Long-Stay Hotels: How to Book Weekly and Monthly Stays for Less
How to book long hotel stays for work, relocation or extended travel: weekly and monthly rates, extended-stay brands, aparthotels, negotiation tips and what to check in the contract.
Key takeaways
- Hotels and aparthotels often discount stays of a week, a month or longer.
- Extended-stay brands and serviced apartments offer kitchens and laundry.
- Negotiate directly with the hotel for long stays; ask about cleaning, parking and laundry.
- Check tax rules: some places treat long stays differently.
In this guide
Whether you are relocating, on a long work project, renovating your home or travelling slowly, a long hotel stay can be comfortable and convenient. Here is how to get the best deal.
Your options
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hotel | Short long-stays (1–2 weeks) | Services, location | No kitchen |
| Extended-stay hotel | Weeks to months | Kitchens, laundry, discounts | Fewer facilities |
| Aparthotel | Families, professionals | Space, kitchen, hotel support | Cleaning may be weekly |
| Serviced apartment | Months | Home-like | Contracts, deposits |
| Holiday rental | Weeks to months | Space, monthly discounts | Host variability |
How to get a better rate
- Contact the hotel directly and ask about weekly or monthly rates.
- Be flexible on room type and dates.
- Travel off-peak when hotels have spare rooms.
- Ask for extras: free breakfast, parking, laundry or upgrades.
- Use loyalty programmes to earn status quickly. See loyalty programmes compared.
- Compare total monthly costs with rentals.
What to check
- Cleaning frequency and linen changes.
- Kitchen equipment.
- Laundry facilities.
- Parking costs. See hotel parking guide.
- Internet speed for remote work.
- Mail and parcel handling.
- Cancellation and payment terms (weekly, monthly, deposits).
Taxes
In some places, hotel occupancy taxes change after a certain number of consecutive nights, and in some US states long-term stays may be exempt after a set period. Ask the hotel how taxes apply to your stay.
Who long-stay hotels suit
- Professionals on assignments. See business travel hotel tips.
- Families relocating or between homes.
- Digital nomads and slow travellers.
- Patients or families near hospitals.
Long stay vs rental: cost comparison (hypothetical)
| Monthly cost item | Long-stay aparthotel | Furnished rental |
|---|---|---|
| Rent / room rate | Higher | Lower |
| Utilities and internet | Included | Often extra |
| Furniture and kitchen | Included | Included (furnished) |
| Cleaning | Weekly included | Extra or DIY |
| Deposit | Small or none | Often a month or more |
| Flexibility | High (weekly terms) | Often a fixed contract |
| Setup time | None | Viewings, paperwork |
For one to three months, the convenience and flexibility of an aparthotel can outweigh the higher headline rate. For six months or more, a rental is usually cheaper.
Negotiation script
When contacting a hotel for a long stay, be clear and brief:
"I'm looking for a room from [date] to [date], around [number] weeks. I'm flexible on room type and floor. Could you offer a weekly or monthly rate, and could that include breakfast, parking or laundry? I'm happy to pay weekly in advance."
Hotels value guaranteed occupancy, especially in quieter seasons, and may offer a meaningful discount.
Making a hotel feel like home
- Ask for a room away from the lift and with a desk.
- Request a fridge, microwave or kettle if not provided.
- Agree a cleaning schedule that suits you.
- Ask whether you can store luggage you do not need.
- Get to know staff; small favours become easier.
- Keep a routine: gym, regular meals, local café.
Remote workers and digital nomads
Check internet speed (ask for a speed test result), a proper desk chair, quiet hours and nearby co-working spaces. Some hotels now offer monthly "work from hotel" packages with laundry, workspace access and meals.
Country notes
- UK: Serviced apartments are common in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Long stays may be treated differently for VAT after a set number of nights, which can reduce the price; ask the provider.
- US: Extended-stay brands are widespread, often near business parks and hospitals. Some states and cities exempt stays beyond a certain number of consecutive days from hotel occupancy tax.
- Australia: Serviced apartments are very popular in capital cities and mining and regional hubs.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking a long stay through a booking site at nightly rates without asking the hotel for a better long-stay rate.
- Not checking internet speed before committing for remote work.
- Forgetting laundry costs.
- Ignoring cancellation terms on monthly bookings.
- Not asking how taxes apply after a certain number of nights.
The bottom line
For stays of a few weeks to a few months, extended-stay hotels and aparthotels offer comfort and flexibility. Negotiate directly, compare total costs with rentals, and check cleaning, laundry and internet before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a monthly rate at a hotel?
Often yes. Many hotels, extended-stay brands and aparthotels offer weekly and monthly rates, especially in off-peak periods. Contact them directly.
Is a long-stay hotel cheaper than renting?
For a few weeks to a few months, a long-stay hotel or aparthotel can be competitive once you include furniture, utilities, internet and cleaning. For longer periods, renting is usually cheaper.
What should I ask before booking a long hotel stay?
Ask about the rate structure, cleaning frequency, laundry, kitchen facilities, parking, mail handling, cancellation and payment terms.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
