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? And how much would it cost?
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? This article will help you figure out if you can do just that and how to find the right 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 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 the US, states like California and Texas allow guests to stay at the same hotel or motel for more than 30 consecutive days, and you may even gain tenant status, which can enhance your legal rights.
Some hotel chains also 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 travellers requiring amenities typically not found in typical hotel rooms, like kitchens and laundry access.
Short-term stays are typically 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 places, 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 centres 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 travelling 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, especially if the hotel offers discounts for longer stays.
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 panelling 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 few nights before you commit to anything long-term.
How much is it to live in a hotel?
Living in a hotel doesn’t come cheap, with the average cost for a month-long hotel stay in the UK coming in at £4860. That said, if you are flexible with your hotel location you could find a long-term stay for around £1,650 per month in Chorley, England or £1,980 per month in Annan, Scotland. London on the other hand will cost you around £6,660 for a month-long hotel stay. 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.
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. That said it’s important to consider the cons and costs too.
Looking for more hotel information? KAYAK has useful tools for hotel planning and saving, such as Price Alerts and Wishlists – all available on the KAYAK app.
The month-long hotel prices provided are based on the yearly average for hotels between 2 and 4 stars. Prices cover travel dates between 1 Mar 2023 to 29 Feb 2024. Search dates between 1 Jan 2023 and 15 Feb 2024.
