When Andrew Mansinne and his family lost their home in a fire last spring, they found unexpected support close by at a Marriott Residence Inn.
“Our house burned down on Easter Sunday when our gas grill exploded,” said Mansinne, a self-described “constant business traveler.” “We could have stayed at a furnished apartment, but that came with a lot of restrictions. We needed the flexibility to leave if necessary, and we also wanted staff and housekeeping to help.”
Mansinne said the Residence Inn staff treated his family like their own, even helping to sort through waterlogged memorabilia they were able to save from the fire.
“The entire staff took us under their collective wing, helping with logistics and extending our reservations when it was clear we weren’t ready to leave,” Mansinne recalled. “We weren’t the only residents treated this way. Other families and residents received the same care.”
Long the domain of economy and mid-market brands, extended-stay hotels are moving upmarket to serve business travelers who commute long distances or spend long stretches in one place for client work.
Residence Inn by Marriott was among the first major brands in the extended-stay segment, but it continues to evolve. The brand now operates more than 650 properties across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Central America. Suite-style accommodations typically include separate living and sleeping areas, fully equipped kitchens, grocery delivery, 24-hour markets, complimentary breakfast and — a top priority for many business travelers — free WiFi.
For Mansinne, who recently accepted a new position in New York City and now commutes from Baltimore, choosing Residence Inn for his extended stay was an easy decision based on his earlier experience with the brand.
“The comfort of having home-like amenities gives me meal options so I’m not forced to eat out every day,” he said.
Residence Inn suite © Residence Inn Central Park
Services and amenities that attract business travelers to extended-stay hotels include staff who learn repeat guests’ preferences and try to assign the same or similar rooms, dry-cleaning and luggage storage, grocery delivery and on-site laundry facilities.
Launched in 2012, Hyatt’s extended-stay brand Hyatt House emphasizes a residential feel, welcoming “residents rather than guests.” After extensive guest research, Hyatt House introduced studios and one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, living areas with flat-panel HDTVs, separate bedrooms and complimentary WiFi. Guests enjoy a complimentary full breakfast daily, and an evening social encourages mingling among travelers. Hyatt House has grown to more than 50 locations across the United States.
Last fall Hyatt House partnered with Martha Stewart’s American Made initiative, a celebration of entrepreneurs and small businesses that helps guests “live like a local” in select markets.
Hyatt House studio guestroom © Hyatt
“As a brand committed to a warm, neighborhood feel, we’re excited to bring Hyatt House guests closer to their surrounding communities,” said Chris Walker, vice president, brands, Hyatt House. “From a favorite off-the-beaten-path spot down the street to a morning omelet made just the way you like it, it’s the little things that help guests feel at home.”
Rob Setzman, Global Traveler’s online coordinator and account executive, stayed at AKA Beverly Hills during the GT Tested Awards gala last December. In a GT Tested review, Setzman described AKA as “less of a hotel room and more of a luxury apartment.”
He praised a fully furnished kitchen with a six-burner range, two stacked ovens and a four-seat table; a gas fireplace warming an open living room; and a private balcony as reasons he would have preferred a longer stay.
AKA markets itself as a “pied-à-terre on demand,” with five locations in New York and additional properties in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., London and Los Angeles. A division of Korman Communities, AKA stands for “A Korman Accommodation.”
AKA grows its inventory largely by converting vintage hotels and former condominiums into upscale extended-stay residences. Earlier this year the brand added a premium Airstream travel trailer for residents of AKA Beverly Hills. The AKA Mobile Suite, hitched to a GMC Yukon Denali, is available for curated five-day road trips with “glamping” overnights at scenic spots along the Santa Ynez Valley and the Pacific Coast.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts projects strong growth for its extended-stay brand Element Hotels. On track to open its 15th hotel later this year, Element has another 15 properties slated to open by the end of 2017. The brand recently expanded beyond North America with the opening of Element Frankfurt Airport. The planned Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town will mark Starwood’s entry for the brand in China, making China the only market outside the U.S. where Starwood will offer all nine of its lifestyle brands.
Element’s rising profile has sparked interest in dual-branded developments combining Aloft and Element properties. Starwood has signed deals to open Aloft and Element Boston Waterfront in 2016 near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, and a dual Aloft and Element development is scheduled to open in London’s historic Tobacco Dock in 2017, marking Element’s U.K. debut.
Element Omaha Midtown Crossing studio guestroom © Starwood Hotels & Resorts
A decade and more of innovation have led many high-end hotels to replicate the comforts of home. Today, the extended-stay sector delivers on that promise by offering residential comforts alongside professional hotel services.
For many travelers, home remains where the heart is. When work keeps you on the road, an extended-stay hotel where staff know your name can be the next best thing.
What’s better than a comfortable home away from home? How about a home away from home with a view?
“From the top floor, I can see west past the Hudson River into New Jersey,” Mansinne said of his Midtown residence. “To the east I can see nearly to the East River, and looking south there’s a striking view of Times Square. At night, it has to be the best view in the world.”
Who could ask for anything more?