3 reasons why to book extended stay hotels

The cost of extended stays varies depending on factors like location, time of year, and hotel amenities. For instance, a hotel in a prime location in central location may well cost more than a property in the suburbs of the same location —and both of these accommodations will likely be more expensive during busy seasons, such as the holidays or during school breaks. Similarly, swanky 4- or 5-star hotels will usually be pricier than cheap-and-cheerful 2-star options, so it's worth being realistic about what level of luxury you'd need during your stay.

Lots of hotels offer preferential rates for travelers staying for a month (or longer). Properties offering discounts on monthly hotel room rentals run the gamut from high-end beachfront accommodations with pools, spas, and every creature comfort you could desire, through to budget-friendly motels in the suburbs—so there's sure to be a long-term hotel stay that satisfies your needs and your budget alike. Certain pet-friendly hotels also offer reduced rates for long-term guests (and their four-legged friends).

You can: Extended stay hotels, in particular, are specifically targeted at travelers making lengthy reservations of a month, 2 months, or even more. Some properties specializing in long-term stays, such as extended stay suite hotels, are designed with these very guests in mind. Your room could include a kitchenette or seating area, for instance, for maximum comfort, and certain accommodations also offer laundry facilities for your convenience.

The cost of your month-long stay can vary depending on factors such as location, time of year, and traveler demand. That said, designated extended-stay hotels tend to offer slightly lower rates: As they're specifically aimed at the long-stay market, they frequently provide discounted prices for guests booking lengthy stays. In turn, these long-stay guests give the hotel a guaranteed level of occupancy, which helps with the property's planning.

Certain monthly hotel rentals serve breakfast—making that one less thing for you to take care of. The specifics vary from hotel to hotel: Some might just offer grab-and-go options (like a croissant or a piece of fruit) in the lobby, whereas others might provide a full buffet with everything from eggs to pancakes. Similarly, some extended-stay hotels may charge extra for breakfast, while others might include it in the room rate. Be sure to read the fine print so you know what to expect.

While not every hotel offering long-term stays has a pool, many do—meaning that there's nothing stopping you from getting your lengths in, relaxing on a lounger with your book, or simply having a splash around during your extended stay. The size of the pool—and whether it's indoor or outdoor, heated or unheated—varies from property to property. Check out the hotel's description for all the details.

Some of the cheapest hotel rentals for a month (or more) can be found in quieter, less central areas, so consider looking at suburban locations when you're picking where to stay. The time of year also plays a major role: Stays around the holidays and school breaks tend to be more expensive, so it's worth adjusting your schedule accordingly if you can be flexible. Finally, the type of property plays a role, too. Higher-end 4- or 5-star hotels are usually pricier for extended stays than no-frills 2- or 3-star options.

You can—some extended-stay properties don't make you pay for your entire reservation upfront. That means you can settle the bill month to month or week to week, for instance, depending on the hotel's terms and conditions. Apart from being able to spread the financial outlay of your stay, this also means that you don't need to know how long you'll be staying for at the outset, giving you maximum flexibility with both your schedule and your budget.

This depends on the property in question and local law. While people do rent hotel rooms for multiple months at a time, many accommodations have a maximum stay limit (be that 3 months or 6 months), which means you couldn't live there for the rest of your life. Similarly, certain regions and countries require you to have a residential address on file, meaning that living in a hotel on a permanent basis isn't a feasible option there.

Extending your hotel booking doesn't mean blowing the budget: Simply talk to the property's staff directly and explain that you'd like to stay for longer than initially planned. Often, they'll be able to offer a discount for extended stays and last-minute reservations—especially if you're already a guest at the hotel. You might also be able to tap into rewards and Member Prices to further reduce the room rate offered.

The most affordable option depends on what you're looking for. While renting a bare-bones apartment may be cheaper than booking a hotel room for the same duration, by the time you've added on the cost of all the perks that could be included at your hotel—such as an on-site gym, complimentary breakfast, and free laundry facilities—renting a hotel room for a month might well come out cheaper. Remember that certain extended-stay hotels offer special deals for long-term bookings, too.