Over the past twenty five years of travel, my companion(s) and I always recite the same words at the first glance of our motel or hotel room “Well this is it, our home for the next several days.” The first area I inspect is the bathroom because it needs to be spotless, fully stocked with things like clean fluffy towels, wash cloths, toilet paper, soap & shampoo. Then I move onto additional amenities such as the hair dryer or to check if the metal air vent is clogged with dust/ hair balls. I check the T.V. and remote, and the view out of our window. In addition I make sure the cooling/ heating unit works, the closets have hangers, ice buckets and plastic cups as well as a microwave and/or refrigerator. Basically all of the amenities that are promised upon booking the room, and besides I’m not staying just one night, I am staying for an extended amount of time. Sound a bit picky? I am, and I want all the comforts of home at a great price.

I decided it was time to look specifically at extended stay motels for my budget and expectations. There are several types of extended stay lodging facilities all over the world, but for now I will focus on the rates for a three-week stay in the USA. In every area of our continent there are extended stay lodging options such as hotels, motels, inns, bed & breakfast and Cabins. The cheapest extended stay motel rate that I found (located throughout USA) was $28.42-$31.28 per night. The second cheapest extended stay motel is located in Tampa Florida. The rates range from $42.99-$64.99 per night. The amenities include full sized kitchen appliances and microwave as well as dishes and flatware and counter tops, kitchen table and chairs. In their separate living space they have a couch, couple of chairs, end tables w/lamps and work areas include a desk and chairs as well as all linens needed for the sleeping area. People that stayed here say it’s comparable to a studio apartment. I also found several more extended stay facilities that include all of the amenities listed below. Some of the Suites (another name for extended stay motels), the rates are $199.00 per week, they are also comparable to fully furnished efficiencies.

From the great Northwest Seattle Washington I found an extended stay facility that charges ONE FLAT RATE of $89.99 per night. And from the Northeast Boston Massachusetts one of hundreds of extended stay accommodations, the rates are $69.99-$104.99 per night. And located in the Southwest San Diego area, more specifically Oceanside California, we have the extended stay facility at Camp Pendleton, and the rates are from $74.99-$89.99 per night. How about B&B’s for an extended stay family vacation? Unless you are among the rich and famous, the average family most likely could not afford more than a night or two at these beautiful Victorian style homes. Santa Cruz California is the location of one of the most uniquely styled homes because the rooms are named, the decor is rich in deep reds, mahogany and dark blues, four post beds and Victorian style furniture set the tone, I would call it a perfect romantic Honeymoon get-away. The rates are $380.00-$625.00 per night. It’s a place where I would rather leave the kids at home but wouldn’t you know, they also a pet friendly lodging choice. Some B&B’s have attic rooms. Let’s visit an extended stay cabin just once! Extended stay cabins are located all over the USA. These types of accommodations are perfect for any size family, the rates for the cabins that sleep four are $170.00-195.00 a night. They are usually at least two level log dwellings, plenty of space and great views. For a cabin that sleeps six, the rates are $210.00-$235.00 per night. As you can see, you can bring the kids, aunts and uncles and cousins and split the rates. Again, these are extended stay facilities so they are fully furnished, spacious and adventurous.

Who benefits from Extended stay lodging facilities? Fully Equipped Hotels/Motels are great for business travel, folks that are having their own home remodeled, visiting relatives for an extended period of time and cheap family w/kids vacations as well as folks waiting for a closing date on a new home, spring breakers and let’s not forget our people in the Military.

Why would you choose an extended stay facility? In addition to the homelike ambiance, you have privacy and cleanliness. You have separate living areas that are fully furnished each having its own decor. Fully equipped kitchens that include all full size appliances and amenities for cooking and dining. There are a few things that every extended stay Hotel/Motel cabin or B&B’s have; pets are always welcome, and the room always includes a work area and wireless service. If you wish to use the room phone, all local calls are free and you will have your own voice mail. Pillow top beds, night stands and lamps. They also have exercise facilities and spas. You have both housekeeping and guest laundry facilities. If you are looking for an extended stay Motel for one or two people, those rooms are comparable to Efficiency apartments, same amenities but the rooms are quite a bit smaller. Most extended stay Hotels /Motels are located within walking distance to restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters and shopping.

Are you an over packer like me? Every time I travel I over pack, my top five excuses are:

• 5) If I forget something then I will have to go to the store and buy it, what a hassle!
• 4) I don’t know what I am going to want to wear from day to day.
• 3) What if the Hotel hair dryer is too hot!
• 2) I don’t know if my hair is going to need a clarifier or a moisturizer.
• 1) EVEN though I’m traveling to the tropics, I have to bring a fall jacket (just in case).

Attention: Female travelers at all age groups. DO NOT STRESS! My excuses are silly because I know that I am going to shop, buy souvenirs for every family, friend and myself. If you must bring several bottles of hair care products, toiletries etc. use small bottles or containers, besides airline requirements for luggage has changed. I believe nothing more than 10 Oz Business wear and casual clothing, you can bring both but color co-ordinate everything from shoes, jewelry, top’s shorts skirt, pants etc. Neutral colors work best along with black or white.

Okay really quick . . . some of the most important questions PRIOR to booking your extended stay facility.

• 1) Ask about weekly rates or specials
• 2) Pet Policy
• 3) Minimum stay policy
• 4) DO ASK about hair dryers, some extended stay motels may not offer them
• 5) Ask about accommodation tax, they vary from state to state and sometimes city by city
• 6) Ask about swimming pools
• 7) Leave your good jewelry at home!
• 8 ) Ask about private bathrooms (especially for extended stay efficiency apartments)
• 9) If your traveling alone, study the neighborhood as much as you can PRIOR to travel (ask facility personnel that will fill you in)
• 10) If you book online, ask about the amenities that are listed on the web, ask for the name of who helped you for reference purposes.

What is included in a traditional stay lodging facility, let’s say $50.00 -$75.00 per night? Accommodations are limited to a kitchenette means microwave and coffee maker, a table and chair, 100% housekeeping reliability, a night stand and alarm clock, cable t.v. Most charge for fax and internet service, and they have standard beds. Free continental breakfast has a very limited supply, if a guest takes more than one muffin or doughnut, you may be out of luck, they usually have small boxes of cereal, coffee, juice and milk. In addition to an iron and hair dryer, they have dresser drawers. Some have restaurants and bars attached to Hotel/Motel, not a lot of privacy. However, shopping, restaurants and activities are usually close by within walking distance. Pets are usually NOT welcomed.

Some of the classiest Hotels do not include extended stay accommodations. One of them is located in Beverly Hills, but the rates start at $295.00 per night. Another very elite Hotel in New York, $4775.00 for a three-week stay. I did find a fully furnished Suite for Corporate Housing, for a three-week stay in a deluxe suite the rate is $7948.00.