Those numbers have fueled growth of the extended-stay segment, which now makes up 5 percent of the total U.S. lodging industry. There are more than 200,000 extended-stay rooms in the United States, compared with 52,000 in 1995, says Mark Skinner, a partner at Highland Group, a consulting and research firm for the hospitality industry. The 77 percent occupancy rate of extended-stay accommodations outpaces the national hotel average of 63 percent. A survey conducted last year by Hilton's Homewood Suites of 500 frequent travelers found that last year nearly half of those surveyed combine a business trip with leisure, and bring the spouse and kids along. Complimentary breakfast buffet and social hour Monday through Thursday, which includes free drinks.
Some hotels offer patrons access to local gyms.
Most offer same-day laundry and dry cleaning. All offer free transportation within a 5-mile radius. Offers rewards programs, Hilton HHonors, which allows guests to earn and redeem points for lodging as well as air travel. Such is the case with Matt Barry, regional sales manager for Red Bull North America, a Santa Monica, Calif., maker of energy drinks. He has stayed at the Parsippany property for three months while he relocates his family from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., to New Jersey.