MainStay Suites is an extended-stay hotel chain owned by Choice Hotels

MainStay Suites is a hotel brand that rents rooms by the week or month rather than by the night. Choice Hotels, a large hotel company, owns and operates the chain. The rooms come with a kitchenette — a small kitchen area with a refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop — so guests can prepare some of their own meals instead of eating out for every meal.

The chain positions itself as an affordable option for people who need a place to stay for an extended period. You might use MainStay Suites if you are relocating for work, waiting for a house to close, recovering from a disaster, or need temporary housing while your home is being repaired. The weekly and monthly rates are lower per night than standard hotels charge, though the total cost depends on the location and the current demand.

MainStay Suites locations exist across the United States. Not every city has one, so availability depends on where you need to stay. You can search for locations and check room availability on the Choice Hotels website or by calling a specific property directly.

Key Takeaways

  • MainStay Suites rents rooms for weeks or months at a time, with kitchenettes included so you can cook some meals yourself.
  • The chain is owned by Choice Hotels and operates under their rewards program, so you can earn points on stays if you join.
  • Weekly and monthly rates are typically lower per night than standard hotel rates, but you pay upfront for the full stay.
  • Rooms usually include basic furniture, a bed, a bathroom, and utilities, but policies on pets, deposits, and cancellations vary by location.
  • You can book through the Choice Hotels website, call a property directly, or work with a travel agent.

What's included in a MainStay Suites room

A typical MainStay Suites room contains a bed or beds, a full bathroom, a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave, and basic furniture like a desk or table and a chair. Most rooms have a television and Wi-Fi. Utilities — water, electricity, and heat or air conditioning — are included in your nightly rate.

The kitchenette lets you store food and prepare straightforward meals, which can reduce your overall cost compared to eating every meal at a restaurant. You will not have a full kitchen with an oven, but you can use the microwave and stovetop for basic cooking.

Housekeeping service varies by location. Some MainStay Suites properties offer daily cleaning, while others offer it less frequently or only on request. Check with the specific property when you book to understand what cleaning service is included in your rate.

How to book a room at MainStay Suites

You can book a MainStay Suites room through three main routes: the Choice Hotels website, by calling the property directly, or through a travel agent. The Choice Hotels website lets you search by location, check availability for your dates, and see the nightly rate for weekly or monthly stays.

When you book online, you will need to provide your name, email address, phone number, and a payment method. Most properties require a credit card to hold the reservation. Some locations may ask for a security deposit, especially for stays longer than a few weeks. The deposit amount and whether it is refundable depend on the individual property's policy.

If you call the property directly, the front desk staff can answer questions about current rates, what is included, pet policies, and any specials the location is running. Calling can be faster if you have specific questions or need to negotiate a rate for a longer stay.

Rates, deposits, and payment terms

MainStay Suites charges by the night, but the nightly rate is lower when you book for a week or month than when you book for a single night. The exact rate depends on the location, the season, and how far in advance you book. Rates are higher in busy seasons and lower during slower periods.

Most properties require payment upfront for the entire stay when you check in, though some may allow you to pay weekly or in installments if you are staying for a month or longer. Ask about payment options when you book or call ahead.

Security deposits vary. Some locations charge a deposit equal to one night's rate or a flat amount like $100 or $200. Others do not charge a deposit at all. The deposit is usually refundable if you leave the room in good condition and follow the property's rules. Damage beyond normal wear and tear may result in charges against the deposit.

Pets, smoking, and house rules

Pet policies differ by location. Some MainStay Suites properties allow pets for an additional nightly fee, while others do not allow pets at all. If you have a pet, confirm the policy before you book. Properties that allow pets typically charge between $10 and $25 per night, though this varies.

Most MainStay Suites rooms are non-smoking. Smoking in a non-smoking room usually results in a cleaning fee charged to your account. Some properties have designated smoking rooms, so ask when you book if you need one.

Extended-stay properties typically have rules about noise, guests, and use of common areas. You will receive a copy of these rules when you check in. Violations can result in eviction without a refund, so read them carefully.

Choice Hotels rewards and loyalty programs

MainStay Suites is part of the Choice Hotels family, which means your stays can earn points in the Choice Privileges rewards program. You can join for free on the Choice Hotels website. Each night you stay earns points that you can redeem for free nights or other rewards.

Members also receive email notifications about special rates and promotions at MainStay Suites and other Choice Hotels properties. If you stay frequently, joining the rewards program can lower your effective cost over time.

You do not have to join the rewards program to book a room. You can stay as a non-member and pay the standard rate, then join later if you decide to stay again.

Cancellation and refund policies

Cancellation policies vary by property and by the rate you book. Some MainStay Suites locations offer free cancellation up to a certain number of days before your arrival, while others charge a cancellation fee or require you to forfeit a night's payment. The specific policy appears on the booking confirmation and on the property's page on the Choice Hotels website.

If you need to cancel, do so as soon as possible. Cancellations made within the important date stated in your confirmation are usually refunded to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. Cancellations made after the important date may forfeit your deposit or one night's payment.

If you need to leave early after checking in, contact the front desk. Some properties may refund unused nights, but this depends on the property's policy and the rate you booked. There is no may provide of a refund for early departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay at MainStay Suites for just one night?

Yes, though the nightly rate for a one-night stay is higher than the weekly or monthly rate. MainStay Suites is designed for longer stays, so single-night rates reflect that. If you need a room for just one night, a standard hotel may offer a better rate.

Do I need to provide proof of income or employment to book?

Most MainStay Suites properties do not require proof of income or employment. You will need a valid photo ID and a credit card to hold the reservation. Some properties may ask for additional information if you are paying cash or if the stay is unusually long, but this is not standard.

What happens if I damage the room?

Damage beyond normal wear and tear — such as broken furniture, holes in walls, or stains that do not come out — may result in charges against your security deposit or to your credit card. The property will document the damage and provide an itemized list of charges. Dispute the charges with the property or your credit card company if you believe they are unfair.

Can I extend my stay after I check in?

Yes. Contact the front desk and ask about extending your reservation. The rate for the extension may differ from your original rate depending on current availability and demand. Extensions are subject to availability, so there is no may provide the room will be available for additional nights.

Is MainStay Suites the same as other extended-stay hotel chains?

MainStay Suites is one of several extended-stay chains. Others include Extended Stay America, La Quinta, and Motel 6. Each chain has different rates, amenities, and policies. Compare options in your area to find the best fit for your needs and budget.