Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
FREQUENT FLYER GLOSSARY
What is an extended-stay hotel?
An extended-stay hotel is a hotel built around studio and suite accommodation with kitchens and shared facilities for longer visits; Staybridge Suites, an IHG Hotels & Resorts brand, describes itself as an extended stay hotel offering residential-style studios and suites with complimentary daily breakfast. [3]
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Extended-stay hotels emphasise space and self-sufficiency: Residence Inn by Marriott describes suites with separate areas for living, working and sleeping plus full kitchens, [2] and Staybridge Suites describes residential-style studios and one- and two-bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchens. [3]
- Breakfast, laundry, pet terms and outdoor facilities are set brand by brand and property by property; Staybridge Suites says amenities may vary by property and that laundry fees may vary by region, [3] while Residence Inn lists pools at select locations and outdoor space at most locations. [2]
- Residence Inn's brand page says members earn 5 points per US$1 spent and 1 Elite Night Credit per night stayed. [2] The programme rules set 5 base Points at Residence Inn and at the other brands they list, including Element and TownePlace Suites; 10 at most other participating brands; 4 at StudioRes; and 10 or 5 at Series by Marriott depending on the market. [4]
What does an extended-stay hotel include?
The format centres on suites and studios. Residence Inn by Marriott describes suites with separate areas for living, working and sleeping plus full kitchens suited to meal preparation and pre-cooked meals. [2] Staybridge Suites offers residential-style studios and one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living space and a sleeper sofa, and says the amenities are chosen to accommodate both short-term and extended-stay guests. [3]
Food is part of the package at both brands. Residence Inn serves free breakfast with a variety of hot, healthy options made fresh. [2] Staybridge Suites serves a complimentary hot breakfast daily and rotates its menus so long-term guests have variety, alongside 24/7 coffee and complimentary light bites and drinks at a happy hour on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. [3]
The practical extras lean towards self-sufficiency. Residence Inn delivers guests' groceries free of charge. [2] Staybridge Suites lists complimentary laundry machines available 24/7, a 24/7 fitness studio, an outdoor patio with grills and firepits, secure guest storage, and a 24/7 pantry selling easy-to-prepare meal kits, snacks and travel items. [3]
The segment is not reserved for long bookings. Staybridge Suites describes itself as serving short-term and extended-stay guests alike, [3] and Residence Inn markets longer-stay offers among its hotel deals. [2]
How does the nightly rate compare with a conventional hotel?
What sits alongside the suite affects the total cost of a stay. At Staybridge Suites the listed inclusions are a daily hot breakfast, a social hour on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (offerings may vary by location) and laundry, which the brand lists as complimentary while also saying laundry fees may vary by region. [3] At Residence Inn they are free hot breakfast and free grocery delivery. [2] A like-for-like comparison therefore needs the total for the same dates: the rate, whatever the property includes and any optional charges a guest adds.
Some charges sit outside the room rate too. Staybridge Suites says pets are welcome subject to fees and restrictions, and that goods in its pantry are for purchase. [3] The total will therefore depend on the property and on what the guest uses during the stay.
How do longer-stay brands earn points in Marriott Bonvoy?
Marriott International's brand navigation places Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Element, StudioRes, Marriott Executive Apartments and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy under a "longer stays" heading. [5] Base earning varies by brand under the Marriott Bonvoy programme rules updated in October 2026, as the table below sets out. [4]
| Participating brand or group | Base Points per US dollar of Qualifying Charges |
|---|---|
| Other participating brands — base rate (10 only where the programme rules do not state a lower rate) | 10 [4] |
| Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy; City Express; Element; Four Points Flex; Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy; Protea Hotels; Residence Inn; TownePlace Suites | 5 [4] |
| Series by Marriott — United States, Canada, Greater China (including the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, Macao Special Administrative Region of China and Taiwan Region of China) | 10 [4] |
| Series by Marriott — all other locations | 5 [4] |
| StudioRes | 4 [4] |
| Marriott Executive Apartments | No Points on Qualifying Charges; only Qualifying Rates [4] |
Residence Inn states the same rate on its brand page: members earn 5 points per US$1 spent and 1 Elite Night Credit for every night stayed. [2] Elite Night Credits are earned only on Qualifying Nights as defined in the programme rules. [4]
What varies between properties and brands?
- Brand descriptions are not property guarantees. Staybridge Suites says amenities may vary by property, that outdoor living spaces are available at North American properties, and that laundry fees may vary by region even though it lists complimentary laundry machines. [3]
- Facilities differ by location. Residence Inn says outdoor space is available at most locations and pools at select locations, and that it welcomes dogs and cats at more than 700 locations. [2]
- Pets carry conditions. Staybridge Suites is pet friendly, with fees and restrictions applying. [3]
- Footprint. Staybridge Suites operates across North America, Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. [3]
- Programme rules still govern the stay. Residence Inn appears on Marriott Bonvoy's list of Participating Brands, [4] and the programme rules allow for properties that participate in a limited or unique capacity, so the terms for the individual property apply. [4]
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an extended-stay hotel and a normal hotel?
An extended-stay hotel is built around studio and suite accommodation with kitchens and facilities for stays of different lengths. Residence Inn describes separate living, working and sleeping areas plus full kitchens, [2] and Staybridge Suites describes studios and one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. [3]
Do extended-stay hotels include breakfast?
At the two brands described here, yes. Staybridge Suites serves a complimentary hot breakfast daily, [3] and Residence Inn serves free breakfast with hot, healthy options. [2] Staybridge notes that amenities may vary by property. [3]
Is laundry free at an extended-stay hotel?
Staybridge Suites lists complimentary laundry machines available 24/7, while noting that laundry fees may vary by region. [3]
Are extended-stay hotels pet friendly?
Staybridge Suites is pet friendly, subject to fees and restrictions, [3] and Residence Inn welcomes dogs and cats at more than 700 locations. [2]
Do you earn points when you stay at a longer-stay brand?
Residence Inn's page states that members earn 5 points per US$1 spent and 1 Elite Night Credit per night stayed. [2] The programme rules set 5 base Points at Residence Inn and at the other brands they list (longer-stay brands among them), 10 at most participating brands, 4 at StudioRes, and 10 in the United States, Canada and Greater China or 5 elsewhere at Series by Marriott. [4]
Sources
Sources checked on 18 October 2026. Other extended-stay brands, and loyalty-programme rules other than Marriott Bonvoy's, are not covered here.
- Residence Inn by Marriott brand page, checked 18 October 2026
- Staybridge Suites brand page, IHG Hotels & Resorts, checked 18 October 2026
- Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions, updated October 2026, checked 18 October 2026
- Marriott Bonvoy Points to Miles page with brand navigation, checked 18 October 2026