The extended-stay concept was first developed in the US in the early 1970s. Pioneered by Residence Inn, it was subsequently advanced by a variety of now well-established hotel brands and operators over almost 50 years.

Over the last three decades, the sector has been the fastest-growing US hospitality segment and in the last four years has grown by an astonishing 70 percent. Now accounting for nearly 10 percent of total room supply, it could be argued that extended stay has become the most important sector in the US hospitality industry.

The reasons why branded all-suite hotels are now very much part of mainstream in North America are clear. Guests appreciate the additional space and facilities that they find in their extended-stay rooms, while owners benefit from the sector’s space-efficient, high-margin operating model.

Now Europe is catching up and extended stay, whether in the form of serviced apartments, home rentals or aparthotels — is quickly becoming