hotels and short-term rentals for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Cost-Effectiveness: For stays of a week or longer, extended stay hotels can be significantly more affordable than traditional hotels. The inclusion of a kitchen allows you to save money on dining out, and the discounted rates for longer stays further reduce your overall expenses.
- Comfort and Convenience: Extended stay accommodations offer a more comfortable and convenient living environment than cramped hotel rooms. The extra space, fully equipped kitchen, and on-site laundry facilities provide a greater sense of normalcy and independence.
- Flexibility and Freedom: Extended stay hotels offer more flexibility than traditional hotels. You have the freedom to prepare your own meals, come and go as you please, and maintain your own schedule without feeling confined by hotel policies.
- Suitable for Various Needs: Extended stay hotels are a versatile option for a wide range of needs, including business travel, relocation, temporary housing, medical stays, and leisure travel.
- Pet-Friendly Options: As mentioned earlier, many extended stay hotels are pet-friendly, making them an ideal choice for travelers who don’t want to leave their furry friends behind.
Situations Where Extended Stay Hotels Shine
Let’s delve deeper into specific scenarios where choosing an extended stay hotel or suite proves particularly advantageous:
Business Travel
Long-term business trips can be grueling. Living out of a suitcase in a standard hotel room for weeks or months on end can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Extended stay hotels provide a more comfortable and conducive environment for business travelers. The separate living and sleeping areas allow for relaxation and focus, while the fully equipped kitchen allows for healthy meal preparation. On-site laundry facilities and business centers further enhance convenience and productivity.
Relocation
Relocating to a new city is a major life event, often involving a period of transition while you search for permanent housing. Extended stay hotels provide a comfortable and convenient temporary housing solution during this period. You can settle in, explore your new surroundings, and focus on finding the perfect home without the stress of short-term leases or cramped hotel rooms.
Temporary Housing
Situations like home renovations, insurance claims, or displacement due to unforeseen circumstances can necessitate temporary housing. Extended stay hotels offer a readily available and comfortable solution for these situations. They provide a safe and secure environment with all the amenities you need to maintain your daily routine while you’re away from home.
Medical Stays
If you or a loved one requires medical treatment in a city far from home, an extended stay hotel can provide a comfortable and convenient base of operations. The spacious accommodations and fully equipped kitchen allow you to maintain a healthy lifestyle while focusing on your medical needs. The proximity to hospitals and medical facilities can also be a major advantage.
Leisure Travel
Even for leisure travel, extended stay hotels can be a great option, especially for longer vacations or when traveling with family. The extra space and kitchen facilities allow you to save money on dining out and enjoy more quality time together. You can also use the hotel as a base for exploring the surrounding area at your own pace.
Choice Hotels: Your Gateway to Comfortable Extended Stays
Choice Hotels offers a diverse portfolio of extended stay brands designed to cater to a wide range of needs and budgets. Here’s a closer look at some of their popular extended stay options:
WoodSpring Suites
WoodSpring Suites focuses on providing affordable and clean extended stay accommodations. They offer simple yet comfortable rooms with in-room kitchens and weekly rates, making them a budget-friendly option for long-term travelers. WoodSpring Suites prioritizes value and practicality, providing essential amenities without unnecessary frills.
Key Features of WoodSpring Suites:
- Affordable weekly rates
- In-room kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops
- Free Wi-Fi
- Guest laundry facilities
- Pet-friendly rooms available (fees may apply)
- 24/7 front desk service
WoodSpring Suites is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize practicality and affordability. They are particularly well-suited for construction workers, traveling nurses, and individuals seeking temporary housing solutions.
Suburban Studios
Suburban Studios is another brand focused on providing affordable extended stay options. They offer comfortable rooms with kitchenettes and weekly rates, similar to WoodSpring Suites, but with a slightly more residential feel. Suburban Studios aims to provide a comfortable and convenient home-away-from-home experience for extended stay guests.
Key Features of Suburban Studios:
- Affordable weekly rates
- Kitchenettes with refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops
- Free Wi-Fi
- Guest laundry facilities
- Pet-friendly rooms available (fees may apply)
- 24/7 front desk service
Suburban Studios offers a solid balance of affordability and comfort, making it a suitable option for a variety of extended stay travelers. They are a good choice for those seeking a simple and convenient lodging solution without breaking the bank.
MainStay Suites
MainStay Suites offers a more upscale extended stay experience compared to WoodSpring Suites and Suburban Studios. They feature spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas, providing a more comfortable and residential environment for longer stays. MainStay Suites aims to provide a home-away-from-home experience with enhanced amenities and services.
Key Features of MainStay Suites:
- Spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas
- Fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free breakfast
- Fitness center
- Guest laundry facilities
- Business center
- Pet-friendly rooms available (fees may apply)
- Social gatherings (varies by location)
MainStay Suites is a great choice for business travelers, relocating families, and anyone seeking a more comfortable and amenity-rich extended stay experience. The spacious suites, fully equipped kitchens, and complimentary breakfast provide a significant upgrade from more budget-oriented options.
Everhome Suites
Everhome Suites represents Choice Hotels’ newest and most modern extended stay brand. Designed with the contemporary traveler in mind, Everhome Suites offers thoughtfully designed suites with flexible living spaces, fully equipped kitchens, and smart technology integrations. Everhome Suites aims to create a stylish and comfortable environment that caters to the needs of today’s connected travelers.
Key Features of Everhome Suites:
- Modern and stylish suites with flexible living spaces
- Fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Smart technology integrations (e.g., mobile check-in, digital room keys)
- Fitness center
- Guest laundry facilities
- Outdoor grilling areas
- Pet-friendly rooms available (fees may apply)
- Community spaces for socializing and collaboration
Everhome Suites is ideal for tech-savvy travelers, digital nomads, and anyone seeking a modern and comfortable extended stay experience. The stylish design, smart technology integrations, and community spaces create a vibrant and engaging environment.
Choosing the Right Choice Hotels Extended Stay Brand
With several extended stay brands to choose from, selecting the right one for your needs requires careful consideration. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Budget: WoodSpring Suites and Suburban Studios offer the most affordable rates, while MainStay Suites and Everhome Suites provide a more upscale experience at a higher price point.
- Amenities: Consider which amenities are most important to you. Do you need a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and dishwasher? Are free breakfast and a fitness center essential?
- Space: If you need ample space to spread out and relax, MainStay Suites and Everhome Suites with their separate living and sleeping areas are ideal choices.
- Location: Check the availability of each brand in your desired location. Not all brands are available in every city.
- Pet-Friendliness: If you’re traveling with a pet, ensure that the hotel is pet-friendly and review the pet policy for any restrictions or fees.
- TripAdvisor Reviews: Before making a reservation, read reviews from other guests on TripAdvisor or other travel review sites to get a better understanding of the hotel’s quality and service.
Tips for a Comfortable Extended Stay
To make the most of your extended stay experience, consider these helpful tips:
- Pack Appropriately: Pack clothing and personal items that will allow you to feel comfortable and at home. Don’t forget essential toiletries, medications, and any items you need for work or leisure.
- Plan Your Meals: Take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen by planning your meals in advance. Stock up on groceries and prepare some meals ahead of time to save money and ensure you’re eating healthy.
- Explore the Local Area: Take time to explore the local area and discover nearby restaurants, attractions, and amenities. This will help you feel more connected to your surroundings and make your stay more enjoyable.
- Stay Connected: Utilize the hotel’s free Wi-Fi to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues. You can also use it to research local attractions, plan your activities, and manage your finances.
- Take Advantage of Hotel Amenities: Make use of the hotel’s amenities, such as the fitness center, laundry facilities, and business center. These amenities can help you maintain your routine and stay productive during your extended stay.
- Communicate with Hotel Staff: Don’t hesitate to communicate with the hotel staff if you have any questions or concerns. They can provide helpful information about the local area, assist with any issues you may encounter, and ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
- Establish a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can help you feel more grounded and productive during your extended stay. Set regular wake-up and bedtimes, schedule time for work, exercise, and relaxation, and stick to your routine as much as possible.
- Stay Active: It’s important to stay active during your extended stay. Take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center or explore nearby parks and trails. Regular exercise can help you maintain your physical and mental well-being.
- Maintain Social Connections: Even though you’re away from home, it’s important to maintain your social connections. Stay in touch with family and friends through phone calls, video chats, and social media. You can also join local groups or activities to meet new people.
- Create a Comfortable Living Space: Personalize your living space to make it feel more like home. Add some personal touches, such as photos, artwork, or plants. This can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your extended stay.
The Future of Extended Stay Hotels
The extended stay hotel market is poised for continued growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for flexible and affordable lodging options. As remote work becomes more prevalent and the gig economy expands, more people are seeking long-term accommodations that offer the comforts of home while providing the flexibility to travel and work from anywhere. Choice Hotels is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend with its diverse portfolio of extended stay brands and its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
We can expect to see further advancements in technology and amenities in extended stay hotels, such as smart room features, enhanced connectivity, and personalized services. Sustainability will also become an increasingly important factor, with hotels implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact. Ultimately, the future of extended stay hotels is about creating a seamless and comfortable travel experience that caters to the evolving needs of today’s long-term travelers.
Conclusion
Extended stay hotels and suites offer a compelling alternative to traditional hotels for anyone needing comfortable and affordable lodging for a week, a month, or even longer. Choice Hotels provides a diverse range of extended stay brands, each catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a business traveler, relocating to a new city, or simply seeking a longer vacation, Choice Hotels has an extended stay option that’s right for you. By considering your budget, amenities, space requirements, and location preferences, you can choose the perfect extended stay hotel and enjoy a comfortable and convenient home-away-from-home experience. Remember to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability. Enjoy your extended stay!
