Redefining the Business Travel Experience: the stayAPT Suites Style — Photo by stayAPT Suites

The hospitality industry has always been dynamic, adapting to the ever-changing needs and preferences of travelers.

The extended-stay hotel model has undergone a significant transformation in recent years.

Traditionally, extended-stay accommodations were characterized by a lackluster design and limited amenities. However, with the changing demands of today's travelers, this model has evolved dramatically, and stayAPT Suites stands at the forefront of this transformation.

As industry professionals, we need to explore the evolution of the extended-stay hotel model and how stayAPT Suites' design has revolutionized the growing extended-stay sector of the travel and hospitality industry. With our innovative approach to guest comfort and apartment-style design, stayAPT Suites provides an exceptional experience for nightly, weekly, or monthly travelers.

The Traditional Extended-Stay Model

Historically, extended-stay accommodations primarily catered to project-based, wage-earning travelers and those needing transitional housing. These hotels typically offered little more than basic amenities such as a kitchenette, a desk, and a bed. The focus was on affordability and practicality rather than guest experience and comfort.

While the traditional model served its purpose, it should still address the evolving needs of modern travelers. As a result, this segment of the hospitality industry remained stagnant for years, with little innovation in design, service, or amenities.

The Changing Landscape of Extended-Stay Accommodations

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the traditional extended-stay model. Hoteliers have recognized the demand for more modernized accommodations that combine the convenience of an extended stay with the comforts of a home. Guests now prefer a wider range of amenities, including fully equipped kitchens with modern appliances, stylish furnishings, upgraded technology features, and spacious suites with defined sleeping and living areas. These upgraded amenities aim to provide a more holistic and enjoyable guest experience, emphasizing not just affordability but also the refined needs that today's travelers desire.

Examples of the evolving landscape include:

  1. Changing Demographics: The changing demographics of travelers are significantly impacting the extended-stay accommodation sector. The rise of the gig economy and remote work has given rise to a new generation of mobile and flexible workers. These individuals may find themselves on the road for extended periods, necessitating accommodations that go beyond just a place to sleep. Instead, they require a comfortable and functional living space where they can work, relax, and maintain a sense of normalcy during their extended stays.
  2. Consumer Expectations: Modern travelers, whether traveling for business or leisure, have elevated expectations when it comes to their accommodations. They desire the convenience and comfort of home while also expecting the services and amenities typically associated with modern hotels. They seek more than just a bed; they want a comprehensive guest experience that includes access to fully equipped kitchens, functional and spacious suites, high-speed internet, in-room workspaces, fitness facilities, and communal spaces for relaxation and socializaiton.
  3. Strategic Locations: In today's travel landscape, travelers value livability and convenience. Travelers are no longer content with feeling isolated in their accommodations; they seek lodging that offers easy access to local amenities, services, and everyday conveniences. This trend reflects a desire for a more immersive and practical experience. By strategically locating properties near these essential destinations, stayAPT Suites not only makes it convenient for travelers to explore and enjoy the destination but also fosters a sense of community within their properties.
Source: stayAPT SuitesSource: stayAPT Suites
Source: stayAPT Suites

stayAPT Suites: Pioneering the Evolution

Among the companies leading the evolution of extended-stay accommodations is stayAPT Suites. The apartment-style design and innovative approach to guest experience have set stayAPT Suites apart in the industry. Here's how stayAPT Suites is revolutionizing the extended-stay sector:

  1. Apartment-Style Living: Its apartment-style design is at the heart of stayAPT Suites' success. Rather than offering traditional hotel rooms, the company provides spacious suites with a kitchen and living area separate from the bedroom. The bedroom features a walk-in closet, workspace, and a TV, offering a comfortable and functional space for relaxation and work. In the living room, guests can enjoy a sleeper sofa, a lounge chair, and a 55-inch television, ensuring a relaxing and entertaining atmosphere during their stay. Every stayAPT Suites' location boasts an interior, secure outdoor courtyard with comfortable seating, a convenient built-in grill station, and a cozy fire pit. This design mirrors the comfort and functionality of a home, making it ideal for nightly, weekly, and monthly stays.
  2. Fully Equipped Kitchens: A standout feature of stayAPT Suites is its fully equipped kitchens in every suite. This amenity, with plenty of cupboard space and a large island, empowers guests to prepare their meals, whether it's a quick breakfast or a gourmet dinner. Beyond the cost savings associated with home cooking, having a fully equipped kitchen provides a sense of normalcy and convenience. The kitchens include a four-stove burner, oven, refrigerator, microwave and a full-size dishwasher. It allows guests to maintain their dietary preferences, accommodate dietary restrictions, and enjoy the simple pleasure of having a full kitchen during their stay. This inclusion significantly contributes to the sense of commonality that stayAPT Suites strives to provide.
  3. Amenities for Modern Travelers: To meet the expectations of today's travelers, stayAPT Suites offers a comprehensive array of amenities. High-speed internet ensures connectivity for work and leisure, while in-room workspaces are designed to facilitate productivity. Fitness centers cater to health-conscious guests, and laundry facilities offer convenience for extended stays. The enclosed courtyard, exclusively for guests, features a barbecue station and comfortable lounge seating, recognizing the importance of community and well-being in the guest experience. These amenities collectively elevate the guest's stay, ensuring that business and leisure travelers have a fulfilling and enjoyable stay.
  4. Proximity to Corporate Hubs: stayAPT Suites strategically positions its locations near major business districts and corporate headquarters. This strategic choice benefits guests by reducing commute times and providing more time for work-related activities or meetings. The convenience of being close to corporate hubs aligns with the needs of business travelers, making stayAPT Suites a preferred choice for professionals seeking a comfortable and efficient stay.
  5. Customized Stays: Recognizing the diverse needs of its guests, stayAPT Suites offers flexible booking options. Whether guests require accommodation for a few days, weeks, or several months, they can choose the duration that best suits their needs. This flexibility ensures that stayAPT Suites can meet the needs of a wide range of travelers, from nightly and weekly to monthly guests, further enhancing its appeal in the hospitality market.

By combining these elements, stayAPT Suites has not only kept pace with the evolving needs of extended-stay travelers but also positioned itself as a leader in redefining the extended-stay sector, offering a holistic and contemporary approach to long-term accommodation.

The Future of Extended-Stay Accommodations

As the travel industry continues to evolve, extended-stay accommodations are likely to play an increasingly important role. The model pioneered by stayAPT Suites represents the future of this sector. stayAPT Suites is pioneering trends and innovations to watch for in the coming years:

  1. Technology Integration: As technology continues to advance, extended-stay hotels are likely to incorporate more tech-savvy features to enhance the guest experience. Smart home automation will become increasingly common, allowing guests to control lighting, temperature, and even entertainment systems digitally or using voice commands. Mobile check-in/check-out processes will streamline the arrival and departure experience, reducing wait times and offering a more convenient stay.
  2. Personalization: Hotels are embracing data analytics and artificial intelligence to take personalization to the next level. By analyzing guest preferences and behaviors, they can offer customized room features, such as preferred room temperature and in-room amenities. AI-driven personalization can provide guests with tailored recommendations for local experiences, dining options, and activities. This personal touch enhances the overall guest satisfaction and makes each stay feel unique and memorable.
  3. Hybrid Workspaces: With remote work becoming increasingly prevalent, extended-stay accommodations are adapting to cater to digital nomads and business travelers. Many properties are incorporating co-working spaces with high-speed internet connectivity. This allows guests to seamlessly blend work and leisure during their extended stays, meeting the demands of the modern workforce.
  4. Expanded Locations: The growing demand for extended-stay accommodations is prompting their expansion into various markets. In addition to urban centers, you can expect to see more properties in suburban and leisure destinations. This diversification allows travelers to choose extended-stay options in locations that suit their needs, whether it's for business, leisure, or a mix of both. As a result, extended-stay hotels are becoming a versatile choice for a wide range of travelers.
  5. Proximity to Popular Destinations: stayAPT Suites recognizes the importance of location, strategically positioning their properties near popular destinations. This ensures that business and leisure travelers have easy access to local amenities, services, and everyday conveniences. Whether guests are looking to explore a new city or attend meetings, the convenient location of stayAPT Suites properties enhances the overall guest experience by saving time and offering opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

The extended-stay hotel model has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and stayAPT Suites is at the forefront of this evolution. By embracing apartment-style living, offering modern amenities, and prioritizing community engagement with an inviting courtyard to mingle with others, stayAPT Suites has redefined what it means to stay long-term away from home.

As travelers' needs continue to change, the extended-stay sector of the hospitality industry will likely see further innovation and growth. Companies like stayAPT Suites are setting the standard for a new era of extended-stay accommodations, where guests can enjoy the comforts of home, and connect with others - all while experiencing exceptional hospitality.

As the extended-stay hospitality sector continues to evolve, companies like stayAPT Suites are setting a high standard for location-based service excellence. By providing guests with a home away from home in prime locations, stayAPT Suites is reshaping the way we think about extended stays, making them more convenient, enjoyable, and accessible to a wide range of travelers.

In the coming years, we can expect more hotels to follow this trend, creating a diverse and dynamic landscape for extended-stay travelers seeking a more enriching and fulfilling experience on the road.

Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from http://www.hotelexecutive.com/.