Remote workers are just one type of guest typically staying in an extended stay hotel or similar long-term accommodation. However, they continue to represent a growing portion of the guests at these hotels for a variety of reasons. A big reason is that remote work opportunities in general continue to rise. Many companies pivoting to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to offer the option to their employees in some capacity. Employee dissatisfaction around return-to-office (RTO) plans means even those with intentions to fully transition back into the office are now considering hybrid arrangements. No matter what, it seems like remote working options for the U.S. workforce are here to stay.
For some, that means working from a home office most of the time spent not in person. However, many Americans are taking advantage of the flexibility this type of work offers and traveling while working remotely from places other than their home. Trip lengths obviously vary, but long-term travel (more than one week) is becoming increasingly popular. Thus, these traveling members of the workforce need places to stay.
Extended Stay Hotels vs. Traditional Hotels
What is it about extended stay accommodations over traditional hotels that keep remote workers comfortable and equipped for long-term stays? It comes down to the offered amenities. Those working in a virtual environment tend to require a strong internet connection as well as the physical space to set up a mobile workstation. They often travel with laptops, additional monitors, and other devices to help mimic the traditional working environment. Rooms at traditional hotels often include a small desk, but extended stays provide added space (and sometimes even a dedicated office space) for remote workers to more easily manage their workload.
Laundry is a significant need for those traveling and working remotely long-term. It’s also an amenity not always offered in a normal hotel. These establishments often offer laundry services priced per garment and are more useful for those during short stays where only a few items need to be washed. For remote workers staying long-term, extended stay accommodations offer laundry facilities – often self-serve – making it ideal for them as they often need to wash full loads of laundry.
While not an on-site amenity, proximity to regularly needed services or products for travelers is also the reason many choose extended stay options. These facilities are often located within walking distance of grocery stores, shopping centers, and gas stations. Longer time away from home generally means more needs arise for guests, so having these options nearby is a big advantage over the average location of traditional hotel options.
Cost Advantages of an Extended Stay Hotel
There are other cost factors that explain why remote workers are opting for extended stay hotels. For workers traveling short-term on business trips, companies generally foot the bill when it comes to food during those trips. However, that’s not the case for most employees who are permanently remote or operating in a hybrid arrangement. Thus, traveling long term while working can get quite expensive if they must eat at restaurants for every meal. Traditional hotels sometimes offer kitchenettes or limited cooking facilities, but these rooms have a higher price point and are still not ideal for cooking full meals often during a stay.
One of the most significant cost savings between an extended stay hotel and its traditional alternative is the price per night of the room itself. Many extended stay hotels offer weekly (and sometimes monthly) rates for long-term guests. These rates can offer hefty savings over a regular hotel.
Flexibility in Stay Length Ideal for Remote Workers
Most traditional hotel stays have a finite end date or check-out date. Extending these reservations must be done in advance and the ability to do so depends on the hotel’s room availability. At extended stay hotels, guests can extend their stay on an ongoing basis. For those with open-ended or flexible travel plans, this is an incredibly valuable convenience.
When travel plans change – as they often do – that flexibility helps remote working travelers pivot easily as well. Room charges are generally processed each extension, meaning guests leaving sooner than expected aren’t paying for any unused nights.
Growth of Extended Stay Employment Opportunities
The demand for extended stay lodging options is higher than ever now. As remote work jobs continue to invade more industries, that will ultimately impact the demand for long-term accommodations nationwide. Employers in the industry are growing as a result, and job opportunities in U.S. hotels currently are plentiful. This rings true for us as well, and our jobs database makes the experience of searching for and applying for these new hotel jobs simple.
From entry-level positions on teams such as housekeeping and the front office to management positions at the building and regional levels – there are options for all types of jobseekers at any stage in their hospitality career. For those brand new to the industry, our training programs are designed to provide the tools and expertise around organizational processes and industry best practices to be able to thrive in your new career path. The hotel industry provides a place to grow, work as a team, and create amazing experiences for guests every day – search our current opportunities and join a team with a reputation for success in creating an empowering work environment!