Extended-stay hotels can be found in just about any location, and can be booked using any online booking tool. They may be easier to find than a home rental, and they’re much more consistent. If you find a hotel brand you like, you can reasonably expect similar accommodations at any property under that chain.
What are the pros of an extended-stay hotel for a travel nurse?
- Comfortably furnished rooms
- Rooms equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes
- Access to amenities like pools, hot tubs, gyms and laundry service
- Convenient locations
- Regular housekeeping
- Security
- Support available to assist in case of issues (from the hotel’s customer service or the company you used to book)
Cons of an extended stay hotel for travel nurse housing:
- Potentially less space available than a house or apartment
- Kitchens may be smaller and less well-stocked
- May be less privacy than a full house
While it largely comes down to a matter of personal preference, hotels can generally be counted on for safety, convenient locations and comfort. Plus, you can always look up reviews in advance for a detailed sense of what to expect from the property.
More About Extended Stay Hotels for Travel Nurses
While the idea of living out of a hotel long term may not be attractive to a working professional, it’s important to keep in mind that extended-stay hotels are not your typical vacationer’s accommodations.
While typical hotels are designed to provide just the essentials for a short-term stay when guests are mostly out exploring and dining in restaurants, extended-stay hotels are much more similar to apartments. They are designed for longer-term living and to support your daily routine with amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities. Many are also pet-friendly.
Extended-stay hotels can offer the best perks of a vacation getaway, too! Many extended-stay properties are equipped with pools, hot tubs, gyms and outdoor common areas to add a little luxury.
Another big benefit is regular housekeeping, so you don’t have to spend precious downtime tidying up and maintaining the property — as you would in a rented home.
Then, there are loyalty programs to consider. If you like a certain hotel chain, consider booking with them as much as possible to earn rewards. By accruing points on every assignment, you can set yourself up for major discounts and perks on a future vacation.
Best Extended Stay Hotel Brands
There are quite a few hotel brands offering extended-stay properties. A major one is Choice — a well-respected brand with a wide range of chains within its umbrella, including four extended-stay hotels:
- EverHome Suites
- MainStay Suites
- WoodSpring Suites
- Suburban Studios
All of these brands provide essentials, including fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and housekeeping services. The individual brands also offer their own sets of amenities to suit traveling nurses’ various preferences.
For example, EverHome Suites offer 24-hour fitness centers with Peloton bikes, while Surbuban Suites and MainStay Suites have free premium movie channels. WoodSpring Suites have pet-friendly rooms, and MainStay Suites provide a free continental breakfast every day.
Another popular option is Studio6 properties by Motel 6, which are a mid-range option designed to help traveling nurses keep some extra cash in their pockets. All of the studios feature living areas and fully furnished kitchens along with cookware, so you can count on having all your essentials taken care of.
Studio6 extended stay hotels may be a great option for those who like to spend their free time out and about and would rather keep more of their stipend for their savings account or on exploring their location.
On the more luxurious side, Hilton has two extended-stay brands in their portfolio: Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites.
Home2 Suites promise the same great amenities at every property, including saline pools, cozy outdoor areas and fitness and laundry facilities.
Homewood Suites are a great choice for those who need a little extra space, offering your choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suite options. Pets are welcome at Homewood Suites, and a free hot breakfast is available each morning. Homewood Suites also offer 24-hour fitness centers, pools and outdoor common areas with grills and firepits.
Hilton also has one of the best loyalty programs in the business. Earn Hilton Honors points on your stays and cash them in later when you treat yourself to a vacation.
Related: Manage Travel Expenses with Discount Travel
Finding the Best Deals on Extended Stay Hotels
You don’t need to do much to get a good deal on an extended stay at a hotel. Hotels usually offer lower rates to people who are booking a longer stay. After all, it’s in the hotel’s best interest to have guests stay for longer periods of time. Less frequent turnover means a lower lift on reception staff and housekeeping. They pass on savings to the guests to incentivize longer-term stays.
Check the website of the hotel you’re interested in booking to find out about their extended stay rates.
Save with a Booking Tool for Business Travel
Business travelers also tend to get better deals than tourists. As a travel nurse, you can and should take advantage of these booking tools to get the best rates! Hotel Engine is a hotel booking platform that’s exclusively available for business travelers and offers rates up to 60% off consumer prices. You can book at over 700,000 hotels worldwide using Hotel Engine, including at all the top brands listed above.
On the Hotel Engine platform, you can also filter search results for specific brands, amenities and property types, meaning that you can quickly locate the best hotel for your specific needs. You can easily find bookings that will allow you to accrue rewards points or ones that are pet friendly.
Curious to see how travel nurses can benefit from using Hotel Engine? Read about how Medical Solutions uses the platform to find great housing that satisfies their travel nurses’ needs and preferences.
Get Started on Hotel Engine
Create a free account on Hotel Engine today to start accessing the best rates on your housing! You can earn HE Rewards with every booking in addition to brand-specific loyalty points, maximizing your savings and making sure that your travel pays off for you.
Learn more about Hotel Engine and how to start booking for free.
