What Defines an Extended Stay Hotel

Extended stay hotels differ fundamentally from traditional hotels in their design and service model. These properties cater to guests staying 30 days or longer, offering furnished suites with full kitchens, separate living areas, and weekly housekeeping rather than daily service. This setup reduces overall costs compared to renting an apartment while providing flexibility that traditional leases don’t offer.

Most extended stay hotels in Dallas include utilities, high-speed internet, and access to fitness facilities in their rates. Unlike standard hotels, they typically offer weekly or monthly rates with significant discounts compared to nightly pricing. Many properties also provide laundry facilities, business centers, and flexible cancellation policies—important features for temporary residents managing work transitions or personal circumstances.

The extended stay market has grown substantially as companies relocate employees, construction projects require temporary housing, and people seek flexible living arrangements. Dallas, as a major business hub with a growing population, has responded with quality extended stay options across multiple price points and neighborhoods.

Top Extended Stay Hotels in Dallas

Candlewood Suites Dallas—Uptown

Located in the vibrant Uptown area, Candlewood Suites offers spacious suites with full kitchens, separate living areas, and high-speed internet. The property features a fitness center, business center, and pet-friendly rooms for guests traveling with animals. Weekly rates provide substantial savings, and the Uptown location puts you near restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues. Candlewood’s complimentary grocery delivery service helps guests stock their kitchens without leaving the property.

Extended Stay America Dallas—Las Colinas

Extended Stay America operates multiple Dallas locations, with the Las Colinas property being particularly convenient for corporate travelers. These studios and one-bedroom suites include full kitchens, separate work areas, and free Wi-Fi. The chain offers competitive monthly rates, pet-friendly policies, and housekeeping services. The Las Colinas location provides easy access to corporate offices and the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport corridor.

Residence Inn by Marriott Dallas—Plano

For guests staying in North Dallas, the Residence Inn in Plano provides upscale extended stay accommodations. Suites feature full kitchens, separate living areas, and high-end furnishings. The property includes a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, which can significantly reduce daily expenses during longer stays. The Plano location serves corporate parks and technology companies, making it ideal for business relocations.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas—Downtown

Downtown Dallas’s Homewood Suites delivers urban convenience with full-service extended stay amenities. All suites include kitchens, and the property features an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary evening reception on weeknights. The downtown location provides walkable access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and business districts. Monthly rates offer better value than nightly pricing, and the Hilton loyalty program benefits frequent extended stay guests.

Key Amenities to Look For

When selecting an extended stay hotel, prioritize amenities that impact daily living quality. Full kitchens are essential—they allow you to prepare meals, reducing dining expenses during long stays. Look for properties with quality cookware, dishwashers, and refrigerators large enough for weekly groceries.

Internet speed matters significantly for remote workers. Verify that properties offer high-speed Wi-Fi with reliable connections suitable for video conferences and streaming. Many extended stay hotels now advertise business-grade internet as a competitive advantage.

Laundry facilities are crucial for stays exceeding a few weeks. In-suite washers and dryers are ideal, though on-site laundry rooms work if suites lack them. Some properties offer complimentary laundry service as part of monthly packages.

Fitness facilities help maintain wellness during extended stays. Look for properties offering hotels with gyms and fitness equipment, which are increasingly standard at extended stay properties. Many also offer hotels with pools near you, providing recreation and relaxation options.

Breakfast service deserves consideration. Properties offering complimentary breakfast services can reduce food costs significantly. Some extended stay hotels provide hot breakfast daily, while others offer grab-and-go options.

Pet policies matter for guests with animals. Verify pet fees, weight restrictions, and whether the property allows multiple pets. Some Dallas extended stay hotels offer pet-friendly amenities like designated relief areas.

Parking considerations impact convenience and costs. Confirm whether parking is included in monthly rates and whether the property offers covered or assigned spaces. Some properties provide valet parking services, and increasingly, extended stay properties feature EV charging stations for electric vehicle owners.

Location Considerations

Dallas’s geography spans significant distances, making location selection critical for extended stay guests. Uptown and Downtown areas offer walkable neighborhoods with restaurants, entertainment, and cultural attractions. These urban locations suit guests seeking vibrant community environments and minimal car dependency.

North Dallas suburbs like Plano, Frisco, and Richardson house major corporate parks and technology companies. Extended stay hotels in these areas cater to corporate relocations and business travelers. Suburban locations typically offer quieter environments and easier parking but require cars for most activities.

Las Colinas and Irving provide convenient access to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and corporate office parks. These areas suit guests with frequent travel or business meetings throughout the metroplex.

East Dallas neighborhoods offer residential character with proximity to downtown amenities. These areas appeal to guests preferring neighborhood vibrancy over corporate park convenience.

Consider commute times to your primary workplace or activity location. Dallas traffic congestion during rush hours can significantly impact daily routines. Extended stay hotels near major highways or your workplace reduce commute stress during longer stays.

Budget-Friendly Options

Extended Stay America properties consistently rank among Dallas’s most affordable extended stay options. Their no-frills approach—focusing on essential amenities without luxury additions—keeps rates competitive. Multiple Dallas locations provide flexibility in choosing convenient neighborhoods within budget constraints.

Motel 6 locations in Dallas offer very basic extended stay accommodations at minimal cost. While less upscale than branded extended stay chains, these properties provide functional rooms with kitchenettes for budget-conscious guests.

Negotiating directly with properties often yields better rates than online booking platforms. Call extended stay hotels directly and ask about monthly discounts, corporate rates, or special promotions. Many properties offer 10-20% discounts for stays exceeding 30 days when booked directly.

Timing your arrival strategically can impact rates. Mid-week arrivals often have lower rates than weekend check-ins. Avoid peak business travel seasons (September-October, January-February) when corporate relocations spike demand.

Loyalty programs through hotel chains provide additional savings. Joining free loyalty programs before booking can yield room upgrades, extended checkout times, and points toward future stays.

Premium Extended Stay Properties

Upscale extended stay options cater to guests prioritizing comfort and amenities. Residence Inn by Marriott properties throughout Dallas offer high-end furnishings, complimentary hot breakfast, and premium fitness facilities. These properties suit executives and guests with corporate travel budgets.

Homewood Suites by Hilton locations provide upscale extended stay accommodations with evening receptions, better-quality linens, and superior customer service. The Hilton loyalty program offers meaningful benefits for frequent extended stay guests.

Some luxury hotel brands now offer extended stay options. These properties provide five-star amenities, concierge services, and premium locations. While more expensive, they suit guests for whom comfort and service justify higher costs.

Premium properties typically include better kitchenware, higher-quality furniture, and more spacious layouts. They often offer additional services like housekeeping upgrades, laundry service, and business support unavailable at budget properties.

Booking Tips and Discounts

Booking extended stay hotels requires different strategies than traditional hotel reservations. Monthly rates offer 30-40% savings compared to nightly pricing. Always request monthly quotes rather than multiplying nightly rates by 30.

Check multiple booking platforms—sometimes direct booking offers better rates than third-party sites. Hotel websites, Expedia, Booking.com, and corporate travel platforms may quote different prices for identical properties.

Ask about corporate rates even if you’re not relocating for a company. Some properties extend corporate discounts to self-employed individuals and small business owners. Providing business documentation can unlock significant savings.

Extended stay packages often include weekly housekeeping, utilities, and internet bundled at better rates than à la carte additions. Verify what’s included in quoted rates before comparing properties.

Consider flexible cancellation policies when booking. Extended stay plans may have stricter cancellation terms than standard hotel bookings. Confirm policies before committing, particularly if your stay duration is uncertain.

Request suite upgrades when checking in. Front desk staff often provide complimentary upgrades to guests staying 30+ days, especially during slower occupancy periods. Polite requests frequently succeed.

Join travel rewards programs before booking. Points from extended stay hotels can offset future travel costs or provide room upgrades. Many programs allow point transfers between hotel brands.

FAQ

What’s the difference between extended stay hotels and traditional apartments?

Extended stay hotels provide furnished accommodations with utilities, housekeeping, and hotel services included in rates. Apartments require unfurnished or partially furnished leases typically lasting 12 months with separate utility payments and deposits. Extended stay hotels offer flexibility—you can typically cancel with notice—while apartment leases lock you into long-term commitments. For stays under 6 months, extended stay hotels often cost less when factoring in furniture rental, utility deposits, and setup expenses.

Are utilities included in extended stay hotel rates?

Most extended stay hotels include basic utilities (electricity, water, trash) in their nightly and monthly rates. Internet is typically included as well. However, confirm this when booking, as policies vary. Some budget properties charge separately for utilities, while upscale properties bundle them. Long-distance phone calls and premium cable channels may incur additional charges.

Can I get a discount for a 60-day or 90-day stay?

Yes, extended stay hotels typically offer tiered discounts for longer commitments. A 60-day stay might receive 15-20% discount compared to monthly rates, while 90-day stays can yield 20-25% savings. Call properties directly to negotiate extended stay packages. Corporate travel departments often secure better rates than individuals, so mentioning any business purpose can help.

Are pets allowed at Dallas extended stay hotels?

Most extended stay hotels allow pets, though policies vary significantly. Some charge pet fees ($50-150 per stay), weight limits (usually 25-50 pounds), or restrict certain breeds. Call ahead to confirm pet policies, as restrictions may differ between properties operated by the same chain. Pet-friendly extended stay options are widely available throughout Dallas.

What should I know about deposits and move-in costs?

Extended stay hotels typically don’t require security deposits like apartments do. However, they may require a credit card for incidentals and damage charges. Some properties request payment in advance for the entire monthly stay. Confirm payment terms, refund policies, and whether deposits are refundable before booking. Unlike apartment leases, extended stay hotels rarely charge move-in fees beyond the first night’s rate.

How do I compare rates across different extended stay hotels?

Request detailed quotes including all fees and included amenities. Compare monthly rates (not nightly multiplied by 30), verify what utilities and services are included, and factor in parking costs, pet fees, and any resort charges. Create a spreadsheet with location, amenities, and total monthly costs to compare objectively. Contact properties directly—they often beat online quotes for monthly bookings.

Can I use extended stay hotels for temporary housing during relocation?

Extended stay hotels are ideal for relocation scenarios. They provide furnished, move-in-ready accommodations while you apartment hunt or wait for a permanent residence. Many guests book 30-60 day stays, giving them time to explore neighborhoods and sign apartment leases. Some companies offer relocation packages through extended stay hotel chains, providing corporate rates and streamlined check-in processes.

What are the best neighborhoods for extended stay hotels in Dallas?

Uptown and Downtown offer urban walkability and entertainment. Plano and Frisco suit corporate relocations. Las Colinas provides airport access. East Dallas offers neighborhood character. Choose based on your workplace location, lifestyle preferences, and whether you prefer urban or suburban environments. Traffic patterns and commute times should heavily influence your neighborhood selection.