Double-Check These Before Reserving A Suite
Hotel suites offer larger living spaces and more amenities for travelers who may need to stay somewhere that is more than just a place to rest. For long-term business travelers, for example, suites that are more like studios offer them a chance to feel more at home when the work day is over. If you prefer a hotel experience that is more like an apartment of your own, suites are wonderful choices. Just be sure that the suite provides what you need.
The Size of the Refrigerator
A big advantage to paying for a hotel suite over a room is that suites often have kitchen facilities. Sometimes these are full kitchens, and other times they are kitchenettes, but they will always have a refrigerator. The question is, what size?
It's very common for suites to have dorm-style or bar fridges, which usually don't have the biggest freezers. In fact, the freezers are tiny and may not hold more than a TV dinner or two -- and small ones, at that. Yet other suites have full-size appliances, and the size of the suite isn't always the delineating factor.
Always double-check what the size of the refrigerator and freezer are in the suite you're interested in. Remember that hotels can have different types of suites, and while the pictures you saw might have shown one type, you need to be sure the suite you rent has the same size.
Kitchen Supplies
Another question is what kitchen supplies are included? Some suites provide basic utensils, dishes, and pans to all guests; others offer small dish packs for sale. Yet others may offer different sizes of dish packs for different suite types. It's also important to find out how they keep track of what they provided because, if what they have in your room is too basic for you, and you need to bring in your own dishes, then you need to be sure there's no confusion when you remove your dishes from the room at the end of your stay.
Linen Changes
A number of hotels have switched to changing linens only when requested in order to save money on washing. Many extended-stay hotels also change linens on a restricted schedule. If you're staying for a longer time, like a couple of weeks or a month, find out what the linen-change schedule is, and also what to do if you want fresh linens before the scheduled change date. Many places allow you to wash the linens on your own, and others offer early changes for a small fee.
Some hotel suites are absolute luxury, providing full cooking facilities, fresh towels daily, and full kitchen supplies. Others are more economical, offering more basic services. Get a full picture of the suite you're interested in so that you have a pleasant stay.