9 Amenities to Attract More Extended Stay Guests
Attracting more extended-stay travelers requires a strategic and tailored approach. Slow travelers want more than just a place to sleep. They want the comforts of home coupled with the convenient services of a hotel. The trend toward extended stay is an excellent opportunity for hoteliers and property managers willing to adapt their accommodations to the desires of slow travelers. Here are 9 amenities that will attract more extended-stay guests, according to the data.
1. Fully-Equipped Kitchenette
An American Hotel & Lodging Association survey found that 72% of long-term guests preferred accommodations with kitchen facilities. Providing common kitchen appliances allows slow travelers the ability to stick to their diets and routines (especially for those traveling with children) while saving money eating out.
Even if guests don't plan on cooking all their meals, they may still view a kitchenette as a valuable amenity or as "nice to have." In fact, extended-stay hotels with kitchenettes have the highest occupancy rates, with stays averaging over 30 nights. That means that not only can access to appliances like ovens, microwaves, slow cookers, etc., increase occupancy rates but also persuade guests to extend their stays, increasing your RevPar.
2. Laundry Facilities
Just as kitchenettes play a significant role in enhancing the appeal of an extended-stay hotel or rental property, in-room or communal laundry also provides convenience and comfort attractive to slow travelers. Having access to laundry facilities is actually a must for many extended-stay guests, with 97% of Airbnb travelers saying that amenities are a top priority, and listing a washing machine or dryer as a top 10 amenity. Such convenience saves guests money while reducing the burden of housekeeping and external hotel services.
3. High-Speed Internet
The importance of high-speed internet in today's hospitality industry cannot be overstated. As the world becomes more digital, guests, particularly those on extended stays, expect reliable and fast internet service in their hotel rooms or rental properties. As per Airbnb, wifi is the second most filtered for search and the company even encourages guests to check the wifi speed of their accommodations using the Airbnb app.
According to a study by Upwork, it is estimated that by 2025, 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely, an increase of 16.8 million from pre-pandemic rates. For business travelers or remote workers, high-speed internet is not a luxury; it's a necessity for their productivity. But it's not just work that makes high-speed internet a must. It's become essential for guests who want to stream movies, play online games, or use social media.
4. Dedicated Workspace
With the rise of remote work and the "slow traveler" lifestyle, a dedicated workspace has become crucial. A survey by Gartner in 2020 found that 82% of company leaders plan to allow employees to work remotely “some of the time”. For extended-stay business travelers and remote workers, a clean and quiet workspace is a necessity. However, while private workspaces provide space for guests to focus or take video calls undisturbed, a communal workspace may appeal to more socially inclined slow travelers who work remotely but don't want to feel isolated for hours a day.
5. Fitness Center
Health and fitness continue to be a priority for travelers, but travel, particularly for extended stays, often disrupts regular exercise routines. A fitness center adds value to a guest's stay, and satisfied guests are more likely to return and recommend your property to others. The data show that equipping your property with a well-stocked gym could draw in more long-term guests. According to a 2021 Expedia Group Media Solutions survey, 40% of extended-stay travelers consider a fitness center an essential amenity, and a Statista survey found that 35% of respondents consider having a hotel gym “very important” and 36% stating it’s “important”. Demand for yoga and wellness centers is also increasing, and such services and facilities typically have lower overhead cost than a fully stocked gym.
6. Flexible Housekeeping Options
Some guests prefer minimal interruptions during their stay, especially if they are working or spending a lot of time in their rooms. Flexible housekeeping options allow them to schedule a cleaning at a time that suits them, enhancing their experience and reducing interruptions. As the hospitality industry evolves toward providing personalized experiences, offering flexible housekeeping options shows that you are attuned to guests' individual needs and preferences.
Furthermore, by giving guests the option to decline daily cleaning, you can conserve water and energy while reducing the use of cleaning chemicals. Many guests, especially among younger generations, are environmentally conscious and appreciate such initiatives. A Booking.com study in 2020 found that 82% of their global travelers identified sustainable travel as important to them.
7. Pet-Friendly Policies
Implementing pet-friendly policies could set your property apart. As more travelers take trips with their pets, the demand for pet-friendly accommodations is increasing, as evidenced by a survey that revealed 70% of travelers “almost always” look for pet friendly hotels. This trend suggests a substantial market for travelers who prefer pet-friendly accommodations. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 67% of US households, or about 85 million families, own a pet as of 2019-2020. The same survey indicates that around 37% of pet owners travel with their pets every year, up from 19% about a decade ago.
8. Social Spaces
With the rise of the "bleisure" trend (business plus leisure), many guests appreciate spaces where they can work comfortably outside of their rooms or relax and socialize after work hours. However, as travelers stay longer and longer in a single location, the trend goes beyond bleisure. It becomes co-living, or slow travel. Guests become tenants and neighbors and the desire for social connection and community grows. Social spaces can cater to both of these needs.
Providing community rooms, outdoor patios, and other social spaces can foster a sense of community, which many guests on extended stays desire. These shared spaces offer opportunities for social interaction and make your property feel more like a home for those who are away from their usual social support networks. Fostering an environment where guests can meet, interact, and create bonds with other guests will encourage guests to return and recommend your property to others, sometimes even in spite of amenities and accommodations.
9. Package Delivery Services
With the rise of e-commerce, people are ordering more items online than ever before. According to a report by Statista, e-commerce sales are expected to reach over $6.5 trillion by 2023. Providing a package delivery service ensures guests can receive their online purchases conveniently. Coupled with safe storage solutions, this offering will enhance the overall guest experience and make your property all the more attractive for long-term stays. Furthermore, offering package delivery services caters to business travelers and remote workers who often need to receive documents, materials, or equipment during their stay.
Conclusion
Catering to the extended-stay market could significantly boost your occupancy and revenue. According to a report by Highland Group, ADR losses in all three extended-stay segments (economy, mid price, upscale) have seen far less loss in revenue per available room compared to all hotels in the same class.
Remember, the key to attracting extended-stay guests is to create a "home away from home" experience while maintaining the services and convenience that distinguish you as a hotel or property. By focusing on these aspects, you can develop a loyal extended-stay clientele that offers consistent revenue and positive word-of-mouth.