Extended Stay America for Families
Feb 06 2026
Travelling with a family is a beautiful adventure, but let’s be honest, staying in a traditional hotel room with two kids and a dog for more than three days can feel like living in a pressure cooker. Between the lack of space, the constant cost of eating out, and the "shushing" of children in quiet hallways, it’s enough to make any parent need a vacation from their vacation.
Extended Stay America has emerged as a top solution for families in transition. Whether you are relocating to a new city, waiting for a home renovation to finish, or taking a multi-week cross-country road trip, these hotels are designed to be lived in, not just "stayed" in. Here is why Extended Stay America is a game-changer for families and how you can make the most of your stay.
Space to Breathe: The Suite Advantage
The biggest struggle for families in a standard hotel is the "one room" problem. When the kids go to bed at 8:00 PM, the parents are often forced to sit in the dark or whisper in the corner.
At Extended Stay America, the layout is different.
Separate Zones: Many suites feature distinct living and sleeping areas. This means you can have a "family room" for board games and a "bedroom" for actual rest.
Full Kitchens: Every suite comes with a full-sized refrigerator, stovetop, and microwave. This isn't just about saving money (though that's a huge plus); it’s about maintaining a family routine. You can have "Pancake Saturday" or a healthy taco Tuesday without leaving the room.
The "Kids Stay Free" Policy
One of the best perks for the family budget is that children under 17 stay for free when using existing bedding in the room. This makes it significantly more affordable than traditional hotels that often charge "extra person" fees after the second guest.
Managing the Family Budget: Hidden Savings
When you’re traveling as a group, the costs of "convenience" add up fast. Extended Stay America helps families cut down on the three biggest travel expenses: food, laundry, and pets.
Eating In vs. Eating Out
The average family of four spends over $150 a day eating out. With a full kitchen, you can stock up on groceries from a local supermarket.
Family Tip: Most locations offer "Grab & Go" breakfast in the lobby (coffee, fruit, and bars). It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you just need to get the kids out the door.
Laundry Day (Without the Stress)
Kids go through clothes like water. Instead of packing five suitcases, you can pack one and use the 24/7 on-site laundry facilities. It’s much cheaper than hotel "valet" laundry and far more convenient than finding a local laundromat in an unfamiliar city.
Comparison: Family Costs (1-Month Stay)
Expense | Standard Hotel | Extended Stay America |
Breakfast | $15 - $20 per person | Free (Grab & Go) |
Dinner | $80+ (Restaurant) | $15 - $20 (Home-cooked) |
Laundry | $5 per shirt (Valet) | $2 - $3 per load (Self-serve) |
Pet Boarding | $50+ per night | $25 per night (Pet-friendly) |
Bringing the Whole Family (Including the Dog)
For many families, a "family trip" isn't complete without the pet. Extended Stay America is one of the most pet-friendly brands in the U.S.
Room for Everyone: Most locations allow up to two pets per suite.
Pet Relief Areas: Many properties have designated outdoor spaces for your dog to stretch their legs.
Affordable Fees: The pet fee is typically a flat daily rate that decreases the longer you stay, which is far cheaper than a week at a kennel.
Safety and Reliability for Peace of Mind
Parents often ask: Is an extended stay hotel safe for my kids?
Unlike an Airbnb where you might be in a remote area or a private home with no oversight, Extended Stay America offers:
24-Hour Front Desk: There is always someone available if you have an emergency.
Professional Staff: Maintenance and security are handled by a corporate team.
Consistency: You know exactly what the room layout and safety features (like smoke detectors and secure key-card entries) will look like before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do the rooms have bathtubs for small children?
Most Extended Stay America suites feature a shower/tub combination, making it easy to give toddlers a bath. However, it's always a good idea to request a room with a tub specifically when booking.
Can I get a crib or a pack-n-play?
Most locations do not provide cribs or rollaway beds. If you are traveling with an infant, you should plan to bring your own portable travel crib.
Is there a pool or a playground?
Amenities vary by location. Some "Premier" or "Suites" locations have outdoor pools, but most do not have on-site playgrounds. However, since these hotels are located in residential hubs, there is almost always a local park within a 5-minute drive.
How often is the room cleaned?
To give families more privacy, full housekeeping is typically provided once a week. If you have a "spill emergency" (which happens with kids!), you can always request extra cleaning supplies or fresh linens at the front desk for a small fee or a simple swap.
Pro-Tips for Families Settling In
The "Grocery Run" Strategy: On your first day, use a delivery app like Instacart or Grubhub to have groceries delivered directly to the lobby. Stocking the fridge with milk, snacks, and easy meals immediately lowers the stress level.
Pack a "Home" Box: Bring a favorite throw blanket, a few small toys, or a family board game. Setting these out on the living room table makes the suite feel like "your" house.
Use the Storage: These suites have much more closet and drawer space than standard hotels. Unpack immediately! Hiding the suitcases under the bed makes the room feel twice as large.
Final Thoughts: The Modern Family Anchor
Whether you're in between homes or exploring the world, Extended Stay America provides the stability families need. It’s not about luxury; it’s about functionality. Having a kitchen, a laundry room, and a place for the dog means you can stop "surviving" your trip and start enjoying your time together.
The best part? Because you’re saving so much on food and hidden fees, you can spend that extra money on what actually matters: making memories with your kids in a new city.