Can You Live In a Hotel?

Yes, you can live in a hotel. It’s legal, and plenty of people — business travellers, digital nomads, retirees, and minimalists — do it.

If you’re considering it, you might be wondering whether it’s practical or affordable.

If you’ve already made the decision, your next steps might be finding the right hotel, getting the best rates, or figuring out what to pack.

No matter where you are in the process, this guide has you covered. You’ll find practical tips to help you decide or make hotel living as smooth as possible.

How Long Can You Stay In a Hotel?

Hotels generally offer three types of stays:

• Short-term: A few nights to a few weeks. This is standard.
• Extended stays: 1 to 6 months.
• Long-term stays: 6 months or more. Few hotels allow indefinite stays.

In some places, staying too long can make you a tenant instead of a guest. The hotel can’t ask you to leave. To avoid this, some hotels set stay limits or ask guests to check out and rebook.

How Much Does It Cost To Live In a Hotel?

Hotel living doesn’t have a fixed cost. What affects the cost?

• Hotel type: Budget hotels cost less than boutique or luxury hotels.

• Location: City-centre hotels cost more than suburban or roadside ones.

• Timing: Prices are higher in peak season. They drop during the off-season.

• Room rates: Hotels that charge per night without good discounts cost more in the long run.

• Dining: Your expenses add up if you stay in hotels without kitchens. You save money considerably if you stay in hotels that offer free breakfast.

• Taxes: Some hotels charge high taxes or apply them for the entire stay. Those that reduce or waive them after a certain period help lower costs.

• Laundry and Wi-Fi: Some hotels include these in the price. Others charge extra.

Pros and Cons of Living in a Hotel

Pros

• Room service and housekeeping reduce daily tasks. You save time and effort. You can focus on priorities or relax.

• If something inside your room breaks, the hotel fixes it promptly. You don’t need to worry about repairs anymore.

• Hotels have CCTV cameras. Competent staff are on duty 24/7. Outsiders’ entry is regulated. So, the risk of theft or break-ins is negligible. You feel safer throughout your stay.

• There are no lease agreements or deposits. You can stay as long as you want and leave whenever you need. This arrangement is perfect for frequent movers.

• Many hotels offer pools, gyms, spas, and lounges. You can work out or unwind whenever you feel like, without extra costs or travel.

• Hotels are usually in city centres. Restaurants, transport and entertainment are nearby.

• Electricity, water, and Wi-Fi are included in the rate. You don’t have to worry about extra bills.

• Hotels come fully furnished. You just check in and settle in.

• Toiletries, towels, and sometimes snacks are restocked regularly. This reduces small daily expenses.

• Most costs are covered by the hotel. You don’t have to face multiple bills or unexpected charges.

• Long-term guests earn points, free nights, and upgrades to help lower overall costs.

Cons

• Hotel living is expensive in the long run even with discounts.

• Rooms are small. Storage is limited. Living in one room for a long time can feel cramped.

• Most regular hotels don’t have kitchens. Eating out adds up. Those with kitchens have limited space and appliances.

• Hotel rules can be restrictive. Policies on visitors, noise, and long stays may feel limiting.

• You can’t make it feel like home. No decorating, no rearranging furniture — just a temporary space.

• Laundry isn’t cheap. Many hotels charge per item or load. Costs add up fast.

• It’s hard to feel a sense of community. Guests come and go, making long-term connections difficult.

• Your stay isn’t always guaranteed. If the hotel is fully booked, you may have to move. 

• Rates and policies can change. Prices may rise, or the hotel may stop offering long stays.

What Adjustments Does Hotel Living Require?

• Make the most of small places. Storage is limited. So pack light and use organisers. Multi-purpose travel bags, hanging shelves, and under-bed storage can help.

• Sort out laundry. Hotel laundry is expensive. A laundromat or self-service washer can save money.

• Get a portable cooker to prepare simple meals if the hotel has a kitchen.

• Plan for daily essentials, as hotels provide only toiletries.

• Activate a PO box or a mail forwarding service if you need deliveries. Some hotels don’t accept mail. 

• Manage unexpected cost changes. Hotel rates can go up without warning. To avoid surprises, negotiate a long-term rate, join loyalty programmes, or choose hotels that lock in monthly pricing.

• Have a Plan B for your stay. Hotels may stop offering long-term stays, or rates may become unaffordable.

How To Find the Right Hotel for Long-Term Stays?

• Look for extended-stay hotels and serviced apartments that offer lower rates for month-long stays. Call the hotel to negotiate. Direct bookings usually get better deals than third-party websites. Some hotels allow rate adjustments after a few weeks. Ask if you can lock in a fixed monthly price.

• Check what’s included to avoid hidden costs. Some hotels bundle Wi-Fi, utilities, and housekeeping into the price, while others charge separately. Always confirm in advance. If your hotel lacks a kitchen, check if it offers free breakfast or has nearby affordable dining options.

• Consider the hotel’s location. Living near grocery stores, restaurants, and public transport saves time and money. If you need a quiet space for work or rest, avoid hotels near nightlife or tourist hotspots.

• Check flexibility in booking terms. Some hotels require you to check out and rebook every 30 days due to local laws. Make sure this isn’t a hassle. If your stay is uncertain, choose a hotel with flexible cancellation or extension policies.

• Look at room set-up and comfort. Select a room with a kitchenette, workspace, and enough storage. Without these, simple tasks like cooking or working can become frustrating.

If privacy matters, ask if you can adjust housekeeping schedules.

• Confirm whether the hotel accepts mail for long-term guests. If not, consider using a PO box or a mail forwarding service.

Tips To Make Hotel Living Comfortable

1. Personalise your space. Rearrange small items like chairs or nightstands to suit your daily routine. Bring familiar touches — photos, a favourite pillow, or a scented candle to make the space feel like home. Use a small, warm-toned lamp for a cosier feel if the lighting feels harsh.

2. Create a routine. Stick to regular wake-ups, meals, and work times to maintain normalcy. If the hotel lacks a gym, schedule daily walks or simple in-room workouts. Plan errands and laundry days so you don’t feel unsettled.

3. Manage noise and privacy. Request a quiet room away from elevators or busy streets. Use noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise app if sounds from hallways or neighbouring rooms are distracting. Hang a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign when you don’t want housekeeping to enter.

4. Make dining easier. Stock up on easy meals like instant oats, microwave meals, or non-perishable snacks if the room lacks a kitchen. Get reusable cutlery and food containers to avoid relying on disposable utensils.

5. Stay organised in a small space. Use packing cubes or storage bins to keep clothes and essentials tidy. Hang a shoe organiser behind the door for toiletries, snacks, or small items. Rotate outfits frequently to avoid cluttering the room with unused clothes.

6. Build a good relationship with hotel staff. They may offer better service, priority room upgrades, or useful local tips. If you need something like extra towels, late check-out, or a quieter room, staff are more likely to help if they know you.

7. Change your environment occasionally to get a change of scenery and keep things fresh. Find a café, coworking space, or park nearby.

8. Stay connected without internet hassles. Hotel Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable. Speeds fluctuate, and some hotels throttle usage. If you work online or stream content, get a portable hotspot or an unlimited data plan as a backup. 

Some hotels offer premium Wi-Fi at a cost. It’s worth asking if the upgrade gives noticeably better speed. Test the connection before committing to a long-term stay.

Why Viceroy Bali Is Ideal for a Long-Term Stay

If you’re planning to live in a hotel or resort in Bali, here’s why you must consider Viceroy Bali Luxury Resort:

• Special long term rates are available with up to 40% off the usual prices.

• The resort is private yet minutes from Ubud’s centre. You’re near cafés and cultural sites but still enjoy peace.

• All luxury villas come with a heated pool, marble bathroom, and private terrace. They’re fully furnished for an easy long stay.

• Service is seamless. The concierge arranges bookings, excursions, and special requests. The 24-hour room service handles meals and daily comforts.

• You can take spa treatments, private yoga, and Indonesian cooking classes — all within the resort.

• Every meal at Apéritif Restaurant is a fine dining experience. Plus they have CasCades restaurant for casual dining and Pinstripe Bar for wonderful cocktails and drinks.

Viceroy Bali offers five-star hospitality that makes extended stays memorable. The resort offers special pricing for long-term stays. You can contact us directly to explore personalised offers.