Living in a hotel: Long-term stays in hotel rooms
Whether you are looking for a flexible temporary solution for living, need accommodation for professional reasons, or want to explore a place for a longer period of time as a tourist during a Workation, living in a hotel may or may not be the best solution for you. Read on to find out about the advantages of long-term rentals, how long you can stay as a long-term tenant, and what alternatives are available.
What does it mean to live in a hotel long-term?
Long-term stays in hotels mean that you use a room or suite like an apartment for several weeks or months.
This type of living arrangement is nothing new: as early as the 1960s, long-term rentals of boarding house or hotel rooms were preferred to apartments in the USA. The increased flexibility of the American labor market fueled this “long-stay” trend at the time. It was particularly popular with successful artists. The Chelsea Hotel in New York is still an institution today.
benefits
- Comfort & service (e.g., cleaning, laundry service, room service)
- Especially in cities: central location & good transport connections
- Security (e.g., 24-hour reception)
- No additional costs for electricity, internet, etc.
- Depending on the hotel, amenities such as a pool, gym, wellness area, garage parking
disadvantages
- Long-term stays in hotels are more expensive than short-term rentals.
- Limited living space.
- Less privacy.
- More impersonal atmosphere.
- Pets are not allowed, or bringing them along incurs additional costs.
- Usually no kitchen or washing machine.
Temporary living arrangements - possible duration
The length of time you are allowed to stay in a hotel varies greatly from one establishment to another. While some hotels only allow a maximum stay of 30 days, others offer longer periods.
Do you definitely need accommodation for more than 30 days? With KURZZEiTmiete, you no longer need to search, just find: anything from one to six months rent is possible. With our large selection of furnished apartments and some rooms, you are guaranteed to find the right solution!
Costs for long-term hotel stays
Costs vary greatly depending on location, hotel category, amenities, and season. The level of luxury depends on what is included: breakfast and daily room cleaning are not always included.
Compared to average room rates per night, rates for longer stays are more affordable. However, in most cases, short-term rental of a furnished apartment is still the more affordable alternative.
reporting requirement
Regardless of the type of accommodation, both Austrian citizens and foreigners are required to register after three days in Austria. This also applies to longer hotel stays. Traditionally, however, registration at a hotel is done using a guest register rather than a registration form.
In Austria, your details must also be recorded in the guest register when staying at a tourist hotel. This is usually done directly at check-in. Depending on regional regulations, a local tax may also be payable.
No proof of residence
If you do not register in the traditional manner using a registration form, you will have no proof of a (main) place of residence in Austria. This can be particularly problematic when it comes to residence permits (e.g. for the Red-White-Red Card).
It is best to check the legal regulations in advance with the hotel or directly with the relevant local authority or municipal office.
Conclusion: Which long-term accommodation is right for you?
Living in a hotel and temporary rentals have many advantages in common, such as included utilities and contractual flexibility. Which type of accommodation is right for you depends on the differences between them:
- If you value comfortable furnishings and special amenities such as breakfast or cleaning services, you should opt for long-term hotel accommodation. Equally important is the opportunity to easily and simply get in touch with other guests.
- Temporary rentals offer a lower price, more living space including a kitchen, and more privacy. If feeling at home is important to you, renting an apartment for a short period is the better choice.
Frequently asked questions
The length of a hotel stay is not only a question of budget, but also of what is available and the applicable legislation. In the USA, for example, it is restricted differently in each state.
The cost of a long-term hotel stay depends on factors such as the hotel class, location, and amenities. Renting a furnished apartment on a temporary basis is usually the more affordable alternative.
You can live in a long-stay hotel for several weeks or even months. It goes beyond the classic vacation period of one to two weeks.