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What are the benefits and strategies of living in hotels as a couple?
Living in hotels might sound like a dream come true. Having a new view outside your window every few weeks, housekeeping, and fresh towels daily is exciting.
There are brands and hotel chains that give you the feeling of luxurious living, like Eloise at the Plaza. And what if I told you that it might not cost as much as you think?
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We were curious about hotel living and thought it was something only business travelers or wealthy people did. In the middle of 2021, while every hotel chain was recovering from COVID-19, we noticed incredible deals by only staying 20-30 nights (usually 60-100) where you could get the top status, so we decided to try living in hotels. |
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Why consider hotels over Airbnb?
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Hotel Status Benefits
The elite status perks include room upgrades, late checkouts (until 4 p.m.), lounge access, and special gifts. We've received bonus points, a fruit tray, birthday cake, a bag of snacks, bottles of wine and sparkling water, and hotel swag. Also, point multipliers are higher, allowing you to build points quickly, meaning complimentary nights!
Tip: Focus on staying within one or two hotel chains to accumulate points and status quickly. Use credit cards affiliated with these chains to earn points on everyday purchases. My favorite hotel loyalty programs are World of Hyatt and Marriot Bonvoy.
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Free Breakfast
Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast, which can be a significant money saver and a convenient way to start your day. For brands that don't provide breakfast, then with elite status, you can expect access to a lounge or full hot breakfasts from their restaurant. For example, as a Globalist at Hyatt Properties, you get an entree, one drink, and an 18% gratuity covered for two. That makes a real difference in big cities where breakfast for two can cost $50-$75.
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Tip: Take advantage of the complimentary breakfast by grabbing extra fruit or snacks for later. It's a great way to keep your travel budget in check.
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Flexibility and Variety
If you get bored with a location, you can quickly move to another city or country. This flexibility is ideal for Max and me as we usually have to leave quickly if one of us needs to be "on location" for a last-minute booking.
When we need to check out a day or two early, our hotel status works for us. We don't have to pay for nights we don't stay, and the option to extend is easier with a hotel vs. Airbnb rentals.
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Safety and Security
Hotels usually have better security measures, including front desk staff and security personnel. In my experience, rental properties lack professional security measures and rely on individual hosts.
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Entertainment
Some hotels have happy hour or a piano bar and occasionally have musicians playing. Jack and I will go to the hotel bar for a drink and appetizers, and it's perfect for a low-key night or after a long day.
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Reader, if you found these tips helpful, we’d love it if you could share them with friends and family who dream of traveling part-time. |
How do you have enough space and comfort in hotels?
Extended Stay Hotels and Timeshare Rentals
Extended stay hotels and timeshare rentals are like a studio or one-bedroom apartment and are more cost-effective for long-term stays. They often come with kitchens, separate living areas, and access to laundry. With a Vacation Club (a hotel brand's version of a timeshare), you can often get dual sinks and huge bathrooms, which is fantastic. And unlike Airbnb, you are still racking up nights and points!
Tip: Brands like Residence Inn, Hyatt House, Home2Suites, or Marriott Vacation Club are some of our favorites for longer stays. The price point isn't much higher than a studio and a one-bedroom. Getting a bigger room to spread out more is usually best for your relationship.
Utilize Common Spaces
Choose hotels that offer lounges, business centers, coworking spaces, or lobbies with comfortable seating. They can serve as extensions of your living space.
If you both have calls, check if one of the common spaces is tucked into a private area so one can video conference in relative privacy.
Optimize Room Layout
When booking, look for rooms with a clear separation between sleeping and working areas. If needed, ask the hotel if they can provide extra furniture, such as a desk or an additional chair. I have in my hotel preferences that if there is only one desk, we require two chairs so that each of us can have a place to sit and work. Many times, I will get text messages from hotel staff confirming our needs to make sure they can accommodate us. Everyone is happy to do it!
Ensuring the hotel room layout meets your needs for relaxation and productivity can make a big difference in comfort.
Tip: Update your hotel preferences to add an additional chair if there is only one chair in the room. |
How do you maintain a sense of routine and stability in hotels?
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Adapting Routines to Different Hotels
Establishing flexible routines that can be adapted to various hotel settings helps maintain stability. This could include regular workout schedules, designated workspaces, and consistent meal times.
When Jack and I intended to stay in a hotel for a month or so, I looked for pilates studios, hair and nail salons, restaurants, grocery stores, and meal-prep services near us. Knowing how we will handle self-care helped with our health and fitness routines.
Tip: Check to see what's available in the fitness center. For example, some Marriott hotels have a Peloton in their fitness center. This made sticking with my regular routine easy. |
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Use Hotel Amenities
Using hotel fitness centers, lounges, and laundry rooms creates a familiar and stable environment, especially when you stick with the same brands.
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Location
When booking your hotel, find a place near your favorite gyms or fitness chains. Being near an area with restaurants makes it convenient to grab a quick bite or date night in the middle of a busy schedule.
Jack and I look for places near Pilates studios, restaurants, and groceries. I practice pilates or yoga, and it's helpful to be within walking distance of the studio. We've found that areas with pilates studios tend to be nicer.
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Staying Organized
Keeping your things organized and unpacking when you arrive makes each hotel room feel more like home. It reduces the chaos of living out of a suitcase and enhances the sense of routine.
Tip: Use packing cubes and organizers to simplify moving your belongings between spaces. Unpack your suitcase and use the hotel room storage spaces to make it feel more like home. |
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Stay tuned for travel gear reviews and remote work productivity tips to help you become a part-time digital nomad.
If you have a travel question, reply to this email.
— Cheryl
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