If you’re between leases, relocating, or just waiting for the right apartment to open up, living in a hotel – even for a few weeks – might sound unusual. But it’s actually a common and flexible solution for people in transition.
The key is choosing the right kind of hotel. Regular nightly-rate hotels can add up quickly and offer limited comfort for longer stays. That’s where extended stay hotels come in – designed specifically for temporary living with all the essentials of home.
What Is an Extended Stay Hotel?
Extended stay hotels are built for people who need to stay for a week or more. Instead of just a bed and a bathroom, you get:
- An in-room kitchen or kitchenette
- Weekly housekeeping
- On-site laundry facilities
- Wi-Fi and basic utilities
- Often more space and storage than traditional hotel rooms, depending on room type
Most importantly, you’re not locked into a lease, and you don’t need to pass a background check or pay a hefty deposit.
Stay as long or short as you need. Pay weekly or monthly with no long-term contract.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary based on the location and hotel brand, but extended stay hotels are usually more affordable than nightly hotels and more flexible than short-term apartment leases. Most include:
- Free parking
- Wi-Fi
- Utilities (water, electric, heating/cooling)
You don’t have to worry about setting up accounts or paying extra fees: everything’s bundled into one rate.
Can You Receive Mail and Packages?
Some extended stay hotels allow guests to receive mail and package deliveries, but policies vary by location. You may be able to have items held at the front desk, or you may need to make alternate arrangements.
Tip: It’s best to contact the property directly to confirm their mail and package policies before sending anything. If mail service isn’t available, consider opening a temporary PO box at a nearby USPS or parcel service location.
What About Cleaning and Laundry?
Extended stay hotels generally don’t offer daily housekeeping, but most provide weekly room cleaning. This may include basic tidying, trash removal, and in some cases, fresh linens and towel exchange.
You’ll also have access to on-site laundry facilities, making it easy to wash your own clothes, towels, and bedding during longer stays.
Is It Safe to Live in a Hotel?
Extended stay hotels are generally designed with long-term safety in mind. Look for features like:
- Keycard-only access to guest areas
- On-site staff presence
- Well-lit parking lots
- Room locks and, in some cases, in-room safes or front desk storage for valuables
Staying short-term in a hotel also removes the risk of signing a lease on an apartment you’re unsure about.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, extended stay hotels are ideal for short-term living during transitions. They offer kitchens, weekly rates, and no lease requirement.
Some extended stay hotels accept mail or package deliveries, but policies vary by location. It’s best to contact the property directly before shipping anything
You can typically stay for several weeks or even months, depending on your needs and the hotel’s availability. While some extended stay hotels offer nightly rates, many focus on weekly or monthly stays and may not book single-night reservations.
Flexibility, no lease, utilities included and the ability to move in immediately.
