by Julie Mcconnell

Created on: September 23, 2008

Choosing an extended stay hotel is not a decision to be taken lightly. The longer your trip lasts, the more you will appreciate being in a place you are comfortable enough in to call home, or at least a home away from home. As a current extended stay customer, I have a list of things to consider when picking your next extended stay hotel.

Extended stay hotels offer a variety of amenities and services to fit the needs of their guests. The hardest part of determining your extended stay hotel of choice is deciding what your personal needs will be for your upcoming trip.

What do you expect out of your room? Will it simply be a place to lay your head at night, or do you need a place that will be large enough to accommodate you spending a lot of time in it? If it is the latter, then you need to make sure that you have a large living area and a fully-equipped kitchen. Also, a word to the wise, having a "fully-equipped kitchen" does not guarantee that you will have an oven. Most extended stay hotels only offer a stove top, however, with a little searching you may be able to find a room equipped with an oven. I have had the most luck finding rooms with ovens at Residence Inns. If you plan on cooking in your room, then a simple call ahead to a place you are considering will let you know what to expect in the kitchen.

Will you need a place to conveniently do your laundry? Most extended stay hotels offer an on-site coin laundry facility, but some, such as Staybridge and Candlewood Suites, actually offer free laundry which can save you a lot of money if you will need to wash clothes frequently on your trip.

If the reason for your extended stay is business related, then more than likely you will want to ensure that your hotel offers free wireless internet access. Some extended stay hotels offer a business office for personal use that includes a printer, copier and fax machine which can prove to be an invaluable asset to some business travelers.

Many extended stay hotels offer amenities such as a fitness room and swimming pool. If you know that you will have some free time then I definitely suggest opting for a place that will provide you with these features. Other amenities you may find at an extended stay hotel include free continental breakfast and free weeknight dinners, both of which help you save time and money by eliminating the need to eat out or cook something yourself.

Once you know what your needs are, a quick trip to a particular hotel's website will quickly let you know what services they have to offer. Be sure to look at the website for the exact location you plan on staying in. While most hotel chains try to offer the same product no matter the location, not all Residence Inns or Candlewood Suites are made alike!

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