Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is on a roll in the extended stay market, adding 17 new MainStay Suites and Suburban Studios properties to its portfolio between January and mid-September 2024. The company has strategically positioned itself in key markets like Las Vegas, Moreno Valley, Orlando, and Tampa, demonstrating its commitment to capturing a larger slice of this rapidly growing segment.
Sixteen of these newly opened properties are conversions, showcasing Choice Hotels’ expertise in transforming existing transient hotels into extended stay accommodations. This efficiency is evident in the average turnaround time of approximately 120 days from contract signing to opening, a testament to the brand’s swift execution. With almost 70 more properties in the pipeline, half of which are conversions, Choice Hotels is poised to solidify its leadership in the extended stay sector.
As the demand for extended stay accommodations outpaces supply, Choice Hotels has positioned itself as a frontrunner in this space. The company’s innovative ‘Kitchen-in-a-Box’ modular design is a game-changer, allowing franchisees to convert transient hotels into extended stay properties within a remarkably short timeframe, typically 3-4 months. This approach enables hotel owners to equip every room with a fully functional kitchen, catering to the unique needs of extended stay guests.
Ron Burgett, Senior Vice President of Extended Stay Development at Choice Hotels, emphasizes the company’s strength in conversions: “Our experience in hotel conversions, combined with solutions like ‘Kitchen-in-a-Box,’ enables us to quickly turn a transient hotel into an extended stay property. Our dedicated team ensures developers have the support needed to navigate this process efficiently.”
Matt McElhare, Vice President for Extended Stay Brands at Choice Hotels, highlights the significant market potential: “Choice’s extensive knowledge in extended stays and the proven success of brands like WoodSpring Suites create a unique opportunity for developers to enter the hottest category in hospitality. Our full support system—from marketing to training—ensures that developers can maximize their return on investment.”
MainStay Suites and Suburban Studios cater to distinct guest profiles, both offering the comfort of home within each room. MainStay Suites targets medical professionals, sports teams, business travelers, military personnel, and individuals undergoing home renovations or relocations. Suburban Studios, on the other hand, focuses on long-term stays for infrastructure workers, construction teams, and families.
Both brands offer fully equipped kitchens featuring essential appliances like refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves. Guests also benefit from ample workspace and complimentary Wi-Fi, making it easy to relax and catch up on work.
Both MainStay Suites and Suburban Studios participate in the Choice Privileges rewards program, allowing guests to earn points during their stay, which can be redeemed at over 7,000 hotels across 45 countries. Members can also boost their points with the Choice Privileges Mastercard, enhancing the program’s appeal for extended stays.
As a pioneer in hotel franchising, Choice Hotels continues to prioritize providing its franchisees with tools that drive operational efficiency and profitability. The company offers a range of cutting-edge, cloud-based solutions, including choiceEDGE, a robust guest reservation platform, and choiceADVANTAGE, a property management system designed to help franchisees optimize room rates, manage inventory, and streamline distribution channels.
Choice Hotels’ commitment to its franchisees is exemplified by its strong franchise-first focus and industry-leading retention rate. The company has been supporting hotel owners since launching the U.S.’s first hotel chain in 1941. Today, its emphasis on innovation and franchisee success remains central to its business model, solidifying its position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.
MainStay Suites®: Live Like Home
MainStay Suites, a midscale extended stay brand, offers guests a truly home-away-from-home experience. With residential-style suites featuring fully equipped kitchens and separate workspaces, MainStay Suites provides the perfect environment for both relaxation and productivity. Additional amenities include weekly housekeeping, fitness centers, 24/7 laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Currently, there are over 125 MainStay Suites locations across the United States, with more being developed to meet the growing demand for extended stays.
Suburban Studios®: Hotels for Real Life
Suburban Studios focuses on providing affordable, comfortable extended stay experiences for longer-staying guests. With in-room kitchens, bi-weekly housekeeping, and access to premium movie channels, Suburban Studios ensures that guests have everything they need for a seamless, hassle-free stay. With over 100 locations nationwide, the brand caters to a wide range of guests, including seasonal workers and budget-conscious travelers. Its simple, streamlined check-in process and essential amenities make Suburban Studios an ideal choice for long-term stays.
