Extended-stay hotels are a specialized niche in the hospitality industry, catering to business people and travelers alike, because the demand for these locations has increased, brands are looking to innovate their properties and expand their offerings to meet the needs of their customers.

In-House Restaurants

Short- and long-term travelers may be busy after a long day of sightseeing and meetings. To cater to their needs, extended-stay hotels are opting to incorporate in-house restaurants. However, hospitality brands need to offer more than a dining experience to compete with other nearby food options.

According to one survey of hotel preferences for more than 2,000 Americans, 77% want local restaurants inside their hotel and 75% want that eatery to offer dishes unique to the area. Beyond sit-down options, guests also want grab-and-go meals from an on-site marketplace.

Complete Room Service

Many travelers, especially those away from home for an extended period, want to enjoy creature comforts. The ability to order service directly to their room without picking up the phone or walking down to the lobby is a bonus for many.

With an app — sometimes powered by an in-room smart device — guests can order additional towels, shampoo or toilet paper.

They can peruse the menu from the in-house restaurant, complete with costs and estimated delivery times. Once they check-out, they can also use this app to leave feedback about their stay.

In-Room Full Kitchens

One of the defining characteristics of the extended-stay hotel is the in-room full kitchen. An open concept plan allows each room, including the living room, sleeping area and kitchen, to flow cohesively. Many designers opt for a minimalist style that features clean edges and smooth surfaces. You’ll also find unfinished wood accents, including hard maple and cherry.

Beyond the look, storage options are another major factor in full kitchens. Travelers don't want to look at pots, pans, dishware and appliances. As a result, hotels use rolling drawers and pull-out storage to easily access these items. Convenience is also a must, with hospitality brands opting for smart appliances and time-saving gadgets to meet their guests' needs.

Mobile Room Accessibility

Gone are the days when long-term travelers wait in lobbies to check into their rooms. Now, they can complete the process themselves — and save time — with a mobile device. Brands like Marriott Hotels use mobile apps to streamline more than 31 of their North American locations.

Once they arrive, guests can use the mobile check-in area to receive their pre-programmed key card. The app notifies them automatically once their room is ready. The Marriott brand and others aim to expand this innovative feature with others, such as check-out and in-room guest services.

Common Living Spaces

In the past, many long-term travelers opted for apartment rentals instead of extended-stay hotels during their trips. These rentals would come with amenities hotels simply didn't offer, such as common areas where people can gather and enjoy each other's company. To compete, extended-stay hospitality brands are now adding in-room private areas.

Beyond large living areas, guests also seek multi-room suites where groups or families traveling together can maintain contact without the need for additional key cards. Family members can gather together to play board games and business teams can gather for meetings.

Extended-Stay Hotels — A Continuously Evolving Landscape

For extended-stay hotels to compete with apartment rentals and brands like Airbnb, they must incorporate innovative features and options into their properties.

Today, the key feature driving bookings is in-room full kitchen spaces where guests can prepare meals with ease. Long-term travelers also look for in-house restaurants, common living spaces and tech-savvy options like in-room services and mobile check-in.

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Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

www.driftercollective.com