Take The Stress Out Of Your Next Move
By Kevin Lewis
Spring 2007
Each year, the military relocates tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen to every corner of the country. While some of these servicemembers receive base housing, many others find themselves on long waiting lists that can range from two months to two years.
Unfortunately, even with a housing allowance, finding affordable off-base housing sometimes proves difficult. One reason is that the allowances may be insufficient to cover the cost of local housing. For example, the 2006 housing allowance for an enlisted person with dependents stationed at Fort Polk, La., started at just $687 per month. Even in Hawaii, saddled with some of the highest costs of living in the country, the 2006 allowance for an enlisted person with dependents started at only $926 per month.
As a result, thousands of soldiers find themselves trying to stretch a modest housing allowance a long way.
Fortunately, soldiers stationed in many locations have an option that was not widely available in the past: extended-stay hotels. While not a new concept, the popularity and prevalence of these hotels has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, extended-stay hotels have become the fastest-growing segment of the lodging industry, thanks largely to the value they offer.
Extended-stay hotels can provide military families a host of benefits not offered by off-base apartments. For starters, if you're looking for an apartment, you must spend significant time scanning classified ads. Then you must drive around your new town looking at units. If you find an apartment that hasn't been rented by the time you arrive, you must pay a substantial security deposit. Many properties require first- and last-month’s rent up front. Before you know it, you’ve shelled out a couple thousand dollars before you even move in. Once you're there, you may have to pay for utilities, a potentially significant expense as energy prices continue to spiral higher.
So while renting an apartment may at first seem like the most economical approach to off-base housing, the hidden costs can turn an apparent bargain into a fairly expensive proposition.
Compare that apartment experience to an extended-stay hotel. Economy extended-stay hotels can cost less than $250 per week. Although that exceeds some housing allowances, it is within reach for most soldiers living off base, even personnel whose housing allowances fall on the low end of the spectrum.
Here’s why: no hidden costs. First- and last-month's rent are not required up front. There is no lease to sign. There is no unresponsive, distant landlord to call when maintenance issues arise. Utilities, including cable TV, are included in the rate. Even housekeeping is included.
Units are fully furnished and include fully equipped kitchens. Rooms are substantially larger than typical hotel rooms, offering ample storage and living space. Plus, the military has negotiated favorable rates at some locations, making extended-stay hotels even more affordable.
Extended-stay hotels aren’t solely for military families on tight budgets. They have become an increasingly popular option among senior officers who need transitional housing while belongings are shipped to new deployment locations.
Extended-stay brands range from economy to luxury. Choice Hotels, for instance, offers two extended-stay brands: Military personnel comprise the second-largest customer segment for Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, an economy brand with rates starting at less than $250 per week. MainStay Suites, a midscale brand, provides free amenities such as local phone service, high-speed Internet access and continental breakfast.
Of course, there are many other extended-stay options for military families. Homewood Suites by Hilton, for example, offers premium amenities and has earned numerous awards for outstanding service and overall guest satisfaction. Other popular extended-stay hotels include Residence Inn by Marriott and Summerfield Suites, owned by Hyatt. The Biz-stay.com website (www.biz-stay.com) provides a wealth of useful and unbiased information about extended-stay options. Click the link to “Comparison of 30 Extended Stay Hotel/Motel Chains.”
Moving can be expensive and stressful, even for the most prepared and seasoned military families. Next time you are transferred stateside, the smartest decision you make could be the one that relieves much of that stress and expense. Consider moving into an extended-stay hotel.
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Kevin Lewis serves as chair of the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Extended Stay Council. He is also vice president, extended-stay brands, for Choice Hotels.
MILITARY
