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extended stay lodging
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Extended Stay Hotel Chain Comparison Tables
Continuously updated |
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Extended stay hotels and motels share common features that are unavailable at standard
hotels. There are currently 30 chains in North America (USA, Canada & Mexico) with at least 6 hotels. Each extended stay chain is covered in our reviews. These chains
all have
self-serve laundry facilities and offer discounts for extended stays, beginning at 5 or 7 days, but there is never a minimum length of stay. They also have
guestrooms, i.e. "suites", with a dining table (often doubling as a work desk) and kitchen. The kitchens all
include at a minimum: a sink, a refrigerator (full size, except for in a few budget chains), a microwave oven and a stovetop. Some kitchens also offer dishwashers and
conventional ovens.
In addition to kitchen variations, there are other important differences among extended stay chains. They differ with respect to
the
Types of Rooms & room features,
Services & Policies, and
Amenities (including complimentary food service).
The lists below are in descending order, approximately, according to typical room rate.
There is usually a high correlation between price
and quality, but not always. Also, keep in mind that weekly rates vary significantly based on room size, length of stay, and location. Many chains
offer even lower monthly rates; and hotels are most expensive in the northeastern US and California, and in downtown locations of large cities.
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| Surveyed Chains |
Overviews & Comments |
AKA |
Launched in 2007, AKA is a collection of luxury extended-stay properties in prime urban locations. Current AKA residences are in
New York City,
Philadelphia,
Washington DC,
White Plains NY,
Arlington VA and
Herndon VA.
Features at many locations range from free garage parking to ensuite washer/dryer. Specialty suites
offer added amenities and space such as outdoor terraces, roof decks and solariums. |
Element by Westin
|
Starwood's entry in the upscale extended stay tier was launched in 2008 with a hotel in
Lexington Mass. Properties boast a number of
environmentally-friendly features. All indoor spaces are 100% non-smoking. |
Hyatt Summerfield Suites
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Two-bedroom suites also have two bathrooms. This upscale chain has 19 hotels in major US metro areas, with a strong presence in
Northern New Jersey. Summerfield Suites has been acquired by
Hyatt (from Wyndham). All properties are being upgraded and converted to the Hyatt brand. |
Hotel Sierra
|
(Formerly Sierra Suites) In 2005, Sierra sold 16 hotels to the owners of Extended Stay America. The current Sierra hotels are in
northern New Jersey,
Alpharetta Georgia,
northern California,
Green Bay WI, near
Dulles Airport VA and near
Poughkeepsie NY. These hotels are Sierra's finest, which
the company considers an "extended-stay version of Westin". The oldest was built in 1999. Lobbies feature complimentary gourmet coffee bars.
The free breakfast buffet includes made-to-order omelets. All hotels are 100% smoke-free and pets are not allowed. |
Residence Inn |
Marriott's upscale extended stay chain was the first (in 1975), is now the largest, and is one of the best. Marriott has done a
good job of keeping the older properties updated. Hotels are found throughout the US, including
Alaska, plus 18 in Canada
and one in San Jose CR. Many rooms feature fireplaces, and many hotels offer bi-level
"Penthouse" suites with 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. In addition to evening socials, guests at many hotels enjoy a weekly barbecue. Marriott has upgraded bedding
at all hotels. Bedspreads have been replaced with comforters in triple sheeting. All Residence Inns are 100% non-smoking. |
Homewood Suites
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Hilton's upscale chain is a close competitor of Marriott's Residence Inn. Two-bedroom suites also have two bathrooms.
The chain is expanding rapidly, with
hotels throughout the US, including Anchorage Alaska, plus 4
in eastern Canada. In recent customer satisfaction surveys, Homewood has performed very well.
Each suite has a clock radio with MP3 audio jack. |
Staybridge Suites |
InterContinental's (Holiday Inn) upscale chain usually matches Residence Inn & Homewood in terms of guest satisfaction, but at lower rates.
Hotels are found throughout the US, plus
Ontario Canada,
Calgary,
Sao Paulo Brazil,
Guadalajara Mexico,
Monterrey Mexico,
Liverpool England,
Newcastle England,
Cairo Egypt and
Abu Dhabi UAE. Two-bedroom suites also have two bathrooms. A bagged "On The Go!" continental breakfast is available
for guests with no time for a sit-down breakfast. Self-serve laundry facilities are complimentary. |
GrandStay Residential Suites
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This small chain is located in smaller cities of the Midwest, plus
Oxnard California. GrandStay hotels have received excellent guest reviews. |
Larkspur Landing
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This small chain is located in northern
California,
Oregon &
Washington. Properties feature high-quality, artistic
decor. Cordless phones & CD players are standard. One-bedroom "Executive" suites have sofabeds. One-bedroom "Boardroom" suites include a conference
table and wall-mounted presentation board. Many extras are available, such as complimentary laundry facilities, Starbucks coffee, fresh-baked
cookies, and a welcome basket. 5 of their hotels were converted from Candlewood Suites in 2004. |
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham |
Hawthorn Suites has more than 80 properties. Most feature studio, one-and-two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, and
free wired and wireless Internet access. All hotels offer complimentary hot breakfast buffet, exercise facilities, concierge and guest laundry.
Select properties allow pets. All properties in the US offer Wyndham Rewards points. |
Woodfin Suites
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Woodfins are affiliated with Chase Suites, and are all found in
California. Suites include double French-door entries
to the separate bedrooms, nine-foot ceilings, high-quality furniture, and often have wood-burning fireplaces. All suites and public areas are smoke-free. |
Chase Suites
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Hotels are scattered throughout the US. Two-level penthouse suites are available at many locations. Suites often
feature fireplaces, and sometimes Jacuzzi tubs. All suites and public areas are smoke-free. |
MainStay Suites |
MainStay belongs to the Choice Hotels family. Locations are scattered throughout the US. Some offer an impressive
array of services and amenities. Others less so. |
TownePlace Suites |
Marriott's midrange extended stay chain is represented throughout the US. TownePlace (commonly misspelled "Townplace") is usually one of the
highest rated chains in its class. Some suites have sofabeds. Marriott upgraded bedding at all hotels in 2005. Bedspreads were replaced with comforters in triple
sheeting, laundered frequently. As of October 2006, all TownePlace Suites are 100% non-smoking. |
Extended Stay Deluxe |
Extended Stay Deluxe hotels began as converted Sierra Suites & Wellesley Suites
purchased by the owner of Extended Stay America in 2005. Several StudioPLUS and Extended Stay America hotels have also been converted. Ongoing enhancements include
adding
amenities such as pillowtop mattresses, DVD players, DVDs for rent in the lobby, and continental breakfast. Extended Stay Deluxe hotels are found
throught the US (including 3 in Alaska: Anchorage,
Fairbanks and
Juneau) and in
Ottawa, Toronto
and St. John's NF. |
Bradford Homesuites
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Hotels are in major cities of
Texas and
Colorado. Quality of furniture & fixtures is typically comparable
to the best upscale chains. All suites are equipped with a recliner and sofabed. Studio suites feature walk-in closets for extra storage space.
One-bedroom suites have double French doors. As of early 2008, most Bradford Homesuites hotels had converted to Hyatt Summerfield Suites. |
Candlewood Suites |
InterContinental's midpriced chain is found throught the US & Canada, and is growing rapidly. Customer satisfaction is generally quite high. All
suites are equipped with a recliner; One-bedroom suites also have sofabeds. Complimentary laundry facilities and video/DVD library are available. |
Home-Towne Suites
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Hotels are located in smaller cities of the southeastern US. Most suites have a recliner. "Family suites" have a separate
bedroom, plus a bed and pull-out sofa in the main room. |
StudioPLUS |
"Deluxe" sister chain of Extended Stay America, with hotels scattered throughout the US. All suites offer a
sofabed. StudioPLUS hotels with eventually be converted to Extended Stay Deluxe. |
Homestead Studios |
Hotels are located throughout the US. 17 Homestead properties were formerly Mainstay Suites. These offer a
manager's reception, free continental breakfast, and have one-bedroom suites available. |
Extended Stay America |
Very large chain with hotels throughout the US. Launched in 1995, ESA is credited with popularizing extended stay hotels with budget
travelers. All suites offer a recliner. |
Crestwood Suites
|
Hotels are mostly in the southeastern US. All suites offer a recliner, and there is a coffee bar in the lobby. In
2005, 6 Hearthside Studios were converted to Crestwood Suites - in
Las Vegas,
Colorado &
Texas. |
Suburban |
Suburban extended stay hotels are located throughout the southeastern US, plus
Albuquerque,
Iowa,
Northern Virginia,
Dayton,
Los Angeles
and Boston.
In 2005, the chain was acquired by Choice Hotels, the owner of MainStay Suites. |
Affordable Suites of America
| Hotels are located in North Carolina,
South Carolina &
Virginia. The mininum lengh of stays is one week. Children are
not permitted. Kitchen wares are only available for an additional fee. |
Studio 6 |
Studio Six is the extended stay affiliate of Motel 6, and has locations scattered throughout the US, plus
Toronto Canada. |
Sun Suites
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Hotels are found in the southeastern US, including
Texas. |
Savannah Suites
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Hotels are in Georgia,
Orlando,
Greenville South Carolina &
Virginia. Suites have mini refrigerators (not full size). |
Crossland |
Budget sister chain of Extended Stay America, with hotels scattered throughout the US. Suites have mini
refrigerators (not full size). Crossland properties are gradually being converted to the "Extended Stay America Economy" brand. |
Value Place
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Launched in 2005 by the founder of Residence Inn, Summerfield Suites & Candlewood Suites, Value Place is designed for
extended stay travelers and also for those who wish to "minimize the upfront costs and hassles of renting." The minimum charge is the weekly rate. Kitchenware
and a coffee maker are available only for purchase.
Value Place properties first opened in the central US, but nationwide expansion is aggressive. |
InTown Suites
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InTowns are found throughout the US, concentrated in the southeast. Rates start at just
$160 per week. (The minimum charge is the weekly rate.)
In 2006 InTown acquired all SuiteOne hotels. |
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Services & Policies |
|---|
| Upscale Chains |
House
Keeping |
Grocery
Shopping |
24-Hour
Front Desk |
Fax/Copies/
Printing |
Laundry/
Dry Cleaning |
Pets
Allowed |
|---|
| AKA |
at extra charge |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Element |
daily |
no |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Summerfield Suites |
daily |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Hotel Sierra |
daily |
|
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Residence Inn |
daily |
free |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Homewood Suites |
daily |
free |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Staybridge Suites |
daily |
|
yes |
yes |
yes |
most |
| GrandStay Residential Suites |
daily |
|
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
| Larkspur Landing |
daily |
free |
yes |
yes |
yes |
|
| Hawthorn Suites |
daily |
free |
yes |
yes |
yes |
most |
| Woodfin Suites |
daily |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
some |
| Mid-Range Chains |
House
Keeping |
Grocery
Shopping |
24-Hour
Front Desk |
Fax/Copies/
Printing |
Laundry/
Dry Cleaning |
Pets
Allowed |
|---|
| Chase Suites |
daily |
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
some |
| MainStay Suites |
daily |
|
yes |
yes |
some |
yes |
| TownePlace Suites |
every 2 days |
|
yes |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Extended Stay Deluxe |
2/week |
|
|
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Bradford Homesuites |
2/week |
|
some |
yes |
yes |
|
| Candlewood Suites |
weekly |
|
|
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Home-Towne Suites |
weekly |
free |
|
|
|
yes |
| StudioPLUS |
weekly |
|
|
yes |
|
yes |
| Homestead Studio Suites |
2/week |
|
|
yes |
most |
yes |
| Economy Chains |
House
Keeping |
Grocery
Shopping |
24-Hour
Front Desk |
Fax/Copies/
Printing |
Laundry/
Dry Cleaning |
Pets
Allowed |
|---|
| Extended Stay America |
weekly |
|
|
yes |
|
yes |
| Crestwood Suites |
weekly |
|
yes |
yes |
|
yes |
| Suburban |
weekly |
|
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| Affordable Suites of Amercia |
weekly |
|
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|
|
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| Studio 6 |
weekly |
|
|
|
|
yes |
| Sun Suites |
weekly |
|
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| Savannah Suites |
weekly |
|
|
yes |
|
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| Crossland |
weekly |
|
|
yes |
|
yes |
| Value Place |
2/week |
|
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| InTown Suites |
weekly |
|
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|
|
no |
|
Food Service & Amenities |
|---|
| Upscale Chains |
Complimentary
Breakfast |
Evening
Social Hour |
Convenience
Store |
Fitness
Room |
Swimming
Pool |
Sport
Court |
|---|
| AKA |
M-F, cold buffet |
no |
no |
deluxe |
some |
some |
| Element |
hot buffet |
3/week |
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
| Summerfield Suites |
hot buffet |
Mon - Thur |
24 hours |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Hotel Sierra |
hot buffet |
Mon - Thur |
|
yes |
yes |
|
| Residence Inn |
hot buffet |
2/week |
|
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Homewood Suites |
hot buffet |
Mon - Thur |
24 hours |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Staybridge Suites |
hot buffet |
Tue - Thur |
24 hours |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| GrandStay Residential Suites |
cold buffet |
|
24 hours |
yes |
yes |
yes |
| Larkspur Landing |
cold buffet |
|
24 hours |
yes |
|
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| Hawthorn Suites |
hot buffet |
weekly |
most |
yes |
most |
some |
| Woodfin Suites |
hot buffet |
Mon - Thur |
some |
yes |
yes |
|
| Mid-Range Chains |
Complimentary
Breakfast |
Evening
Social Hour |
Convenience
Store |
Fitness
Room |
Swimming
Pool |
Sport
Court |
|---|
| Chase Suites |
cold buffet |
Mon - Thur |
some |
yes |
yes |
most |
| MainStay Suites |
cold buffet |
2/week |
|
yes |
yes |
|
| TownePlace Suites |
cold buffet |
|
|
yes |
yes |
|
| Extended Stay Deluxe |
cold buffet |
|
|
yes |
most |
|
| Bradford Homesuites |
cold buffet |
weekly |
most |
yes |
yes |
|
| Candlewood Suites |
|
|
24 hours |
yes |
|
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| Home-Towne Suites |
|
2/week |
|
off-site |
|
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| StudioPLUS |
|
|
some |
yes |
most |
|
| Homestead Studio Suites |
some have
cold buffet M-F |
|
most |
some |
some |
|
| Economy Chains |
Complimentary
Breakfast |
Evening
Social Hour |
Convenience
Store |
Fitness
Room |
Swimming
Pool |
Sport
Court |
|---|
| Extended Stay America |
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| Crestwood Suites |
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| Suburban |
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| Affordable Suites of America |
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| Studio 6 |
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|
some |
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| Sun Suites |
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|
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| Savannah Suites |
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|
some |
|
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| Crossland |
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| Value Place |
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| InTown Suites |
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