How to Make an Extended Stay Hotel Feel Like Home

Nov 29, 2024

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We’ve all been there—checking into a hotel for a long stay and realizing it’s not quite home sweet home. But guess what? It can be! Whether you’re staying at Welcome Suites O’Fallon, Hazelwood, Springdale, or Pensacola, turning your extended stay hotel into a personal sanctuary is easier than you think. Let’s dive into the details (and yes, there’s room for a few jokes—after all, life’s better when you laugh).

1. Personalize Your Space: It’s All About the Vibe

Think of your extended stay hotel room as a blank canvas. Sure, it might not have your favorite knick-knacks or the perfectly imperfect mess from home, but with a few tweaks, it can still reflect your personality.

Quick Tips to Personalize Your Hotel Room:

Bring Your Bedding: Nothing says “home” like your own comforter or pillow. The hotel’s bedding is nice, but your favorite blanket? That’s comfort on another level.
Add Photos and Keepsakes: Tape up family photos or set small keepsakes on the desk. Seeing familiar faces can make even a plain room feel warm and inviting.
Plug in a Scent: Pack a small diffuser or room spray. The smell of lavender, cinnamon, or even freshly baked cookies (no judgment!) can instantly transport you to your happy place.

Funny thought: You might not be able to bring your dog, but hey, a framed photo of Fido could be the next best thing. Plus, he doesn’t shed.

2. Create a Cozy Kitchen: Cook Like a Pro

When the pizza delivery guy starts recognizing your voice, it’s time to take control of your meals. Welcome Suites Extended Stay Hotels have equipped kitchens, so use them to your advantage.

Easy Meal Ideas for Your Extended Stay

Meal Type	Recipe Idea	Prep Time
Breakfast	Scrambled eggs with veggies	10 minutes
Lunch	Grilled cheese & tomato soup	15 minutes
Dinner	One-pot pasta with marinara sauce	20 minutes
Snack	Microwave popcorn or fruit salad	5 minutes

Cooking not only saves you money but also brings a sense of routine. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning?

Pro tip: Bring a mini spice kit. Salt and pepper are great, but a sprinkle of paprika or oregano can turn bland into brilliant.

3. Tackle Laundry Like a Boss

Ah, laundry—the great equalizer of life. Whether you’re in O’Fallon, Hazelwood, Springdale, or Pensacola, the laundry facilities at Welcome Suites will be your new best friend.

What You’ll Need:

Laundry detergent pods (because spilling powder isn’t cute).
A collapsible laundry basket (space-saving and practical).
Your favorite playlist (folding clothes is more fun when you’re jamming out).

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check your pockets! No one wants to discover a melted candy bar in the dryer.

4. Entertainment is Key: Fight the Boredom Blues

Spending a lot of time in your room doesn’t mean you have to stare at the walls. (Although if they were painted in soothing shades of blue, I wouldn’t judge.)

Ways to Stay Entertained in Your Hotel Room:

Streaming Services: Connect your laptop or device to the TV and binge your favorite shows.
Books and Magazines: Dive into a good read, or finally finish that novel you started three vacations ago.
Board Games or Cards: Perfect for solo fun or bonding with fellow long-term guests.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the area around your location. Whether it’s taking a stroll in O’Fallon or enjoying some sunshine in Pensacola, there’s plenty to do outside.

5. Stay Healthy and Active

Extended stays often mean extended snacking—so balance it out with a little activity. Many Welcome Suites locations are close to parks, gyms, or walking trails.

Hotel-Friendly Workout Ideas:

Bodyweight Exercises: Think squats, lunges, and push-ups.
Stretching or Yoga: A mat (or towel) is all you need.
Dancing: Crank up the tunes and let loose. Bonus points for embarrassing yourself in the mirror.

Staying active isn’t just about fitness; it’s about feeling good and keeping your energy up for the day.

6. Build a Routine: The Secret Sauce

Routines are the glue that holds sanity together during long stays. Create a schedule that feels familiar and gives structure to your day.

Sample Routine for an Extended Stay:

Time	Activity
7:00 AM	Morning coffee & light yoga
8:00 AM	Breakfast & planning the day
9:00 AM–5:00 PM	Work or explore the city
6:00 PM	Dinner & relax with a show
10:00 PM	Read or meditate before bed

A consistent routine makes a hotel feel less temporary and more like a place you can settle into.

7. Connect with People (or Pets)

Feeling lonely? No shame—extended stays can get a little isolating. Thankfully, human (and furry) connections are just around the corner.

Chat with Staff: The team at Welcome Suites is friendly and always happy to recommend local spots.
Visit Local Cafés or Events: Meeting new people can make any city feel like home.
Call Family or Friends: A quick video call can turn a dull day into a heartwarming one.

And if you’re really missing your pet, consider bringing a small stuffed animal. They don’t bark, but they’re surprisingly comforting.

8. Keep It Clean and Tidy

A clean space = a clear mind. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up your room, and it’ll feel less like a hotel and more like a cozy retreat.

Daily Cleaning Hacks:

Wipe Surfaces: Use disinfectant wipes to keep everything fresh.
Organize Items: Designate spots for clothes, toiletries, and gadgets.
Trash Out: Emptying the trash regularly is a game-changer.

It’s amazing how a little tidying can transform the vibe of your space.

9. Enjoy the Perks of Welcome Suites

Lastly, make the most of what Welcome Suites has to offer. From the well-equipped kitchens to the convenient laundry facilities, everything is designed to make your stay comfortable.

With four locations—O’Fallon, Hazelwood, Springdale, and Pensacola—Welcome Suites Extended Stay Hotel is your home away from home.

Conclusion

Making an extended stay hotel feel like home isn’t rocket science—it’s all about the little things. Personalize your space, cook your own meals, build a routine, and don’t forget to laugh along the way (especially when you’re dancing alone in your room). At Welcome Suites Extended Stay Hotel, comfort meets convenience, and with these tips, your stay will be more than just a stay—it’ll be an experience.