Best Extended Stay Hotels for Travel Nurses (2026 Guide)

Introduction: Why Extended Stay Hotels Work for Travel Nurses

Extended-stay hotels solve the hardest parts of travel nurse housing in one booking. No hunting for a landlord, no negotiating a lease, no setting up utilities, no coordinating a move-in inspection. You call the property, book a room, show up with your bags, and start living.

For many travel nurses — especially first-timers, last-minute assignees, and anyone who values convenience over savings optimization — extended-stay hotels are the path of least resistance. Everything is included: furniture, kitchen equipment, linens, WiFi, utilities, housekeeping, parking, and often breakfast.

The trade-off is cost. Extended-stay hotels are typically more expensive per month than furnished apartments or Furnished Finder listings. But the gap is narrower than you might think, and when you factor in the time saved, the flexibility to leave on short notice, and the loyalty points you earn over a 13-week stay, the value proposition becomes compelling.

This guide ranks the best extended-stay chains for travel nurses, breaks down how to get the best rate, and explains how to maximize loyalty programs during your stay.

What Makes Extended Stay Hotels Different

Extended-stay hotels are not regular hotels with a weekly rate slapped on. They are designed from the ground up for guests staying weeks or months.

Suite-style rooms provide more space than a standard hotel room, typically 300 to 500 square feet. Most feature a separate sleeping area (or a full bedroom in one-bedroom suites), a living and workspace, and a kitchenette or full kitchen.

Kitchen facilities are the defining feature. Budget chains include a kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, and two-burner cooktop. Mid-range and premium chains offer full kitchens with a full-size refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and real counter space. Having a kitchen — even a small one — saves you hundreds in dining-out costs over a 13-week stay.

Weekly and monthly pricing is dramatically lower than nightly rates. A hotel that charges $120 per night might offer a weekly rate of $600 (equivalent to $86/night) or a monthly rate of $2,000 (equivalent to $66/night). Always ask for the monthly rate.

No lease. You can typically leave with 24 to 48 hours notice. This flexibility is unmatched by any other housing type and is particularly valuable when contracts are uncertain or subject to cancellation.

Housekeeping is included, usually weekly. Your room is cleaned, linens are changed, and common areas are maintained without any effort on your part.

On-site amenities vary by chain but commonly include a fitness center, swimming pool, business center, laundry room, and free parking.

Best Extended Stay Hotel Chains Ranked

1. Residence Inn by Marriott

Overview: Residence Inn is the premium extended-stay option in the Marriott portfolio. Properties are consistently well-maintained, staff are trained to accommodate long-term guests, and the suites are among the most spacious in the extended-stay category.

Monthly rate range: $2,400 - $4,000 (varies significantly by market)

Key amenities: Full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and cookware. Complimentary hot breakfast daily. Grocery delivery service available at many locations. On-site fitness center, sport court, swimming pool at most properties. Free WiFi and free parking. Pet-friendly at most locations.

Pros: Highest overall quality among extended-stay chains. Marriott Bonvoy points accumulate rapidly on long stays. Complimentary breakfast saves $200+ per month on food costs. Consistent, predictable experience across locations.

Cons: The most expensive option. Monthly rates in high-cost cities can push well above $3,500.

Best for: Nurses who value quality, earn Marriott Bonvoy points, and can comfortably fit the cost within their stipend.

2. Homewood Suites by Hilton

Overview: Homewood Suites is Hilton’s answer to Residence Inn. Spacious suite-style rooms with full kitchens, plus a unique social element: complimentary evening social events (typically light dinner and drinks) on select evenings.

Monthly rate range: $2,200 - $3,800

Key amenities: Full kitchen with full-size appliances. Complimentary hot breakfast daily. Evening social events (complimentary light dinner and drinks, usually Monday through Thursday). On-site fitness center, pool, and business center. Free WiFi and parking. Pet-friendly at most locations.

Pros: The evening social is a genuine perk — it provides free food and a chance to socialize in a new city. Hilton Honors points. Spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Consistent quality.

Cons: Premium pricing, though usually slightly less than Residence Inn. Not every property hosts the evening social, so confirm before booking.

Best for: Nurses who want a social element alongside their housing, especially those new to a city. Hilton Honors loyalists.

3. Home2 Suites by Hilton

Overview: Home2 Suites is Hilton’s mid-range extended-stay brand, targeting guests who want modern design without the premium price of Homewood Suites. Properties tend to be newer, with contemporary decor and eco-friendly features.

Monthly rate range: $1,800 - $3,200

Key amenities: Full kitchen with full-size refrigerator and dishwasher. Flexible workspace area in each room. Communal “Home2 Market” pantry for snacks and essentials. On-site laundry, fitness center, pool. Free WiFi and parking. Pet-friendly.

Pros: Modern, clean properties (most were built within the last decade). Competitive pricing that often undercuts Homewood Suites by $200 to $400/month. Hilton Honors integration. Pet-friendly with reasonable fees.

Cons: Rooms can be slightly smaller than Homewood Suites. No complimentary breakfast at most locations (some offer a grab-and-go option). No evening social events.

Best for: Nurses who want newer, modern properties with Hilton Honors points at a mid-range price point.

4. Extended Stay America

Overview: Extended Stay America is the workhorse of the extended-stay industry. With more than 700 properties across the country, it has the largest footprint of any extended-stay chain. The experience is basic but functional, and the pricing is among the most affordable.

Monthly rate range: $1,400 - $2,500

Key amenities: Full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and basic cookware. On-site laundry (coin-operated at most locations). Free WiFi and parking. Pet-friendly at most locations.

Pros: The most budget-friendly major chain. Available in nearly every market, including smaller cities and suburban areas. Full kitchens (not just kitchenettes). Flexible weekly and monthly rates.

Cons: Properties vary widely in quality. Some are well-maintained and recently renovated; others are dated and in need of updates. Minimal common amenities (no pool, gym, or breakfast at most locations). Customer service can be inconsistent.

Best for: Budget-maximizing nurses who prioritize price over polish. Nurses in smaller markets where premium chains do not have a presence.

5. WoodSpring Suites

Overview: WoodSpring Suites is the budget tier of the extended-stay market. Properties are no-frills, but they are cheap. If your goal is to pocket as much of your stipend as possible and you just need a clean, safe place to sleep and cook, WoodSpring delivers.

Monthly rate range: $1,200 - $2,000

Key amenities: Full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop, and microwave. In-room WiFi. On-site laundry. Free parking.

Pros: The lowest rates you will find from a national chain. Full kitchens are standard. Quiet, no-frills environments with minimal foot traffic.

Cons: Very basic accommodations. No pool, gym, business center, breakfast, or social spaces. Properties can feel austere. Limited availability in some markets.

Best for: Nurses who are singularly focused on maximizing stipend savings and do not need amenities beyond a kitchen and a bed.

6. TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Overview: TownePlace Suites occupies the mid-range of Marriott’s extended-stay portfolio, positioned between the budget-oriented SpringHill Suites and the premium Residence Inn. It offers a solid blend of quality and value.

Monthly rate range: $1,800 - $3,000

Key amenities: Full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and microwave. On-site fitness center and pool at many locations. Free WiFi and parking. Marriott Bonvoy integration. Pet-friendly at most locations.

Pros: Marriott Bonvoy points without the premium Residence Inn price. Full kitchens standard. Generally newer properties with modern design. Good middle ground between quality and cost.

Cons: No complimentary breakfast (unlike Residence Inn). Slightly less spacious than Residence Inn suites. Availability is limited compared to Extended Stay America.

Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members who want a quality stay without Residence Inn pricing.

7. Staybridge Suites (IHG)

Overview: Staybridge Suites is IHG’s extended-stay brand, competing directly with Residence Inn and Homewood Suites. It offers suite-style rooms with full kitchens and a community-focused atmosphere.

Monthly rate range: $2,000 - $3,500

Key amenities: Full kitchen with full-size appliances. Complimentary breakfast at most locations. Evening social events (similar to Homewood Suites). On-site fitness center, pool, business center. Free WiFi and parking. Pet-friendly. IHG Rewards integration.

Pros: Similar amenities to Homewood Suites at sometimes lower prices. IHG Rewards points. Evening social events provide food and socializing. Consistent quality.

Cons: Fewer properties than Marriott or Hilton extended-stay brands. IHG Rewards is generally less valuable per point than Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.

Best for: IHG loyalists and nurses who find a Staybridge location conveniently near their hospital.

How to Get the Best Extended Stay Rate

The listed rate on a hotel’s website is almost never the best rate available. Use these strategies to pay less.

Call the property directly. Online booking engines (including the hotel’s own website) often display the standard rate. When you call the front desk or sales team, you can ask for unpublished rates, healthcare worker discounts, and extended-stay promotions that are not visible online. This one step alone can save 10 to 20 percent.

Ask for the healthcare worker rate. Many extended-stay properties offer a discounted rate for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. This rate is rarely advertised but frequently available. Simply mention that you are a travel nurse at the nearby hospital.

Book the full 13 weeks upfront. Longer commitments justify deeper discounts. Tell the hotel you are booking for the entire 13-week contract and ask for the best monthly rate they can offer for that duration.

Check your agency’s corporate rate. Some staffing agencies have negotiated corporate rates with hotel chains. Ask your recruiter if any corporate discounts are available for your assignment location.

Use AAA, AARP, or military discounts. If you are a member of any discount organization, ask about member rates. These can stack with other promotions.

Compare across booking platforms. Check the hotel’s direct site, then compare with Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Google Hotels. Sometimes third-party platforms have lower rates, though booking direct often earns more loyalty points.

Book during off-peak periods. Hotel rates fluctuate with demand. If you have flexibility in your start date, booking during a lower-demand period can reduce your rate.

Negotiate. If none of the above works, simply ask: “Is there any flexibility on this rate for a 13-week stay?” Front desk managers and sales teams often have authority to discount by 5 to 15 percent at their discretion.

Loyalty Programs: Earning Points While You Live

A 13-week extended-stay booking is a loyalty-point goldmine. Here is what you can expect from the major programs.

Marriott Bonvoy (Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites)

Marriott Bonvoy members earn 10 points per dollar spent on eligible hotel stays. On a 13-week stay averaging $2,500/month, you would earn approximately 75,000 Bonvoy points — enough for 3 to 5 free nights at mid-tier Marriott properties. Elite status tiers (Silver at 10 nights, Gold at 25 nights, Platinum at 50 nights) are easily achievable during a single 13-week assignment, unlocking room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus point earning.

Hilton Honors (Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites)

Hilton Honors members earn 10 base points per dollar. A 13-week stay at $2,200/month would earn approximately 66,000 Hilton Honors points, enough for 2 to 3 free nights at mid-tier Hilton properties. Hilton’s elite tiers (Silver at 10 nights, Gold at 40 nights, Diamond at 60 nights) offer progressively better benefits.

IHG Rewards (Staybridge Suites)

IHG Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar at most brands. A 13-week stay at $2,200/month would earn approximately 66,000 IHG Rewards points. IHG points are generally worth less than Marriott or Hilton points, but they still add up to several free nights.

Maximizing with Hotel Credit Cards

Pair your hotel stays with a co-branded credit card to earn bonus points on every payment. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, and IHG Rewards Premier Card all offer elevated earning rates at their respective chains (typically 3x to 6x points per dollar on hotel spending).

Over a 13-week stay, a hotel credit card can add 20,000 to 50,000 bonus points on top of what you earn through your loyalty membership. For a full breakdown, see our best hotel credit cards for travel nurses.

Tips for Living in Extended Stay Hotels

Extended stays are a different experience than a weekend hotel visit. These tips from experienced travel nurses make the difference between enduring 13 weeks and actually enjoying them.

Request a room away from elevators, ice machines, and vending areas. These areas generate noise 24/7, which is especially disruptive if you sleep during the day as a night-shift nurse. Ask at check-in for a room on a higher floor and at the end of a hallway.

Ask about room upgrades. During low-occupancy periods, extended-stay hotels often have empty suites in higher-tier room categories. Ask at check-in or after a week of your stay whether an upgrade is available. Being a 13-week guest gives you leverage for these requests.

Use the kitchen to cook and save money. This is one of the biggest advantages of extended stays over standard hotels. Meal prepping on your days off saves hundreds per month compared to eating out or ordering delivery. See our meal prep guide for recipes and strategies.

Bring your own pillow and comfort items. Hotel pillows are notoriously inconsistent. Bring your preferred pillow, a cozy blanket, and a few personal items (photos, a candle, a small plant) to make the space feel less institutional.

Set boundaries with housekeeping. Weekly housekeeping is nice, but if you sleep during the day, a housekeeper knocking at 10 AM is not. Coordinate with the front desk to schedule housekeeping on your days off or during your shifts. Use the “do not disturb” sign liberally.

Use the gym and common areas. Cabin fever is real in a small hotel room. The fitness center, business center, pool, and outdoor spaces give you room to stretch, decompress, and break up your routine.

Manage mail and packages. Most extended-stay front desks will accept packages on your behalf. Amazon Lockers at nearby Whole Foods or convenience stores are another option. Set up mail forwarding through USPS or use a mail scanning service if you receive regular postal mail.

Extended Stay Hotels vs. Other Housing Options

vs. Airbnb: Extended stays cost more but deliver convenience, flexibility, and consistency. Airbnb offers more space, a full kitchen, and a home-like atmosphere but with variable quality and stricter cancellation policies. See our full Airbnb vs. extended stay comparison.

vs. Furnished Finder apartments: Furnished apartments from Furnished Finder typically cost 20 to 40 percent less than comparable extended-stay hotels and offer more living space. Hotels win on flexibility and zero-effort setup. See our Furnished Finder review.

vs. Agency housing: Some agencies provide housing in extended-stay hotels. If your agency’s provided housing is at a quality chain and the location works for you, this can be a good option since you pay nothing out of pocket. But you lose the opportunity to pocket stipend savings. See our housing stipend vs. agency housing guide for the math.

FAQ

Do extended stay hotels offer monthly rates? Yes. Most extended-stay chains offer weekly and monthly rates that are significantly lower than their nightly rates. Monthly rates can be 30 to 50 percent less per night than the published nightly rate. Always ask for the monthly rate.

Can I negotiate the rate at an extended stay? Yes. Call the property directly and ask for the best rate for a 13-week stay. Mention healthcare worker discounts, corporate rates through your agency, and membership discounts (AAA, AARP). Front desk managers and sales teams typically have 10 to 20 percent flexibility.

Are extended stay hotels pet-friendly? Most extended-stay chains are pet-friendly, though policies and fees vary. Extended Stay America, Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, and Staybridge Suites all generally welcome pets. Expect a one-time pet fee of $50 to $150 or a nightly pet fee of $10 to $25. Confirm the pet policy and fees before booking.

Is housekeeping included in the weekly rate? Yes. Weekly housekeeping (room cleaning, linen change, trash removal) is standard at most chains. You can request more or less frequent service depending on your preference. Daily housekeeping is typically available for an additional fee.

Can I get a tax receipt for my housing expenses? Yes. Extended-stay hotels can provide an itemized receipt or folio for your stay, which your CPA can use for tax documentation. This is especially useful if you are tracking housing expenses for tax purposes. See our tax deductions guide for more on deductible housing costs.

Key Takeaways

Extended stay hotels offer unmatched convenience and flexibility for travel nurses. No lease, no landlord, no utility setup, and the ability to leave on short notice.
Always call the property directly for the best rate. Online prices are rarely the lowest available.
Stack loyalty programs with hotel credit cards to earn tens of thousands of points during a single 13-week assignment.
Residence Inn and Homewood Suites offer the best overall experience. Extended Stay America and WoodSpring Suites offer the best value.
Choose the chain that aligns with your loyalty program. Consistency with one program builds status faster and yields better rewards.

Compare extended-stay rates for your next assignment location, and see our complete housing guide for all your options.

Affiliate Placement Notes

Hotel booking affiliate links for each chain in their respective sections
Hotel credit card affiliate links in loyalty programs section and key takeaways
Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors sign-up links where loyalty programs are discussed
Furnished Finder affiliate link in comparison section