YOUR HOME AWAY 
It’s the news many employees dread—being sent away on a long business assignment.
While extended stay hotels are lovely, they are never quite the same as your own home. Plus, being away from family and your normal routine can be stressful.
However, it doesn’t have to be that bad if you’re in an extended stay hotel with plenty of amenities and space.
Every day in the US, over a million employees are traveling for business reasons. With so many people on the road for long periods of time, we’ve rounded up a few of our best tips to help business travelers.
Keep reading to learn seven tips for making your extended stay hotel feel more like home.
When staying at an extended stay hotel, it may feel like you’re on vacation. For many people, this means making unhealthy dining choices or dining out more often than they should.
To help your suburban extended stay hotel feel more like home, prepare in advance by purchasing healthy snacks for eating in the room.
Your room has plenty of kitchen amenities, including a fridge, oven, stove, and cutlery and cookware, so you can not only enjoy healthy snacks, but you can cook your own meals.
Unlike traditional hotels, which don’t offer kitchenettes, you can purchase groceries, cook healthy meals, and save money on eating out.
If you want to help your room feel more like home, bring some of your home to your room!
If you know you’ll be away from home for a few weeks or months, plan ahead and bring along some of your favorite items.
For many people, having their own pillow or pillowcases can make a huge difference to their sleep, so don’t be afraid to pack some your own linen or pillows.
You may also want to bring along a scented candle, a few photos of family or your pet, or even a preferred coffee mug. It’s the little touches that can make a hotel feel like a home, so give some thought to what items might make you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
As we are often constantly on the go when we travel, it can be tempting to leave all of your clothes and accessories in a suitcase, tucked in the wardrobe.
However, it can help you feel more settled and relaxed if you take the time to unpack as soon as you arrive. Hang up your clothes on hangers, fold and put away socks and shirts in your drawer, and neatly organize your shoes and jackets.
This will also save time in the mornings when it’s time to get dressed, as you can quickly see all your clothes and you won’t need to waste time ironing.
Living out of a suitcase is no fun, so try to recreate your own closet in your extended stay hotel. Then, hide your suitcase away so it’s out of sight and out of mind!
To feel more at ease, it helps to create a daily routine, as you would have in your own home.
Try to get up around the same time each day, enjoy your breakfast, and the morning news, then start your day. In the evenings, make sure you have time for a healthy dinner, some relaxation, and a reasonable bedtime.
It’s helpful to always include exercise as part of your routine. While many people prefer to work out outdoors or in a gym, there are still lots of ways to exercise from your hotel room.
You can travel with resistance bands and a yoga mat, or try to develop a routine including push-ups, planks, tricep dips using a chair, and plenty of stretching. It will help you feel more energized and can also improve your sleep quality.
As lovely as your room or apartment might be, staying inside all day at the hotel or office means limited time outside.
At home, do you frequently take walks after work, exercise on your lunch break, or enjoy a coffee outside? Even though you’re sure to be busy while you’re away, try to spend some time outside each day.
Sunlight boosts your energy and Vitamin D and can help relieve the stress of traveling and being away from home. A simple walk around the block or coffee outside at break time can help you add some variety to your day.
The best extended stay hotels offer rooms with all the comforts of home, but try to set aside some time each day to keep things clean.
A clean, organized room is better as you won’t have to deal with any mess and you’ll know where everything is, saving time in the morning.
Whether it’s doing laundry, washing dishes, or just putting clothes away, keeping your room clean can often help people feel more at home.
At home, do you often work or relax with your favorite music? If so, there’s no reason why you can’t do the same in your room!
Enjoy your top Spotify playlists or bring along your Google Mini when you travel, ensuring all your music is with you. Whether it’s soothing sounds to help you sleep at night or something energetic to get your day started, music can make a big difference in your mood and attitude.
Are you looking for extended stay hotels for your next business or leisure trip? Affordable Corporate Suites offer fully furnished apartments with all the comforts of home, at a reasonable price.
With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves in making you feel as comfortable as possible, with modern amenities, a full kitchen, and discounted weekly rates.
Our hotels can be found across North Carolina and Virginia, so we hope to see you soon on your next trip.
Contact us today with any questions or to book your next stay with us.