Are You a Traveling Nurse Looking for Extended Stay Hotel Deals?

Houses, Apartments and Condo Rentals

There are many houses, apartments and condos available for travel nurses to rent for the length of their assignment. These can be found and booked via vacation rental services or travel nurse placement services.

There are also online forums and groups where travel nurses can connect directly with owners looking to rent to a medical professional. Renting to a travel nurse is attractive to owners because the longer-term assignments are less labor-intensive than short-term vacation rentals, and travel nurses tend to be reliable and clean tenants.

What are the pros of renting a home for a travel nurse?

• Apartments, houses and condos come fully furnished and appointed, so tenants can move right in and make themselves at home
• This option provides the most privacy and space (depending on the size and layout of the rental and the building it’s in)
• Many rentals of this type are pet-friendly
• Homes are likely to be better equipped with kitchen appliances and cookware (although you may not know exactly what you’ll get until you arrive)

Now for some of the cons to renting a house, apartment or condo:

• No third-party support available if renting directly from an owner — which can be an issue in case of any conflicts
• Depending on the contract, travel nurse may have to pay utilities in addition to rent
• Inconsistent quality in terms of furnishings and decor
• Tenant will be responsible for cleaning, taking trash out and potentially maintaining the property (like mowing the lawn or raking leaves)
• Contracts may be strict

In general, there tends to be less consistency with this option. So much will depend on the type of rental you find, the agreement you come to with the owner, the location of the property, how the owner has chosen to furnish and appoint the home — the list goes on. These rentals could work out perfectly, but there’s always a chance for some unexpected surprises when you arrive.

Booking business hotels for large groups? We help you through the process.

Extended Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels can be found in just about any location, and can be booked using any online booking tool. They may be easier to find than a home rental, and they’re much more consistent. If you find a hotel brand you like, you can reasonably expect similar accommodations at any property under that chain.

What are the pros of an extended-stay hotel for a travel nurse?

• Comfortably furnished rooms
• Rooms equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes
• Access to amenities like pools, hot tubs, gyms and laundry service
• Convenient locations
• Regular housekeeping
• Security
• Support available to assist in case of issues (from the hotel’s customer service or the company you used to book)

Cons of an extended stay hotel for travel nurse housing:

• Potentially less space available than a house or apartment
• Kitchens may be smaller and less well-stocked
• May be less privacy than a full house

While it largely comes down to a matter of personal preference, hotels can generally be counted on for safety, convenient locations and comfort. Plus, you can always look up reviews in advance for a detailed sense of what to expect from the property.

Best Extended Stay Hotel Brands

There are quite a few hotel brands offering extended-stay properties. A major one is Choice — a well-respected brand with a wide range of chains within its umbrella, including four extended-stay hotels:

• EverHome Suites
• MainStay Suites
• WoodSpring Suites
• Suburban Studios

All of these brands provide essentials, including fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and housekeeping services. The individual brands also offer their own sets of amenities to suit traveling nurses’ various preferences.

For example, EverHome Suites offer 24-hour fitness centers with Peloton bikes, while Surbuban Suites and MainStay Suites have free premium movie channels. WoodSpring Suites have pet-friendly rooms, and MainStay Suites provide a free continental breakfast every day.

Another popular option is Studio6 properties by Motel 6, which are a mid-range option designed to help traveling nurses keep some extra cash in their pockets. All of the studios feature living areas and fully furnished kitchens along with cookware, so you can count on having all your essentials taken care of.

Studio6 extended stay hotels may be a great option for those who like to spend their free time out and about and would rather keep more of their stipend for their savings account or on exploring their location.

On the more luxurious side, Hilton has two extended-stay brands in their portfolio: Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites.

Home2 Suites promise the same great amenities at every property, including saline pools, cozy outdoor areas and fitness and laundry facilities.

Homewood Suites are a great choice for those who need a little extra space, offering your choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suite options. Pets are welcome at Homewood Suites, and a free hot breakfast is available each morning. Homewood Suites also offer 24-hour fitness centers, pools and outdoor common areas with grills and firepits.

Hilton also has one of the best loyalty programs in the business. Earn Hilton Honors points on your stays and cash them in later when you treat yourself to a vacation.

Related: Manage Travel Expenses with Discount Travel

Save with a Booking Tool for Business Travel

Business travelers also tend to get better deals than tourists. As a travel nurse, you can and should take advantage of these booking tools to get the best rates! Engine is a hotel booking platform that’s exclusively available for business travelers and offers rates up to 60% off consumer prices. You can book at over 700,000 hotels worldwide using Engine, including at all the top brands listed above.

On the Engine platform, you can also filter search results for specific brands, amenities and property types, meaning that you can quickly locate the best hotel for your specific needs. You can easily find bookings that will allow you to accrue rewards points or ones that are pet friendly.

Curious to see how travel nurses can benefit from using Engine? Read about how Medical Solutions uses the platform to find great housing that satisfies their travel nurses’ needs and preferences.