If you’re between leases, relocating, or waiting for the right apartment to become available, living in a hotel can give you somewhere comfortable to stay without forcing you to rush into your next move.
Yes, you can live in a hotel for weeks, months, or even longer. Extended stay hotels are particularly suited for apartment hunters because they provide furnished accommodation, kitchens, utilities, laundry facilities, and longer-stay options without requiring a traditional apartment lease.
That can give you more time to find the right home, especially when your move-in date is uncertain.
Quick Overview
- Can you live in a hotel while apartment hunting? Yes. Extended stay hotels are designed for longer stays and can provide a temporary home while you search.
- What if your move-in date changes? Weekly and monthly stays can give you more flexibility if your plans shift.
- Do you need to move furniture in? No. Extended stay suites are already furnished.
- Can you maintain your normal routine? Suites with kitchens, free Wi-Fi, free parking, on-site guest laundry, and weekly housekeeping can make everyday life easier while between homes
- How long can you stay? Depending on property policies and availability, you may be able to stay for weeks, months, or longer.
Why an Extended Stay Hotel Can Work While Apartment Hunting
Apartment hunting does not always follow a fixed timeline. You might find the right place immediately, or it could take several weeks to find an apartment that works for your budget, commute, and lifestyle.
An extended stay hotel gives you somewhere to live while you make that decision without immediately committing to another long-term rental.
It can be especially helpful if you are:
- Between leases
- Relocating to a new city
- Waiting for an apartment to become available
- Dealing with a delayed move-in date
- Still deciding which neighborhood is right for you
If you are considering other temporary options too, our guide to alternative housing looks at why extended stay hotels can work as an alternative to traditional rentals.
What Is an Extended Stay Hotel?
An extended stay hotel is designed for guests who need accommodation for a week, a month, or longer. Compared with a traditional hotel, it provides more of the everyday essentials needed for a longer stay.
| Feature | What to Expect at InTown Suites |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | A full-size refrigerator, microwave, and two-burner stovetop for preparing meals. Plus, plenty of cabinet space for all of your essentials. |
| Bundled utilities | Wi-Fi, water, electricity, heating, and cooling are included in your stay. |
| Laundry & housekeeping | On-site guest laundry facilities and weekly housekeeping. |
| Longer-stay rates | Weekly and monthly stay options designed for extended visits. |
| Furnished accommodation | Move-in-ready suites without the need to buy or move furniture. |
| Parking | Free parking included at InTown Suites. |
These features can make it easier to settle into a routine while you continue looking for your next home.
What If Your Apartment Move-In Date Changes?
Move-in dates do not always go to plan. An application might take longer than expected, a property may not be ready on time, or the apartment you planned to move into may no longer be available.
An extended stay gives you more room to adapt without immediately finding another temporary rental or committing to a lease you do not really want.
At InTown Suites, guests can choose weekly or monthly stays and renew their stay online when they need more time, subject to availability.
That means a delayed move-in date does not necessarily have to turn into a rushed housing decision.
Choosing Where to Stay While You Apartment Hunt
If you are relocating, choosing temporary accommodation can also give you time to understand an unfamiliar area before deciding where to live permanently.
InTown Suites has 195 locations across 22 states, including multiple properties within many metro areas. That gives you more choice when deciding where to base yourself during your apartment search.
You may want to consider how close your hotel is to:
- Your workplace or regular commute
- Neighborhoods where you are viewing apartments
- Grocery stores and everyday services
- Friends or family
- Schools or childcare, where relevant
- Major roads or public transportation
Spending time in an area before signing a lease can also help you get a better sense of whether the neighborhood works for your everyday routine.
Find An Extended Stay Location Near You
Keeping Up With Everyday Life While Between Homes
Apartment hunting can take up enough of your time without putting the rest of your routine on hold.
Extended stay amenities can make everyday life easier during the transition. A kitchen gives you the option to prepare meals rather than relying on takeout, while free Wi-Fi can help with work, apartment applications, and arranging viewings.
At InTown Suites, you also have free parking, weekly housekeeping, and on-site guest laundry facilities. That means you can continue cooking, working, doing laundry, and getting on with daily life while you search for your next home.
What Should You Do With Your Belongings Between Homes?
Moving between properties can mean deciding what to do with furniture, boxes, and other belongings before your new apartment is ready.
Because extended stay suites are already furnished, you do not need to move all of your furniture into your temporary accommodation and then move it again a few weeks later.
Instead, you can bring the items you need for day-to-day life and consider temporary storage for larger furniture, boxes, or belongings until your next home is ready.
This can make both moving into your temporary accommodation and moving out again much simpler.
How Long Can You Live in a Hotel?
You can live in a hotel for weeks, months, or even longer, depending on the property’s policies, availability, and local requirements.
At InTown Suites, weekly and monthly stay options are available, and guests can renew their stay when they need more time, subject to availability.
For apartment hunters, this can be useful when you do not yet know exactly how long your search or move will take.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in a Hotel?
Hotel costs vary by location, suite type, and length of stay. Extended stay hotels often offer weekly or monthly rates.
When comparing costs with an apartment, consider included amenities such as:
- Furnished accommodation
- Utilities and Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Housekeeping
- On-site laundry
Apartments may require additional expenses for furniture, utilities, and lease changes. For more details, read our guide to living in a hotel vs renting an apartment.
Can You Receive Mail and Packages?
Some extended stay hotels allow guests to receive mail and package deliveries, but policies vary by property.
You may be able to have deliveries held for collection, or you may need to make alternative arrangements.
It is best to contact the property directly before sending anything. If mail service is not available, a temporary PO box or nearby parcel service may be another option.
Is It Safe to Live in a Hotel?
Extended stay hotels are designed to accommodate guests for longer periods, but safety features and procedures vary by property.
When choosing somewhere to stay, look for features such as:
- Secure room locks
- Controlled guest access where available
- On-site staff
- Well-lit entrances and parking areas
- Clearly communicated guest policies
Staying somewhere temporarily can also give you more time to research neighborhoods and visit apartments before committing to a long-term lease in an unfamiliar area.
Find an Extended Stay Hotel While You Apartment Hunt
Finding your next home can take time, and having somewhere practical to stay can give you more freedom to make the right decision.
InTown Suites offers furnished extended stay accommodations with kitchens, free Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping, on-site guest laundry facilities, and free parking. Weekly and monthly stay options also make it easier to adapt if your apartment search or move-in date changes.
With 195 locations across 22 states and multiple properties in many metro areas, you can choose a convenient base while you find the apartment and neighborhood that work for you.
Uptown Suites provides nightly rates for those who only need a place to stay for a few nights, making it a convenient option during a transition.
Find an InTown Suites location and plan your extended stay
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes. Many hotels allow longer stays, while extended stay hotels are specifically designed for guests staying for a week, month, or longer.
Yes. An extended stay hotel can provide furnished temporary accommodation while you apartment hunt without requiring a traditional long-term lease.
You can stay for weeks, months, or even longer depending on the property’s policies, availability, and local requirements.
Yes, in some cases people live in hotels for months or even years. How long you can stay depends on the individual hotel, availability, and local requirements.
Yes. Some apartment hotels and extended stay hotels offer weekly or monthly rates that may provide better value than booking the same accommodation at a nightly rate. Rates and discounts vary by location.
Some do, but mail and package policies vary by property. Contact the hotel directly before sending anything to confirm what deliveries it can accept.
