When traveling there are various types of hotels, limited service, select service, extended stay, full service, and resorts. Ultimately it is up to the traveler on their preferred type of hotel, some travelers aim for free breakfast, some are looking for spas, while some are looking for the amenities that an extended stay property offers.
Is An Extended Stay Property Right For You
Did you know that most major hotel brands will only give you 50% of the points you’d normally earn at an extended stay? Marriott for example offers a base of 5 points per dollar spent at Residence Inn, Towneplace Suites, Element Hotels. So for those chasing hotel loyalty points, this may not be the best option for you. It is also worth noting that Extended stay properties also often have a higher daily rate as they offer significant discounts for extended stays with price points often lowering for 7 day, 14 day and 30 day stays. The higher daily rate is to encourage extended stays and due to the added cost of housekeeping service due to room size and amenities and the cost to turn a room.
Benefits Of Staying At Extended Stay Properties
Space is one of the biggest benefits to an extended stay hotel. In a world where hotels are seemingly getting smaller, extended stays, are basically your own apartment with your own kitchen (most extended stay hotels only have a stove top). Extended stay rooms also offer full size refrigerators. For those travelers looking for free breakfast, extended stay properties often offer free breakfast for guests.Pre-COVID-19, most extended stay hotels offered a social hour at night a few nights a week, which often featured appetizers, beer & wine, desserts, etc. This encouraged a community setting for guests that were staying for longer periods of time. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, some brands have completely eliminated this requirement while others have brought it back. So really at the end of the day, it is up to the traveler to decide if sacrificing lower rates and points earnings are worth staying at extended stay properties.