by Bruce Campbell

Created on: October 17, 2009   Last Updated: October 18, 2009

Extended-stay hotel or flop house? You've researched the place on the internet, does it look too good to be true? Do they charge hourly rates? Does it offer free "adult" tv programs? You have got to do your due diligence to determine if the place is suitable and appropriate for your needs. If you are taking a family vacation, don't try to save a buck by putting your lives at risk.

Assuming you have done this, and found an actual extended-stay hotel that is an appropriate place:

Without question, the most important thing to consider when staying at an extended-stay hotel is whether there is a kitchenette available and if so, how nice is it. Is it clean? What size is the refrigerator? Does it come with all the needed pots, pans, and silverware? This is important because ordering in meals, or going out to eat, gets expensive and is not as healthy as when you cook for yourself. Have you ever moved and eaten pizza for a week straight? It gets real old.

The second most important thing to consider is location. You're going to be there for a while. If you are on vacation and running all over the place with the family, Is it centrally located to all the different directions you'll be heading off to? If you are staying for a conference or business and just going to one place every day, is it close enough to walk to wherever you're going? This eliminates the need to rent a car, and you can sleep later.

The third most important thing to consider is the amenities that are offered. Is there a swimming pool? Work out room? Exercise is very important when you are away from home. Being away from home can be both stressful and relaxing. If you're with the family, it's stressful and you need to work out the stress in a healthy way and hit the gym. If you are alone on business, you are relaxing and you should treat yourself by floating around the pool or sitting in the quiet steam room.

The last thing to consider is what your new neighbors are like. You are there for an extended period, so you will have "neighbors." Are their habits compatible with yours? Are they up using power tools at 3:00 a.m.? Do they have barking dogs? 20-somethings throwing keg parties ever night? If this is not your style and the hotel knowingly lets this type of stuff happen, you should immediately consider looking around for a new hotel. Don't sit around thinking that it will get better. It won't.

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