What is the difference between an extended stay apartment and a hotel?
Extended stay apartments are designed for living, not just sleeping. They include a full kitchen, private laundry and separate living areas. Hotels focus on nightly turnover. For stays of 14 nights or more, apartments are typically 30 to 50 per cent cheaper per night and far more comfortable for daily life.
Are monthly furnished apartments cheaper than hotels in Australia?
Yes. Monthly furnished apartments remove daily dining and laundry costs. Operators also discount nightly rates at 14-, 21- and 28-night thresholds. Industry figures show savings of 30 to 50 per cent compared to hotel rates for the same period. Cooking one meal a day in a full kitchen can save over $2,000 across a four-week stay.
What is LAFHA and does it apply to extended stay apartments?
LAFHA stands for Living Away From Home Allowance. It is a payment an employer makes to cover extra costs when an employee lives away from their usual home for work. Under ATO rules, it can be exempt from fringe benefits tax if eligibility criteria are met. Extended Stays provides quotes your HR team can use as supporting documentation.
How does Extended Stays find apartments for corporate or project teams?
You share your brief, city, dates, budget, team size and any specific needs. Extended Stays then finds and compares quality furnished apartments across operators that fit your requirements. We send a clear shortlist promptly. You review the options, ask questions and choose. We then organise the booking and coordinate arrival details.
Which Australian cities have the best availability for long stay serviced apartments?
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all have strong availability of long stay serviced apartments. Key precincts include Barangaroo and North Sydney, Melbourne's Docklands and Southbank, Brisbane's Fortitude Valley and Newstead, Perth's Subiaco and West Perth, and Adelaide's North Adelaide and CBD fringe.
What is the minimum stay for extended stay apartments in Australia?
The industry standard minimum for extended stay pricing is 14 consecutive nights. Many operators apply deeper discounts at 21 or 28 nights. Some precincts and operators require a minimum of 28 nights for their monthly furnished apartment rates. Extended Stays confirms minimum stay requirements for each option in your shortlist.
Do extended stay apartments include utilities and Wi-Fi?
Most long stay serviced apartments include utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi and building amenities in the nightly or weekly rate. Some operators charge separately for electricity above a monthly usage cap. Extended Stays flags any exclusions clearly so there are no surprises when you receive your quote.
Can I get an extended stay apartment for insurance accommodation after home damage?
Yes. Extended Stays regularly connects guests displaced by flood, fire or storm damage with quality furnished apartments. We prepare detailed quotes and documentation you can use to support your own insurance claim. The guest or their insurer arranges payment. We make the process as straightforward as possible during a stressful time.
Are there pet-friendly extended stay apartments in Australia?
Yes, pet-friendly options are available in most capital cities. Operators typically require a refundable pet bond and may set a weight limit of 10 to 20 kg. When you submit your brief to Extended Stays, note that you have a pet and we will filter for pet-approved properties and flag nearby parks or exercise areas.
How do extended stay apartment costs compare across Australian cities?
Sydney's Barangaroo and CBD precincts are the most expensive, with studio and one-bedroom options from about $175 per night for 28+ night stays. Melbourne and Brisbane are slightly lower, from $140 to $155 per night. Perth and Adelaide offer the most affordable options, from about $120 to $145 per night for comparable stays.