While the need for long term, non-permanent lodging has always existed, the US phenomenon which has become to be known as “Extended Stay” lodging is relatively new. It began to develop in suburban America in the 1970’s.

One of the major catalysts for this development was a desire to circumvent zoning laws and establish lodging facilities in areas which might not otherwise permit a hotel’s presence. These facilities were at first known as “Corporate Apartments” and required a minimum thirty-day stay and substantial cash deposits.

Another motivation was the desire to take advantage of the increasing number of people who were traveling to new locales for business, vacations, etc.

Who Uses Extended Stay?

Although there is a temptation to think of extended stay as being mainly concerned with business travel, this is by no means the case. Extended stay which focuses on business travel is known more specifically as corporate housing or corporate lodging. There are actually many reasons a person might avail themselves of an extended stay hotel.

Business Travel

Since people who spend all day in various working environments are not particularly excited to spend all of their time on the town or cramped in a tiny, uncomfortable living space (sitting on a bed to watch TV), extended stay hotels are ideal for people on business trips. Extended stay facilities will provide furniture such as couches, a kitchen area, and often times a living space separate from the bedroom. In addition, some upscale properties may include suites which come equipped as office suites, including a desk, internet connect, fax machine, etc so that the traveler can attended to any extra work in the homelike comfort of their hotel suite.

Vacation

Having to stay in a standard hotel room can lessen the enjoyment of a vacation. After spending an enjoyable day exploring a new city and enjoying its unique sites and sounds, a person might wish to escape to a quite, comfortable place to digest the experience. On the other hand, perhaps the traveler is interested in the outdoors and wishes to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. In either case, returning to a regular hotel room is not the ideal options. For these people, extended stay hotels will offer the best setting to maximize the enjoyment of their vacation. Combine this with the lower rates for staying a week or longer, since most vacations are more than a few days, an extended stay hotel is the obvious choice.

Special Events

Whether a person needs to be in a new city for a week-long seminar or for a few weeks to arrange and participate in a wedding, the greater comfort and lower expense over the duration of such stays make extended stay a great fit.

Moving

If a person is unable to find a permanent home before arriving in a new city, or if their transition from one residence to another does not line up quite right. Extended Stay provides some benefits. As always, this option will provide a great balance of comfort and lower cost than a standard hotel. On the other hand, it also provides advantages over other options such as apartments. Many apartments may require signing a lease of three to six months at a minimum; this is not the case with an extended stay hotel, where the guest can leave after 33, 41 or 47 days without incurring further expense. Extended Stay properties will be furnished, supply utilities, and include regular housekeeping, and many other amenities. Visit our Amenities page for more details.

Family Suites

Since many extended stay hotels will have a living space with separate bedrooms, they are great for families. The children will have space to play without cluttering the parents’ sleeping area, the family can easily enjoy a breakfast or dinner together in the comfort and privacy of their own hotel suite, and it will be possible for everyone else to enjoy a movie, even if someone needs to get some sleep. When families choose extended stay lodging, everyone can live much as they would at home, without ruining the trip for anyone else.

Value

The greatest advantage of extended stay hotels is that they include these extra features at a discount rate compared to similar conventional hotels.

Living Space

Extended stay lodging typically provides more space with superior organization. The specifics of the living space may vary, but every facility will create areas appropriate to specific functions, whether it be sleep, entertainment, etc.

Superior Amenities

Extended stay facilities will typically have the kinds of furniture (sofas, recliners, dining tables, etc) which we enjoy in our homes. Upscale properties may also provide items such as fax machines, free internet access and larger, higher quality televisions.

Kitchens

One of the distinctive elements of extended stay lodging is the presence of full kitchens. Many standard hotels do not offer microwaves, but extended stay hotels typically offer: a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, stove-top/oven, dining table, ample counter space and the necessary cooking utensils and silverware/dinnerware.

Laundry

Extended stay facilities often offer free, on-site laundry facilities with all the 24-hour access.

Phone Services

Many extended stay hotels will provide free phone service, including long distance at no cost.

Lower Cost

As noted above, extended stay hotels tend to cost less than comparable hotels. An upscale extended stay facility might have many of the same amenities as a luxury class hotel and yet cost, for example, $75-$150 per night less.