Did you know that a famous French designer lived at the Ritz Hotel in Paris for 37 years? Beyond that, the Chelsea Hotel in New York City is also famous for being home to popular celebrities. So yes, you can live in a hotel (and many have), but would you want to?
I have personally toyed with the idea of staying (forever) in a hotel. After all, there are a lot of pros to the idea: daily room service and built-in cleaning come to mind. Beyond that, what are the implications of living in a hotel, and can you really live there long-term? Could you get tired of this lifestyle?
This article will help you figure out if you can do just that and how to find the perfect hotel for you.
How long can you live in a hotel?
The short answer is that how long you can live in a hotel depends on the hotel policy and local regulations. If there are no restrictions from the state, the city, or the hotel itself, you can live there as long as you like and as long as you can afford.
If you’re considering an extended stay in a hotel, it’s essential to check the hotel’s policies and local regulations. For example, in states like California and Texas, you can stay in the same hotel or motel for more than 30 consecutive days, and you may even gain tenant status, which can enhance your legal rights.
Also, some hotel chains provide extended stays, like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.
What is the difference between short-term, extended, and long-term stays?
Extended stays and long-term stays are typically defined as stays of more than 20 days, with travelers requiring amenities typically not found in typical hotel rooms, like kitchens and laundry access.
Short-term stays are typically for only a few days. A long-term extended stay shows commitment to a particular location and place.
Is it legal to live in a hotel?
Yes, it is legal, as long as you pay your bills and there are no issues with the payments. However, take into account that for many states, the duration of the stay determines the legality and status.
Also, be aware that some hotels may require a deposit if you are a long-term guest, the same way that a landlord will require a deposit.
Pros of living in a hotel
There are many perks to staying at hotels. For starters, your room will typically be cleaned daily. If this is important for you, don’t forget to check your property rules to ensure if there is intermittent cleaning, or regular, scheduled cleaning.
Hotels typically offer the basics, including coffee makers and access to fitness centers and pools that are regularly maintained and cleaned, so you can take that load off your mind.
On-site restaurants are also a plus, so if you like the idea of dining out occasionally without traveling far, make sure that the hotel you choose has this amenity in addition to a kitchen in your room.
A room can also be cost-effective for longer stays. If you are paying around $5,000 for a mortgage, for instance, a monthly suite can cost half that for a one-bedroom or a two-bedroom.
Want to find a hotel with the right amenities? On your KAYAK Hotel Search result, use the filter “Free internet”, which allows you to find hotels that offer free internet access. And if you are ready to commit there are ways to find the perfect hotel room for your long-term stay, on KAYAK.
Cons of living in a hotel
There are some cons to living in a hotel, too. If you’re in the mood to do some heavy decoration, like change up wall paneling and paint, a hotel will likely have rules in place that prevent you from altering the room.
There is also the potential noise from guests. If you are a light sleeper, a hotel may not be your best option. In this case, my advice is to check the room is up to your sleeping standards for a night or two before you commit to anything long-term.
How much is it to live in a hotel?
A hotel stay can set you back as much as $4,000 – $6,000 per month. Remember that the cost of room service or dining out is extra, and be sure to inquire if there are discounts for long-term stays.
If you’re like me, you’ll live for a pool, and the cost of having an on-site hotel pool is worth its weight in gold. Factor that in as a monetary benefit when calculating the costs of staying at a hotel.
Alternatives to hotel living
Hotel living is not the only way to do extended stays: there are serviced apartments you can rent monthly, vacation rentals, or access to co-living spaces.
A vacation rental might be a more cost-effective option than staying at a hotel, so make sure you weigh the pros and cons on a spreadsheet to find the most cost-effective option.
Serviced apartments can be much cheaper than hotels too. They often come to about 30% of the cost of a hotel bill. Additionally, the cost of groceries or ingredients supplied is often cheaper or wholesale in price.
Conclusion
There are many potential reasons to live in a hotel: the peace of mind that comes with knowing that everything is done for you, that the rooms will be clean, and that you have access to reliable, dependable staff and security.
The last is often something homeowners must work hard for, to protect their homes from theft and scrutiny – a hotel has several security cameras and watchful eyes so you can sleep peacefully at night.
And don’t forget that Travel Helpers has useful tools for hotel planning and saving, such as price comparison and tours by cities – all available here.