How to Find the Best Extended Stay Hotels

The best extended stay hotels are well located, comfortable, spacious and affordable. If you need a place to call home for several weeks or months, you've got choices and because of competition, negotiating power.

This article will give you tips on finding the best extended stay for your needs, whether you want a luxury or economy experience.

Instructions

1. 

   ~ If Your Stay is for Business, Start Here ~

   If your business or employer uses extended stay facilities frequently, you've probably got leverage and can negotiate discounted rates. That said, you'll want to search available properties online for the location and amenities you need. Proximity to your clients, customers, colleagues or the project/events that require an extended stay is key. Ease of transportation while there can also drive your choice of facility, especially in a large city or metropolitan area.

   Make a quick list of 'must have' business services you'll want during your stay. This could include on-site conference room(s), a business center, fax and copier, access to courier service and/or shredder, high speed internet, etc.

   For your personal safety and comfort, look at the square footage and layout of the apartment or suite you'll be renting, the livability factor of space and furnishings, security of the building, and amenities you may need such as fitness room, pool, etc. If you require a full kitchen, washer/dryer in the unit, and daily housekeeping, make sure these are offered.

   You can choose from popular brands (Marriott has four extended stay brands (Residence Inn, ExecuStay, TownePlace Suites and Executive Apartments). Hilton has two extended stay brands: Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites. There are also chains like Oakwood Worldwide, which has 23,000 suites and apartments around the world for extended stays.

2. 

   ~ If Your Stay is for Personal Reasons, Start Here ~

   People need temporary housing for all sorts of reasons, many of them having to do with life transitions. The length of your stay, amount of space and creature comforts you want, and the number of people (and pets) in your party will influence your choices. There are studios, 1-2-and-3 bedroom apartments to choose from, some with dens. Many extended stay properties allow pets, though there may be a limit on size (weight).

3. ~ Shop Prices and Know Your Budget ~

   Economy and moderately priced extended stay properties can run $300-$600 a week. Luxury properties can run $900-$1,200 a week and more. Generally, the longer you stay, the less you pay for weekly rates. Ask for/use corporate discounts, customer loyalty programs, AAA or AARP discounts, Government or Military Rates, if you're eligible.

   Even if you find a location and property that's pleasing, you should comparison shop. You may be able to get a larger unit, more amenities and a lower price by quoting what you were offered by a neighboring property.

4. ~ Want Luxury? Stay Here ~

   Aka Hotels have nine luxury properties they call 'flexible stay residences'. The hotels have style, comfort, amenities, concierges, penthouse options and more, starting at $1,400/week.

   Starwood Hotels offers the Elements, properties that are stylish but environmentally friendly, personal retreats. The look and feel are Zen-like with an emphasis on exceptional comfort.

   Popular metropolitan areas like Washington, DC , Chicago, San Francisco and other large cities have local boutique hotels, pied a terre and fully appointed condos/corporate apartments available for long stays. If you want something like this, best to browse the hotel industry association or tourism board for that location. Or you can search using terms like 'elegant temporary housing in _____'.

Tips & Warnings

• Copy and paste this web site into your browser to price shop different extended stay brands: www.extendedstaynetwork.com