Rather than pay on a per-night basis, business travelers who plan on staying somewhere for more than a week would be better off staying at extended-stay hotels. Rates and facilities over at extended-stay hotels (such as Hilton's Homewood Suites and Extended Stay Hotels, among others) would definitely fit an extended (I cannot use this word often enough!) traveler more.
When looking for an extended stay hotel, what should you consider? Here are a few of my personal specifications which you may find useful:
Location. Since it would be like my second home for the duration of my stay, it has to be relatively near the office I would be temporarily based in. Or, it has to be located where public transportation (tram, bus or taxi) can be conveniently found 24/7.
Kitchenette. I would definitely want to have access to my own kitchen in order to prepare my own meals, should I tire of the in-house restaurant and the nearby pizza place. It would help lower the cost, too.
Housekeeping. I'd want my room to be cleaned as often as they do in standard hotels.
Wi-Fi. I need to work!
The extras. Such as laundry facilities that aren't ridiculously priced, in-house gym or pool. Pamper me, is the word.
What about you? What are your requirements?
I have often used extended stay hotels for longer projects, especially ones in nice locations where I am planning on staying a few weekends in the month.
Most of the major hotel chains have an extended stay brand, so you can still get your points and nights.
In the USA, any stay longer than a month means that you don't pay taxes on the hotel room anymore. That can be a huge savings over a regular hotel room, and make it worthwhile into looking at just reserving the room straight through the length of your project, even if you are flying home. That makes it easier to leave items at the hotel as well.
Buy your own shampoo and conditioner, though. I've never stayed at an extended stay hotel with decent hair care products.
Posted by: Greg Wesson | September 12, 2006 2:07 PM | Permalink to Comment