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by Tina Farmer Advances in technology have made it increasingly easy for professionals to live in one city and work in another. The globalization of industry and commerce demands the relocation of management. The free agent era in professional sports finds many athletes switching jerseys and home teams on a seasonal basis. And, although there are professionals who aspire to live out of their suitcases in a luxury hotel, many are turning to extended stay accommodations that offer the luxury of a hotel with the comfort of a residence. In St. Louis, professionals and their families can choose from a variety of extended stay options, each focusing on easing the transition, reducing stress and welcoming new residents to the region. From a family needing a place to stay in the community where they want to settle to an international business executive here for training, there is a steady flow of people looking for temporary housing solutions that fit their lifestyle and expectations. The extended stay concept is making its way into revitalized hotel and apartment properties, but also into newer developments such as Clayton on the Park. Generally located near or in a city’s center, they feature furnished and unfurnished rooms and suites, and apartments available for any length of stay. “Our first priority is making our clients truly feel at home, whether they’re staying for one day, one month or one year,” says Micarl Hill, general manager of Clayton on the Park, a mixed-use property overlooking Shaw Park. “But we are ambassadors of Clayton and the St. Louis region as well. We have such a vibrant city, there is always so much happening and something for every taste,” he explains. “Helping our clients find their niche is one of the challenges – and rewards – of the job.” “We are a part of the Clayton community, and we host events and offer specials to keep the positive buzz going,” says Hill. “We have a number of packages that combine charitable and just for- fun events with a hotel stay.” In fact, it’s that integration of city ambassador and personal assistant that Hill thinks sets Clayton on the Park apart. “We work with a number of major corporations in the St. Louis area, offering fully furnished extended stay suites and apartments in addition to traditional hotel accommodations,” says Hill. Clayton on the Park is also the in-season home to several professional athletes, and a favorite of many Rams and Cardinals players. “The players like to be near that city energy, I think,” he asserts, “with all the conveniences and entertainment nearby. At the same time, we respect their needs and guard their privacy.” There are also many developments that emphasize the short term lease, from a 30-day minimum, and include both furnished and unfurnished options. Gentry’s Landing, with views overlooking the Riverfront and Arch grounds, as well as a rooftop patio and pool, is a popular example of this. Property manager Julie McCann feels that the view and location – within walking distance to the Arch grounds, baseball and football stadiums and the Metro – are a definite perk of staying at Gentry’s Landing. “We have several couples that come back every year for baseball season,” she says. “But we also host a lot of visiting professors and students as well. They appreciate the restaurants, services and stores available in the building’s lobby or down the block. That, and the 24-hour concierge, is something apartment complexes, even those permitting short-term leases, can’t typically offer.” Finally, there are a few companies that work with a number of St. Louis developments, almost as a broker, to place residents in newly developed and established communities. The Hampton Corporate Suites developed this extended stay concept with a small nationwide network almost fifteen years ago and it is constantly evaluating and expanding its services. Brenda Hampton, founder and owner of Hampton Corporate Suites, saw a need for short-term leasing options while working as a property manager and dealing with temporary employees. Typically, these employees were brought to St. Louis for several months to work on large projects. They didn’t want to buy furniture or sign a yearlong lease; they also didn’t want to deal with contract negotiations, neighborhood research and looking at apartment after apartment. “We talk to our clients in-depth,” Hampton explains, “from the right school district to the state of- the-art gym complex, I know which community will satisfy, even exceed, my client’s needs and preferences.” Hampton and her staff are also experienced in providing assistance to families with special needs. “We have several apartments available near local hospitals for families with seriously ill loved ones or those awaiting transplants,” says Hampton. The staff works to ensure that all special requirements are addressed, from a deep cleaning of the unit to setting up areas for medical equipment to prepared meals that accommodate dietary restrictions. “It’s very gratifying for all of us,” says Hampton, “to help people and make them feel relaxed and at home when they are dealing with so much stress and uncertainty.” The Hampton Suites has also established a third-party network, allowing Hampton and her staff to serve clients nationwide; locally, they serve a number of international clients. “When someone moves in, their home is ready for them, fully stocked with food, paper and personal products – everything they need to move right in,” says Hampton. “Our staff is savvy to the needs of international clients. For example, we make sure their kitchen has the appropriate cooking utensils and their refrigerator is stocked with the types of snacks and foods they prefer. We are sensitive to their cultural and individual needs. In fact, we treat all our clients with the same sensitivity.” When an individual or family relocates, whether temporarily or permanently, it creates stress and, often, anxiety. In our increasingly mobile and global community, extended stay accommodations can help to ease this transition. From “welcome home” baskets filled with personalized snacks and gift items to a reservation at the hippest new restaurant, the attention to personal service and luxury accommodations is making a lot of new St. Louis residents feel right at home, for as long as they stay. |
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