The Benefits of Extended-Stay Hotels during COVID-19

The pandemic is still with us in 2021, along with the restrictions and limitations associated with COVID-19. Because of a combination of virus-related factors, extended-stay hotels have turned out to be beneficial during the pandemic. Below, the welcoming team from Sands Inn & Suites, a premier hotel San Luis Obispo visitors rely on for high-quality service and maximum comfort, go over some of these factors to give you a better idea of why this is the case.

Solving Problems for Existing Hotel Guests

Extended-stay hotels are so named because they offer the option to stay for longer periods than what’s typical for an ordinary hotel stay. Extended stays often last for several weeks or a few months.

For existing hotel guests, being able to extend a stay during the pandemic has many potential advantages. This is something a guest may choose to do for any of the following reasons:

• Being unable to immediately travel back home
• Needing a place to stay while quarantining
• Wanting to keep susceptible family members safe

Meeting Other Demands

During the height of the pandemic, many cities and counties placed restrictions on residential short-term rentals. This was done to reduce the spread of the virus by discouraging people from traveling to other cities. The result was a gradual decline in available short-term rentals. Extended-stay hotels have been able to meet this need due to the nature of the extended-stay concept.

Giving College Students a Place to Quarantine

Extended-stay hotels can be equally beneficial for anybody who may need to quarantine for a brief time. One group that falls into this category is college students. Many universities and colleges started requiring returning and incoming students to quarantine first before moving into dorms or attending classes. Extended-stay hotels can serve this purpose in a way that doesn’t require a long-term lease commitment.

Welcoming Weekly Out-of-Town Workers

In larger cities like San Luis Obispo, CA, it’s not unusual for out-of-town workers to head back home on weekends and return again on Monday. However, COVID-19 has made this type of back-and-forth travel more tedious. Plus, there may be concerns about taking the virus home to immediate family members. Extended-stay hotels have seen an uptick in weekend visits from out-of-town workers looking for a safer, more convenient option.

Becoming a Pleasing Local Vacation Destination

Extended-stay hotels have also met another unique pandemic-related need—having a place to go on vacation when “regular” vacations aren’t possible. Because excess travel has been discouraged to minimize the spread of the virus, many families have sought out nearby destinations to get away from being stuck at home 24/7. Extended-stay hotels have become a popular vacation option for many families. 

When they’re looking for a comfortable local hotel, SLO visitors make us their top choice because we offer everything our guests need for a relaxing stay. To reserve your room, get information on our enhanced sanitation procedures, or learn more about our amenities, which include microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs with digital cable, and complimentary high-speed WiFi, call us today at (800) 441-4657.