How to Plan and Prepare for Your Extended Stay Travel

How to Plan and Prepare for Your Extended Stay Travel

Professionals that travel for work on long-term projects often stay at an extended stay hotel or corporate housing. It’s a cost-saving option that also allows the traveler to stay in one place with more of a home-like vibe than a regular hotel. Extended stay hotels offer options for every type of traveler.

Below you’ll find the latest news on extended stay housing, corporate housing, possible tax exemptions on your stay, and how to make your temporary home feel more personal.

Blended travel is here to stay

Hyatt Hotels recently announced a new brand, Hyatt Studios, as its entry into upper-midscale extended stay lodging in North America. It expects the first openings in 2024. Why now? Demand for extended stay is outpacing supply in most U.S. markets.

Additionally, Marriott International announced plans late last year to debut an extended stay brand in the U.S. and Canada called Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, which would be positioned in the premium and luxury segments. In the same segment, Extended Stay America recently launched its Premier Suites brand.

The difference between an extended stay hotel and regular hotel

Extended stay hotels differ from regular hotels because they are set up for a longer- term stay. The room is more apartment-like, featuring a variety of different room styles (studios, one-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, etc.) separated out for work, sleeping, and cooking. Utilities are included in the price of your stay, and it also comes with more amenities than a standard hotel. Many locations are pet-friendly so you can bring your favorite companion along.

Most importantly though, you can find extended stay hotels in most markets, ranging from major metropolitan cities to more remote places.

10 extended stay hotel options offered by CLC Lodging These 10 extended stay hotels have locations all over the country, with different suite or studio options and on-site perks such as gyms, restaurants, social hours with other guests, pet-friendly rooms, and more. Best of all, you can access them using your CLC Lodging membership.  

• Extended Stay America

• Homewood Suites

• Home2 Suites

• Candlewood Suites

• Staybridge Suites

• TownePlace Suites

• SpringHill Suites

• Suburban Suites

• MainStay Suites

• Drury Inn & Suites

Corporate housing vs extended stay hotels

You may wonder what corporate housing is and how it differs from extended stay hotels. The Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) defines corporate housing as “fully furnished temporary housing, typically in an apartment setting. Professional providers coordinate these units to include furniture, housewares, amenities, cable, phone, electric, water, etc., usually at one inclusive cost to the company and typically for 30+ days.”

Also, corporate housing apartments are within established apartment communities with longtime residences. They can provide more of a community-type feel that you may not get from an extended stay hotel, which is often located near a major airport, freeway, and away from residential homes.

The permanent resident tax exemption

Did you know there are some states (like Texas and Ohio) that don’t charge taxes if you stay over 30 days? If you’re planning to stay at a hotel for 30 days or longer and provide written notice before your trip or at check-in, no tax will be due for any part of your trip. Of course, you must actually stay for the entire duration of your reservation. A signed registration card indicating your intent to occupy a room for 30 days or longer is sufficient evidence.

Additionally, a hotel is permitted to honor the 30-day permanent resident exemption even in cities with a 30-day check out requirement, if the guest immediately checks back in so that the stay remains continuous to meet state law requirements. The takeaway: You could save hundreds of dollars on your stay, just from being exempt from paying the hotel tax.

Make your extended stay feel more like home

An extended stay at a hotel will never feel exactly like home, but when you’re living on the road, there are many things you can do to personalize your space and make it feel more like you. Be sure to pack special items from home that make you feel good. This can be a favorite blanket or throw, photographs of family and friends, your favorite house slippers, and more. If you’re sensitive to noise or distractions, pack or purchase a white noise machine or noise canceling headphones.

Establish a routine immediately. If you go to the gym every day or do yoga, take advantage of the hotel’s on-site gym (most have them). Do you love to cook your own meals? Every extended stay hotel on the list above comes with a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette. By keeping the same routine you have at home (or close to it) you will settle in much quicker.

Finally, unpack your clothes and personal items immediately. Put your suitcases under your bed or in a closet so you don’t have to see it. The goal is to get settled in quickly and for the long-term. Welcome to your new home away from home!

Did you know CLC Lodging offers access to both extended stay hotels and corporate housing at deep discounts? With our CheckINN Card and CLC Mobile App, you can find and book an extended stay hotel in minutes. Join now!