7 Times to Book an Extended Stay Hotel (That You May Not Have Thought of Before)

Extended stay hotels are a staple for the long-term traveler, but even if a weeks-long excursion isn’t on your radar, this type of hotel might fit your needs better than you think. Here are seven situations that call for the apartment-like amenities, budget-friendliness and flexibility extended stay hotels like MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel and Woodspring Suites provide.

Turning your house into your dream home can become a nightmare when construction begins. When the walls come down and the plumbing comes out, you might have better luck finding the comforts of home outside your home. But finding an affordable rental for just a few weeks doesn’t have to be a challenge. Extended stay hotels offer the amenities you need to keep life disruptions to a minimum, plus the flexible lengths of stay standard leases don’t allow.

Moving to a new city is one of life’s biggest stressors—and choosing a new home before the moving trucks show up is one of the most anxiety-inducing factors. Staying in an extended stay hotel is one way to alleviate the pressure of finding a permanent new place. This gives you the opportunity to get to know your city’s neighborhoods and comfortably explore your options before you commit to signing a long-term lease or buying a new home.

Having family in town for an extended visit can be fun, but when they’re staying at your home, clashing routines, uncomfortable sofa-beds and lack of privacy can escalate tensions instead of helping you bond. When you book a room for your family as a gift, it’s also a gift to yourself. They get a space of their own to decompress and enjoy alone time—and you get to do the same.

When you’re traveling on business, it’s important to feel like you have a home to retreat to and recharge for the workday ahead. An extended stay hotel offers all the comforts of home when you’re away—like separate spaces for work and relaxation, free (and fast) WiFi and a fully equipped kitchen that makes it easy to take a break from takeout or store your favorite breakfast cereal and after-work snacks.

The good news that you sold your house can quickly turn sour if you need to move before your new home is ready. An extended stay hotel is a flexible, affordable option, no matter how long you’ll need to stay. You’ll enjoy home-like amenities while you await your new home—and you can celebrate putting out the “sold” sign, stress free.

If you’re heading south for the winter, an extended stay hotel provides all the benefits of renting a home, without all the hassle. You won’t need to undergo a credit check or deal with property owners. And without a fixed-length lease, you’ll have the freedom to stay in your balmy winter retreat as long as you like before making the trip back north.

Whether you’re traveling for a few days or a few months, booking an extended stay hotel is one of the best ways to save on lodging. Extended stay hotels don’t charge the daily maid service fee that traditional hotels build into room costs, and with a fully equipped kitchen, you can make your own meals rather than spending on meals out. Plus, extended stay hotel room rates benefit the long-term traveler—the longer you stay, the more you save per night.