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How to Find Low-Cost Extended-Stay Hotels and Motels

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Why Choose an Extended-Stay Hotel or Motel?

Weekly hotels—sometimes referred to as extended-stay hotels or apartment hotels—might be the answer to your housing situation if you're new to an area, you're only moving there temporarily, you have a low income and can't afford your own apartment, or if you have an eviction dogging your credit and your apartment applications are constantly being denied.

You might be tempted to hit the roommate section on Craigslist, but what you need to know is that it can be awkward and unsafe living with someone that you do not really know.

You can also forget about crashing at a friend or family member’s house because you can very quickly wear out your welcome—you do not want to cramp someone else’s style.

You'll have your privacy if you live in a weekly hotel. You will not be a burden to anyone, and there is nothing better than having your “own place” to crash after a long day at work.

How to Find Cheap Weekly Motels Near You

To save you time and effort, I've compiled a list of weekly motels and hotels that usually offer affordable rates and decent lodging.

There are weekly hotels in the seediest locations that will run you only $99 to $120 a week, and then there are gorgeous extended-stay hotels that will cost you between $325 to $425 a week.

However, hotel quality and rates can vary from location to location. A quick Google search of "extended-stay hotels near me" will turn up a map of your location with nearby extended-stay hotels. Of course, you can also use travel sites like Travelocity or Booking.com.

Things to Consider Before Staying at a Weekly Hotel

There is somewhat of a trick to finding weekly housing. You will need to find an extended-stay hotel that is maintained well enough so that you will want to stay but affordable enough so that you can actually stay.

Just as almost anything else in life, the more money you pay, the more quality you'll get.

1. Safety (Neighborhood, Security)

Do your research. Check to see if the area around the hotel is walkable—especially if you don't have your own car and need to get groceries, go to work/school, etc. Also, see how secure the hotel is. Does it have a history of break-ins or other criminal activity? Cheap motels and hotels are often situated in sketchy areas, so although the cheap rate may be attractive, consider your safety the number one priority.

2. Cleanliness

Cheap hotels may not have the best hygiene and health standards. Problems like bed bugs, roaches, mold, and dirty furniture are not only off-putting, but they can also lead to a number of health problems. Spend some time reading reviews from past tenants. If possible, go check out the place to see if it is tolerable.

3. Convenience (Near Restaurants, Shopping, etc.)

Whatever your reason for staying at an extended-stay hotel, convenience is usually a big factor. You may want to look for a place closest to your work, grocery stores, or any other place you plan on visiting frequently. This is especially important if you don't have access to a car. Walking to the places you need to go can save you a lot of money on your commute.

4. Amenities

Some contracts include complimentary breakfast, housekeeping, free parking, and access to facilities like the fitness center and swimming pool. Consider whether any of these are a necessity—or something you're willing to spend a little extra on. Read the fine print thoroughly before booking a stay to avoid any surprise fees.

Knowing which supplies to bring with you for an extended-stay can help to offset inconveniences like limited kitchen space.

Knowing which supplies to bring with you for an extended-stay can help to offset inconveniences like limited kitchen space.

Pros and Cons of Weekly Hotels

Extended-stay hotels can be a great alternative option, but they are only temporary fixes; there are many factors to consider before booking a stay.

ProsCons

No credit checks

Small space

No leases

Limited kitchen

Low move-in costs

Internet can be slow

Utilities are included

TV channel selections are limited

Amenities (fitness center, pool, etc.)

Decorating is also limited

Already furnished

May reflect badly on your credit

5 Reasons You May Need an Extended-Stay Hotel

The flexibility and convenience of extended-stay hotels and motels make them popular choices for many—and there are a lot of reasons you may need to stay in one.

1. You're New to the Area

Being a long way from home, it can take a while before you really get to know the area. Which neighborhoods are the safest? Which areas are most convenient (e.g., for the commute to work, shopping, school, etc.)? Rather than rushing to any decisions, staying in a weekly hotel can give you time to plan out the best possible living situation for you.

2. You Only Need to Move Temporarily

You may be a business traveler temporarily relocating for work, or you're just scoping out a new area to see if you like it. Your stay may not be long enough to find an apartment to lease or a house to rent, and it may not be short enough to book a hotel. Extended-stay hotels offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for people who only need to move somewhere temporarily.

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3. You Can't Afford Expensive Moving Costs

Moving into an apartment can be expensive. Even if you can find affordable housing, you still might have to find the funds to pay for the up-front costs, like a high-security deposit, the first month's rent, and non-refundable application and administration fees. Don't you just love that whole "administration fee" nonsense that many apartment complexes charge?

4. You Have an Eviction on Your Credit History

Not having all of the cash up front is a hurdle in itself. But there can be an even bigger one: Many people do not know that getting approved for an apartment can be extremely difficult if you have an eviction on your credit history.

Evictions stay on your credit history for seven years, and any time another apartment complex pulls your application, they will be able to see that negative mark.

Most complexes will flat out refuse to rent to you because, as far as they are concerned, you did not pay your rent to a previous landlord, so there is a high risk that you might do the same thing to them.

Even if you've learned your lesson after being evicted—and you swear you'll never let it happen to you again—unfortunately, you now have bad credit. You'll just have to roll with the punches.

Luckily, there are housing alternatives for people with an eviction on their credit, including looking for affordable extended-stay hotels and motels that charge weekly or monthly.

5. You Have a Criminal History

Another reason you may not be able to get an apartment is if you have a criminal background. Many apartment complexes will check your criminal history. If you have a negative mark against you, the complex might refuse to rent to you.

We all know that the justice system is supposed to rehabilitate those who have committed a crime, but most of us also know that the justice system's rehabilitation process does not work that well. You cannot really blame an apartment complex for refusing to rent to you if you have a criminal background, but you still need to be able to find safe and decent housing.

Final Thoughts

If you live in an extended-stay hotel, you are technically considered to be homeless in many states. Therefore, you might be able to qualify for low income assistance programs that can give you financial assistance to move into your own apartment if you can find one.

Finally, if you’ve checked out most of the options in this guide, and you still can’t find anything that suits your needs, perhaps it may just be time to relocate. Do yourself a favor and at least check out the link below to the top 20 cities in the U.S with the lowest rental rates.

Good luck to you.

Is An Eviction or Bad Credit Keeping You From Renting a Place?

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2011 Rachelle Williams

Comments

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 28, 2020:

Hi Itsyourgirlxo, I would say to give Airbnb a try...

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 28, 2020:

Hello Lynda. You might try to find an Airbnb spot, let them know what your situation is and perhaps they can cut you a deal - I'm not sure exactly what city you are in, so I cannot look, but the decent weekly rentals usually start at $300 per week and up. I wish you the best of luck.

Lynda Cromwell on August 28, 2020:

my 13 yr old granddaughter, myself, and small dog are moving to the kansas/missouri state line around kc....will need to finalize a job and find an apt. so need to rent weekly for cheap....would like to spend around $600.00 for the month....can't find anything for less than $1300.00.......any ideas?

Itsyourgirlxo on August 23, 2020:

Does anyone know any cheap or decent weekly rates for motels/hotels in the Northwest area/Merimack MA . Me and my husband want somewhere to go for a couple months while moving around and trying to find an apartment.

Jose C on August 23, 2020:

Hello Can I get help for rates in Yakima county Washington thank you!

Dexie on August 22, 2020:

Hi looking for a motel in Gladstone Australia weekly rates anyone know the cheapest

John Giron on August 17, 2020:

Hi can you help me find one of the cheapest weekly rates in the Kansas City metro area

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 14, 2020:

Hi Megan, I would check out Extended Stay America and see what the hotel and their rates look like, and then if that doesn't work, I would check out AirBnB - I think I'd do the AirBnB thing first though... Extended Stay America - Philadelphia - Bensalem - (215) 633-6900 - I wish you the best of luck!

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 14, 2020:

Hello Trish! I love St. Pete/Clearwater and its beautiful beaches. I hope all goes well for you down there. I would try Woodsrping in Clearwater - 15672 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33764 - (727) 900-7400 - Other than that, I'd try the Extended Stay America Chain. Good luck to you!

Phone: (727) 900-7400

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 14, 2020:

Hello Ginny Thomas, I would try WoodSpring Suites Cincinnati Fairfield - 6725 Fairfield Business Center Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014 - (513) 860-1222

Megan on August 14, 2020:

Can you help me find something in Bensalem, Pa, Northeast philadelphia or anywhere close? My husband just went there to start a new job and the place he is at is far from work and the rate just jumped up to $475 a week. It also not in a very nice area. That he can deal with but not for that price. At this rate the hotel, gas and food is going to take everything he makes.. Any advice would be a godsend. Thank you.

Trish on August 12, 2020:

Looking for extended stay motels around St Petersburg Fl. X 6weeks

Ginny Thomas on August 11, 2020:

The cheapest extended stay hotel near fairfield oh. Ill be staying for 1-2wks

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 08, 2020:

Hello Rhonda. I found a Days Inn that offers rates at $240.00 a week. 307-682-3999 - 910 E. Boxelder Rd

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 08, 2020:

Hello Serena, I would first try Airbnb. If you don't find anything there, try HomeTowne Studios Eugene - Springfield - 520 Harlow Rd, Springfield, OR 97477•(541) 741-3908

Rhonda on August 07, 2020:

What would you recommend in Casper Wyoming?

Serena on August 06, 2020:

Hi Rachelle, I'm looking for a place for my son to stay in between rental (Aug 25-Sept 8) in Eugene Or, do you know of any?

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 04, 2020:

Kathleen, I found Extended Stay Hotel chain close t your area (san diego), but nothing else really substantial. I would advise you to try Airbnb as well.

Kathleen on August 04, 2020:

are there weekly staff hotels in Escondido, CA? Thank you.

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on August 04, 2020:

You could try the Extended Stay chain in Tacoma:

2120 S 48th St, Tacoma, WA 98409•(253) 475-6565

There's also one in Fife and Federal Way.

Good Luck to You!

Taedon on August 03, 2020:

In need of an extended stay in pierce county washigton state.

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on July 26, 2020:

Extended stay motels operate on a weekly basis, but there are quite a few that offer slightly discounted "monthly" rates. Check out Studio 6 and Woodspring Suites... Best of luck to you!

Karen on July 25, 2020:

Can i pay to stay month to month.

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on July 20, 2020:

Hi Joddie. Unfortnately, a low cost extended stay would probably be worse than where you are now. It might be a good idea for you to seek a room in someone's house, try Airbnb for a long term stay. What's holding you back from getting your own apartment? Do you have an eviction?

Joddie bradfid on July 15, 2020:

Hi yes the motell im in i payed for month have gotton bad bedbugs bites roches flys i bought over 50 dollors worth of cleaning suplys to do on room fineley asked for half my money back was told no is there a extended stay in waycross ga or blackshair ga r near thats now so much monthley pleSe advise

Angelica Ramos on July 14, 2020:

Urgently need a two bed extended stay hotel , for about one month , the most, landlord wants to move back from Bay area, my family is in an emergency status , anything will help , we have until the end of July.

Brenda Alford on July 12, 2020:

We are needing cheap extended stay motel until we get back on our feet. I am disabled so my husband is the only one that works. I am trying to get disability but it is still in the process.

If you could help us find something in the woostock ga. Area, thank you so much

LaLa Bo$$ PrinCe$$ Martinez on July 11, 2020:

We’re going to 209 TRacY stopped in Manteca area looking for a manly affordable hotel can you please help me

Angella on July 06, 2020:

I'm looking for a place for a month to stay , my landlord sold the house we we living in , I have to be out on the 18 th.

Jacinta Hall on July 01, 2020:

I recieved social security benefits an disability payments of 771.

I dont make enough to afford an apartment so i dont know how to search for extended staysI need it really bad an want to grow from there please can you help me ..

Saint louis,mo

Crystal on July 01, 2020:

Since covid 19 eviction is still happening even to me. With 2 support dogs where do we go?

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on June 28, 2020:

You're welcome! Good luck in your search...

Lollipop Manning on June 26, 2020:

Dear Ms. Williams,

Thank you so much for this information. I am trying to leave my marriage and can't afford nor want a permanent place right now. Its very complicated. I live in Los Angeles, have a small dog and want to be flexible to move if I need to. Thank you for the tips. Very helpful

mary freeman on June 06, 2020:

I needed a room where i can pay about $500 or maybe $560 s month

Elizabeth kishketon soliz on May 31, 2020:

I need a hotel for under 160 and for a week

Viola on May 30, 2020:

Looking for extended stay close to Plymouth mn or Brooklyn Park mn

Sidney Paskins on May 30, 2020:

Hi! Can you assist me with finding a hotel room for a month for under $40 a day please?

Alyssa Osborne on May 24, 2020:

Im looking for a weekly holtel thats under 200 in bowling green ky do you think that you could help me

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on May 22, 2020:

Hello Patricia, I'm sorry to hear that you're in such a bad situation. Unfortunately, there aren't very many weekly options for under $200 in PHX; I would honestly advise you to contact 211.

Patricia Ortega on May 20, 2020:

Me and my husband are literally down to our last of money two much on motels. I have to be out tomorrow at 11:00 a.m so I'm hoping you could tell me where I could find a weekly or monthly budget suites for under 200 in Phoenix AZ

Belindabartnes@gmail.com on May 18, 2020:

Looking for low income horel in kent,washington. The add said 270$ a week

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on May 11, 2020:

Unfortunately PaytonL13, no I do not have any concrete suggestions for the Seattle area. It sounds as though you've covered all of the bases. Even the weekly hotels stay options are exceedingly expensive in Seattle. If all they are doing is making noise at night, I would advise you to stay put until you have to leave or outright rent an apartment on a month-to-month basis or find one with a 3 month lease.

PaytonL13 on May 10, 2020:

Oh I forgot to mention, I’m looking for something that’s around $1000/mo maximum. This is what I’m currently paying for the Airbnb rental, which I feel like is it worth it for the quality that I’m getting. I would really hate to suck it up and just wait until I can leave because I don’t think I can do it...

There must be some extended stays that are affordable out here?

PaytonL13 on May 10, 2020:

Hey Rachelle, really need some help here. In a tough situation. So I’m in the Seattle area temporarily for work reasons, and I’m currently staying in an long term Airbnb home. However I’m getting really tired of the owner making so much noise late at night. It’s extremely disrespectful. However as you know, hotels here are very expensive, even a motel 6 starts at $60/night. Which is downright ridiculous. I do not want to look or move into another private Airbnb home as I’m sure none would be perfect after all. And I do not want to lease an apartment because I could be leaving anytime and I’ve never liked apartment living. Do you have ANY solutions, ideas or advice at all? Please share! Thank you very much

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on May 03, 2020:

Hi Carolyn. The "Extended Stay America Hotel" brand has locations in Monrovia, Arcadia and Burbank, I hope that helps!

carolyn on May 02, 2020:

Thank you so much Rachelle, you are such a great resource and I can tell you have done your homework. Anything in and around the Pasadena Calif area?

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on May 02, 2020:

In Seattle? I'm just going to keep it real with you, I don't think it's possible, but what is your price range?

Jon Woodstock on April 30, 2020:

Looking for cheap weekly motel in Seattle area

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on April 27, 2020:

Here is the location of your nearest Extended Stay America:

(909) 944-8900

3990 Inland Empire Blvd, Ontario, CA 91764

Diana Garcia on April 25, 2020:

Looking for an extended stay hotel near ontario California. I searched online but cant find any with weekly rates

Joely Benson on April 21, 2020:

Port Alberni looking to rent

Kerry Loftus on April 19, 2020:

Hi, I'm in Nashua, NH, looking for something long term 9 months or more. Budget is $800 monthly and require good WIFI, as I work from home.

Nell on April 18, 2020:

Hi Rachelle, I need a place to stay perhaps in June for myself , my daughter and her 2 dogs. We are trying to buy a home and not wanting to sign another short term lease which are very expensive. We can would. Like to stay in no more than 1,000 a month. Can you help us?

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on April 15, 2020:

Hello Michael. That is a tall order, my friend. If your budget is 175 a week, you probably should look into finding a roommate situation or a private room in someone's house. There are Intown Suites locations in Pittsburgh, and they are usually on the lower end scale for at least livable weekly hotels, you can try them at 4595 McKnight Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Reservations: (844) 275-8800.

michael on April 14, 2020:

I'm in pgh pa I'm trying to find a hotel or motel that is 175 max a week would you be able to help me find any

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on April 14, 2020:

That is a max of $175 a week. I'm not sure that you can find an extended stay for that amount. Most of the decent extended stay hotels start somewhere in the ranges of about $300 a week and up... There's an Intown Suites in Norcross (770) 840-7778, A Suburban Lodge in Duluth at (678) 272-3109, and some place called WTL in Norcross at (770) 449-7322.. However, I WOULD NOT recommend any of these places at all. With that amount of income, you need to see if you can either earn more money, look for a roomate situation, or try to find a decent shelter to stay in until you can save some money.

Sammyjo on April 14, 2020:

Hi

I'm trying to cut down on my expenses at the same time manage my budget.

I need an extended stay that is around 500-700 a month around peachtree corners or the norcross area in Atlanta GA. Thanks

Samantha Gipe on April 11, 2020:

I am looking for a hotel/ motel with a kitchenette at a weekly price thats not to costly for myself and my son we have to move asap and are looking in the gulf shores Alabama or Foley Alabama area we have no family to help..please help asap only have a few days before we have no where to live

Torreyona Sims on April 08, 2020:

How much is your weekly rate ? Looking forward into staying permanently move in Friday

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on April 02, 2020:

If you're looking for basic, monthly rates, you can probably find something on Hotpads...

https://hotpads.com/santa-clarita-ca/condos-for-re...

Good Luck to You!

Tami on April 01, 2020:

Hi Rachelle,

I’m in a situation where I need housing for my daughter (16th bday today), her father and myself. We are in Santa Clarita, CA. I can’t seem to find anywhere offering monthly rates. ESA (Extended Stay America) told me they no longer offer that option. Also, it would be amazing if we could find a place with two actual bedrooms instead of all sharing one small space.

Thanks so much,

Tami

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on April 01, 2020:

First thing I would do is suggest you do is check with your local laws to see if your state is one of the ones that is providing Eviction Protection right now, and if it is...stay right where you are, and don't go anywhere. If not, try the Woodspring Suites @ (412) 314-1600 . I wish you the best.

Elly on April 01, 2020:

Hi! Hope u r well. I am currently getting kicked out of the house I am renting because my landlord is selling it. I cannot afford to move into a apartment right now and have to be out as of tom. I am located in Pittsburgh Pa and looking for a short few month stay at a motel. Can u help me please?

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on March 30, 2020:

I'm sorry to hear that you are living out of your car at a time like this. The cheapest daily rate that I see is going to be at the Quality Inn at around $42 per day - you can call and ask if they can cut you a deal on a weekly rate, they are located at

1533 Ih-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130•(830) 643-9300.

Also, If I had a little bit of money, right now, with all of this mess going on, I would try to save as much of it as I could. I'd buy water by the gallons, eat vegetables out of canned goods and STAY AWAY from people as much as possible...A hotel room is already full of germs...

You might try to hook up with Bob Wells and find out where most his "caravan" are located and try to hook up with them. If you don't know who Bob Wells is, he is a person who has advocated for purposeful "mobile" living to get ahead of finances....copy and paste this link to see how this van dwelling community is dealing with COVID-19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYuSFUYMuU0

Cindy on March 30, 2020:

Hi Rachelle, I was wondering if you might know of a cheap weekly/monthly place in New Braunfels, Tx or Comal County, Tx? I’m living out of my car so it would have to be pretty seedy to scare me off at this point. Thank you

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on March 29, 2020:

Hi Shelley. I would tell you to contact Microtel Inn at 7839 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills, FL 33541•(813) 815-3007 or Suburban Lodge at 4335 Williamstown Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33810

Phone: (863) 816-1700

I wish you the best of luck.

Shelley on March 29, 2020:

I'm in Zephyr Hills FL, and I need to find a short term rental ASAP?! Can you please help me? I can afford 8-900 dollars a month. Thank You so much..

Shelley

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on March 29, 2020:

Lisa, you can try Extended Stay America - Chicago - Gurnee, they list their price at $69 per night, but I'm not sure if anything is available at all given the current COVID-19 outbreak quarantine. You can try to reach tme at the following:

5724 Northridge Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031•(847) 662-3060

Lisa on March 28, 2020:

I need a room for a week to figure out something for myself and my husband,I'm in Foxlake Hills in lake county Illinois

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on March 25, 2020:

It depends on where you go, prices are different all over. You have to call around to places in your area and ask them what their "weekly rate" is. I wish you the best of luck.

Rachelle Williams (author) from Paradise Valley, AZ on March 25, 2020:

The cheapest place I see in the area is called the ETown Motel at

616 E Dixie Ave #1006, Elizabethtown, KY 42701•(270) 765-4312

There is also a Woodspring Suites if you can swing it, they are usually decent:

6310 Commerce Park Ct, Fairdale, KY 40118•(502) 367-6833

Peter Wiah on March 23, 2020:

To stay in a hotel for a week for cheap price how much it cost

Peggy mcmillen on March 23, 2020:

I'm from Elizabethtown Ky and homeless I'm in dyre need of a place to live or rent cheap hotel until I can find affordable place Any help would be great