Why Extended Stays Are Becoming South Africa’s Fastest-Growing Hospitality Trend

The way people travel is changing — and nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of extended stays. Once associated mainly with business travellers, relocations, and corporate assignments, long-stay travel has now become a major revenue driver across South Africa’s hotel and serviced-apartment sectors. Data from industry platforms like RoomRaccoon and global trend trackers confirm that travellers are opting for 3–7 night stays more often than quick weekend breaks, with hotels reporting significant uplift in occupancy stability and ancillary revenue.

This article explores why extended stays are booming, what guests now expect, and how South African hotels can adapt to maximise this growing opportunity.

---

1. The Shift Toward Slow Travel

After years of rushed, transactional trips, travellers are actively choosing fewer but longer getaways. Globally, the slow-travel movement is reshaping the industry, with guests prioritising immersion, rest, and experience over speed. In South Africa, this shift is especially visible in wine country, coastal regions, and safari-adjacent hubs where guests are looking to “settle in” rather than “pass through”.

Longer stays allow visitors to:

• Explore neighbourhoods more authentically
• Visit attractions at a relaxed pace
• Enjoy local cuisine and cultural experiences
• Work remotely while travelling — a major trend continuing in 2025

Hotels that offer flexible workspaces, strong Wi-Fi, and homely touches are winning this segment.

---

2. Extended Stays Boost Hotel Revenue — Significantly

The operational advantages for hotels are compelling. According to RoomRaccoon’s latest hospitality performance review, hotels offering longer-stay packages see:

• Higher revenue per booking
• Lower housekeeping turnover costs
• Stronger F&B uptake (especially breakfast, room service & bar service)
• More predictable occupancy patterns

Extended-stay guests typically spend 27% more on-site than short-stay travellers because they view the hotel not just as a stopover, but a base.

Serviced apartments, aparthotels, and hybrid hotel models are leveraging this trend particularly well.

---

3. The Rise of Blended Travel (Work + Leisure)

The South African hospitality industry continues to benefit from global changes in work culture. “Bleisure” — the blending of business and leisure — remains one of the strongest travel categories in the world.

Professionals increasingly extend business trips by 2–4 days or stay longer in one city to work remotely, leading to:

• Higher midweek occupancy
• Smoother demand curves
• Lower dependence on seasonal tourism

Hotels with coworking lounges, in-room desks, smart TVs, and access to fitness/wellness amenities are now outperforming traditional competitors in this category.

---

4. What Long-Stay Guests Expect Now

Extended-stay travellers have unique needs that differ from weekend guests. Properties that excel in this segment typically offer:

✔ Kitchenettes or access to shared kitchen facilities
✔ Laundry services or self-service laundromats
✔ Flexible dining options
✔ Discounted multi-night packages
✔ Comfort-driven amenities such as larger rooms, private outdoor spaces, and seating areas
✔ Localised experiences (wine tours, markets, neighbourhood guides, transport solutions)

Personalisation is key: guests staying for 5–7 nights expect warmth, connection, and recognition.

---

5. How South African Hotels Can Capitalise on the Trend

With domestic tourism rising and international visitors staying longer per trip, South African hotels have a major opportunity to position themselves as extended-stay leaders. Successful strategies include:

• Create long-stay rate plans

Offer attractive pricing for 3+, 5+, and 7+ nights.

• Invest in hybrid spaces

Aparthotels and micro-apartment rooms are in high demand globally.

• Build partnerships

Gyms, spas, tour operators, local delivery services, and craft markets enhance extended guest experiences.

• Offer meaningful “local immersion”

Wine tastings, chef-led cooking demos, cultural walks, or local transport passes add huge perceived value.

• Train staff for relationship-based service

Extended-stay guests often act as “temporary locals”. They appreciate recognition and personal connections.

---

6. The Future: Extended Stays Are Here to Stay

With rising travel costs, hybrid work flexibility, and a growing appetite for authentic experiences, the extended-stay model is no longer a niche — it’s a core part of modern hospitality. In South Africa, the trend is accelerating faster than in many other regions, driven by favourable exchange rates, diverse landscapes, and increasingly sophisticated hotel offerings.

For operators looking to stabilise revenue, improve occupancy, and attract higher-spending guests, the message is clear:
Extended stays represent one of the most promising growth opportunities in today’s hospitality market.