If you’re looking for extended stay hotels in St Louis, MO, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. You’re obviously looking for a housing situation that will offer you more than just a place to lay your head for a few nights, so the extended-stay hotel search makes sense. However, did you know that you have a better option? Read on to see why corporate housing could be a better alternative and how to make your stay, wherever you land, feel like home.
Extended Stay Hotels in St Louis MO vs Arch Interim Corporate Housing
It used to be that finding temporary housing that was as comfortable as your own home was near impossible, but corporate housing – specifically Arch Interim Corporate Housing – offers fully furnished apartments close to major landmarks, shopping, and nightlife, with additional amenities and customer service, often times better than what you would experience with an extended stay hotel. And at Arch, our goal is to make our guests feel at home!
Help when you need it
While at a hotel, it’s true that you will usually always have employees around to help should you need it, but it’s really not that different for our corporate housing clients. Our housing team doesn’t disappear or get lost in the void after you move in — we are always here, and you will have access to the same person you originally connected with throughout your entire stay! We treat you as friends, and we care and we understand the importance of always being available and a constant point of contact for our you, our guest.
In St Louis, the hotel industry is suffering, just as many other industries, and finding “good help” has been a challenge. Your extended stay hotel experience could potentially be rife with frustration, ambivalence, and lack of real engagement with you as a guest. However, the team at Arch Interim Corporate Housing is constant, steady, with years of experience not only in customer service but also in living in St Louis. We know our city! And we can advise you on the best places to eat, shop, and play, with no ulterior motives!
Making Your St Louis Extended Stay Feel Like Home
Whether you’re staying in one of Arch Interim Housing’s St Louis corporate apartments or you have settled for one of St. Louis’s extended stay hotels, adjusting to a new setting can sometimes be tough. If you’re struggling to really feel like your current living situation is “home”, try these 7 tips that will help you adapt and appreciate this season of life:
Check out the neighborhood
Here at Arch Interim Housing we want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible in their temporary spaces, and we want them to enjoy themselves! That’s why we offer locations in the most desirable areas of St Louis. There are plenty of areas and neighborhoods to explore!
Typically, the extended stay hotels here in St Louis MO will be located near landmarks and shopping districts, so whether you stay with them or with us, make sure to get out and have fun! Maybe you’ll come across a small coffee shop with your favorite cup of joe, or a small 24-hour diner with homemade apple pie. The idea is to find a place that you can truly call your own for the time being.
However, if choosing an extended stay hotel, keep in mind that you will need to budget more for the cost of your stay, because the rates can be expensive and they add up quickly! For a longer stay, we recommend corporate housing. Then, you can take the money you’re saving in rental rates and use it for entertainment. Corporate housing for the win!
Rearrange furniture
Whether you choose to rearrange one room or your entire apartment, moving furniture around will create a new atmosphere in your space. You can add small home decor pieces to your shelves and counters or you can change the way your bookshelf and desk are set up! By rearranging the furniture and home goods in your apartment, you’re creating your own space, and if you don’t love it the first time, you can do it again! Small changes make a big impact whether you’re adding plants or simplifying your space.
Add artwork or decor
Adding art to a space is a small change that creates a big impact. You can hang your favorite prints up, find unique art at thrift stores for your walls and shelves, or pair photography with birthday/holiday cards. Filling your walls with things that inspire and make you happy are sure to make your apartment feel like home.
Also, try adding family photos to the bookshelf, your favorite throw blanket to the sofa, or maybe even your favorite alarm clock on the nightstand. It may not sound like much, but these little tweaks can make an unfamiliar place start to feel a little warmer.
→ Note: Be sure to read over your leasing contract before moving furniture or adding/removing decorations. Extended stay hotels and corporate housing providers alike may have terms that involve extra cost for making any changes. Do your due diligence and make sure any changes you make can either be easily undone or won’t incur extra fees.
Pick up a good book
Get a good book – Enjoy your space by snuggling up and reading a really good book. Reading in bed in a nice clean and organized room helps relax and slow your thoughts down. Reading a good book is one of the Arch Interim Housing’s team favorite ways to enjoy a space.
Add scents
Lighting candles and using air fresheners make coming home pleasant. Scent triggers memories, so select something that smells familiar and comforting. Using linen scents on your sheets or wax scents in your bathroom are good choices.
Zone your space
It’s important to ensure your apartment supports the activities that take place inside of it. Do you have people over all the time? Or do you tend to spend more time relaxing and working in your apartment? Analyze the way you’re using space in your apartment and make sure that the current setup suits your needs.
For instance, if you like to host dinner parties, but your dining set up is squeezed into a small area of your apartment it may be time to rethink the way you have it arranged. (Again, check your lease contract before moving things around or making any changes, specifically in extended stay hotels. It’s also possible that hotel furniture may not be moveable as it’s sometimes bolted to the wall or floor, which is another reason why corporate housing may be a better fit.)
Change the lighting
Is your apartment too dark or too light? Evaluate the way you’re using lighting in your space and play with lighting to see how it makes you feel. By using at least three different light sources in a room, you can create a better ambiance. You’ll be amazed about what lighting can do for you in a space. Also, don’t forget about natural light! Do you have a beautiful window but always keep the curtain closed? Experiment with the way the rooms in your apartment are illuminated and have fun seeing which type of lighting works best for you.
Host people for dinner
Once you have added some personal touches to your extended stay apartment, try inviting people over for a dinner party. If you are staying in corporate housing while away on business, try inviting a few coworkers who may be in the same predicament, or new coworkers who are familiar enough with the area to share great advice on where to eat, shop, or hang out. With a fully furnished apartment, including the kitchen, you can whip up one of your favorite dishes from home to share with your new friends.
Making the best of your experience in an extended stay hotel or corporate apartment
In summary, whether you’re looking for extended stay hotels in St Louis, MO, or fully furnished corporate housing, there’s a way to make your temp living situation feel like a place where you want to settle in. With the right personal touches and a little effort on your part, your corporate housing apartment or extended stay hotel can start to feel like a second home.