Extended Stay America Hotels in South Carolina: What to Expect and How to Book
What Extended Stay America Offers
Extended Stay America is a hotel chain designed for people staying longer than a typical vacation—usually a week or more. Unlike standard hotels, these properties include a kitchenette in every room, a workspace, and weekly housekeeping rather than daily service. You pay by the night, but the nightly rate drops when you commit to a week or longer stay.
The chain operates in South Carolina with locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, among other cities. Each property is independently owned and operated, so amenities and room conditions can vary between locations. The basic setup remains consistent: studio and one-bedroom units with a small kitchen, bathroom, and living area designed to feel more like an apartment than a hotel room.
Key Takeaways
- Extended Stay America rooms include a kitchenette, so you can prepare your own meals and reduce dining costs during a longer stay.
- Nightly rates decrease significantly when you book for a week or longer, making the total cost lower than paying night-to-night rates.
- Housekeeping visits weekly rather than daily, and you can request additional cleanings for a fee.
- Each South Carolina location is independently owned, so you should contact the specific property directly to confirm current rates, pet policies, and available amenities.
- Extended Stay America accepts reservations through its website, phone line, and third-party booking platforms, though direct booking often yields the best weekly rates.
Room Types and What's Included
Extended Stay America offers two main room configurations: studios and one-bedroom units. Studios contain a kitchenette, bathroom, and combined living and sleeping area. One-bedroom units add a separate bedroom, giving you more space and a second area to work or relax. Both types include a microwave, stovetop, refrigerator, and basic cookware—enough to prepare simple meals and store groceries.
Every room has a work desk, free Wi-Fi, a television, and a phone. Linens and towels are provided. The kitchenette is not a full kitchen; you cannot bake or use a full-size oven, but you can cook pasta, reheat food, and make coffee. If you need to do laundry, most Extended Stay America properties have coin-operated or card-operated laundry facilities on-site.
Pricing and Length-of-Stay Discounts
Extended Stay America charges by the night, but the per-night cost decreases when you stay for a full week or longer. A single night might cost $80 to $120 depending on location and season, but a weekly rate could drop to $50 to $80 per night when you book all seven nights upfront. Monthly rates offer even deeper discounts. Exact pricing varies by property and time of year; Charleston and Myrtle Beach locations typically cost more than inland cities like Columbia.
Taxes are added to the quoted rate. Some properties charge a one-time deposit or cleaning fee at check-in, while others do not. Pet fees, if the property allows pets, are usually charged nightly or as a one-time fee. Contact the specific location where you plan to stay to confirm the total cost before booking.
How to Reserve a Room
You can book an Extended Stay America room through three main channels: the company's official website (extendedstayamerica.com), by calling the property directly, or through third-party booking sites like Booking.com or Expedia. Booking directly through the Extended Stay America website or by calling the property often yields the best weekly and monthly rates, since the company does not always pass its lowest prices to outside booking platforms.
When you call a specific property, have your arrival and departure dates ready, and ask about the weekly rate for your exact length of stay. Confirm whether the quoted price includes taxes and any additional fees. Most properties require a credit card to hold the reservation and may ask for a deposit at check-in, though this varies by location and owner.
Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Guest Services
Extended Stay America properties include weekly housekeeping—typically one visit per week—rather than daily room cleaning. You receive fresh linens and towels during that visit. If you need additional cleaning during your stay, you can request it, though there may be a fee. Some properties offer daily housekeeping for an extra charge, so ask when you book if that matters to you.
Maintenance requests are handled by the front desk. If something breaks or stops working—a light, the refrigerator, the Wi-Fi—report it immediately so the property can send someone to fix it. Response times vary, but most properties prioritize urgent issues like heating or plumbing problems. Front desk hours vary by location; some properties have 24-hour front desk service, while others have limited hours, so confirm this when you book if you are arriving late.
Pet Policies and Special Requests
Extended Stay America properties are independently owned, so pet policies differ from location to location. Some allow dogs and cats for a nightly or one-time fee; others do not allow pets at all. If you are traveling with a pet, call the specific property before booking to confirm whether they accept animals and what the fee structure is.
If you have other special needs—a ground-floor room, a room away from the elevator, a specific bed configuration—mention them when you book. The property will do its best to accommodate you, but availability depends on what is open on your arrival date. Extended Stay America does not may provide specific room placements, so call ahead if your need is important.
South Carolina Locations and How to Find the Right One
Extended Stay America operates in several South Carolina cities, with the largest concentration in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and the Greenville area. Charleston locations serve visitors staying for business, medical treatment, or extended tourism. Myrtle Beach properties cater to people relocating temporarily or staying during the off-season. Greenville and Columbia locations serve business travelers and people in transition.
To find the location nearest you, visit extendedstayamerica.com and enter your city or zip code. The website shows all properties in that area, their addresses, phone numbers, and a link to book. You can also call the main Extended Stay America reservations line, though speaking directly to the property you want usually gets you better information about current rates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay for just a few nights, or do I have to book a full week?
Yes, you can stay for one or two nights. However, the nightly rate for short stays is higher than the weekly rate. If you are staying three nights or fewer, you may find a standard hotel cheaper. For four nights or longer, Extended Stay America's weekly pricing usually becomes competitive.
Is there a front desk available 24 hours?
It depends on the property. Some Extended Stay America locations in South Carolina have 24-hour front desk service; others have limited hours, typically 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call the specific property to confirm their hours before you arrive, especially if you are checking in late at night.
What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?
Cancellation policies vary by property and booking method. If you booked directly with the property, call them to discuss changes or cancellations. If you booked through a third-party site, check the cancellation terms in your confirmation email. Most properties allow cancellations up to a certain number of days before arrival without penalty, but this is not may provide.
Are utilities included in the room rate?
Yes, utilities—electricity, water, and basic cable—are included in your nightly rate. Wi-Fi is also included. You pay for any long-distance phone calls or premium cable channels you use, though most guests use their own phones and streaming services instead.
Can I extend my stay after I arrive?
Yes. Contact the front desk or call the property directly to extend your reservation. Availability depends on whether the room is booked after your current checkout date. If the room is available, the property will extend your stay at the rate you negotiated, or at the current weekly rate if you are extending beyond your original booking.