Extended-stay hotels like these have been popular among hotel companies in recent years because they’re cheaper and easier to build. In 2008, the number of extended-stay rooms grew 6.7% to nearly 300,000, the highest growth rate in seven years, Highland Group says.

With blocks of guests staying weeks at a time, they also have fewer check-ins to process and report consistently higher occupancy rates than other hotels do.

The three- to four-story wood-frame buildings are located mostly in suburbs, near airports and business parks. Rooms are equipped with a separate living area, full kitchen and laundry facilities.

Several companies, including Marriott, Starwood Hotels and Hilton, have launched brands or redesigned their chains in recent months to reflect a modern decor sought by a younger clientele.

In 2008, the number of extended-stay rooms grew 6.7% to nearly 300,000, the highest growth rate in seven years, Highland Group says.

But demand isn’t keeping up with supply. Demand for these rooms — or the number of room nights actually sold — rose 3.4% in 2008, according to Smith Travel Research. Occupancy still fell to 68.6% in 2008 from 72% in 2007.

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