Both traditional hotels and their extended stay counterparts offer guests the same basic value – a place to stay away from (or in place of) their home for a period of time. However, each option caters specifically to the types of guests they most often accommodate. That, in turn, influences the types of rooms they offer as well as amenities provided to best enhance the guest experience. Noting these, it’s clear that these two types of hotels likely differ in the staff they employ as well. 

Who Stays at Extended Stay Facilities?

Extended stay accommodations differ from traditional hotels most clearly in the average length of stay and types of guests they attract. Traditional hotels remain a top choice for those traveling short-term, often on vacations with friends and family or shorter work trips. On the other hand, extended stay hotels are a great option for those needing accommodation for longer periods.  

For those working construction jobs in an area for some time, an extended stay facility offers convenience and affordability. For those in between rental agreements or houses, extended stay hotels offer a safe place to stay during that traditional period. These establishments offer affordable, long-term housing with no ongoing commitment, so they attract all types of individuals needing housing for any number of reasons.

Amenities Offered at Extended Stay Accommodations

Different guests require different amenities to fully enjoy their stay at an accommodation. Those staying at an extended-stay hotel often stay longer than a few nights, some as many as several weeks (or months). Keeping these guests happy during these long-term stays means offering them services to make it feel more like home. A big part of this is offering laundry services or facilities. Most extended stay establishments have an on-site guest laundry facility, equipped with multiple washers and dryers that are either coin-operated or connected to room reservations.

For those in between permanent homes or those traveling long-term, being able to bring along their furry friends is important to many. Some traditional hotels offer rooms suitable for those traveling with pets, but many of them reserve these only for service animals. Extended stays often offer lots of options for pet-friendly accommodation – many offering outdoor enclosed areas for these pets to get exercise off leash as well.

When it comes to rooms, extended stays generally come equipped with fully stocked kitchens or kitchenettes and dining tables so that guests can cook and eat meals within their own space as opposed to eating all meals out. For those staying long-term, having the ability to cook on-site is a huge cost benefit. In traditional hotels, cooking equipment is usually unavailable or limited to coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators.

Not quite an amenity, location is worth mentioning as a differentiating factor between extended-stay hotels and their traditional counterparts. Not the case with traditional hotels, extended stays are almost always conveniently located near grocery stores, shopping centers, and/or gas stations. Because guests tend to stay long-term, having these nearby is incredibly convenient and valuable to them – especially those without personal vehicles.

Staff Required to Operate an Extended Stay Accommodation

When it comes to employees, operating an extended stay requires similar personnel as does a traditional hotel. In general, these establishments are led by a General Manager (and often an Assistant GM), who oversees all operations and has a handful of team leaders from each functional area reporting to them and leading their own team of individual contributors.

The team at the front desk handles most aspects of guest relations, including the check-in, extension, and check-out processes, billing and payment processing, and serving as the face of the organization when questions or concerns arise. The housekeeping team within an extended stay is just as important as in a traditional hotel, but rooms are often only cleaned weekly unless requested more often (and often at a fee).

It’s critical all extended stays have coverage over the reception area overnight, so most employ night attendants as well as security officers to ensure guests are both attended to and kept safe each night. The maintenance team keeps all structures, furniture, and fixtures in good working order and no safety hazards threaten employees or guests.

Current Opportunities within Extended Stay Hotels in the U.S.

Extended stay accommodations all around the country are seeking experienced (or enthusiastic) hospitality professionals to fill critical positions within their locations. Many roles in the industry can be learned on the job, making it ideal for those just entering the workforce or those considering a switch in career paths.

For those with hospitality experience already, many hotels need strong management personnel to step in before the busy summer season arrives. No matter what level of employment is sought, our comprehensive database of hotel job opportunities is full of potential options, easy to navigate, and offers a quick application process once you find the role that fits.

Hospitality is an industry that encourages and embraces growth from within, meaning employers often promote into management positions those from within the existing team versus seeking external candidates. Securing even an entry-level position could just be the first stepping stone in a rewarding hospitality career – with management opportunities to come with the right combination of dedication and hard work. See what options are out there currently and make that first step toward your career goals today!