Greg Juceam, President and CEO of Extended Stay America, shares his expertise on the rising extended-stay hotel sector. He highlights the investment potential in secondary markets and the operational simplicity of these accommodations. Juceam discusses the benefits of ownership combined with franchising, supporting scalable growth. He also touches on the diverse demand from construction crews to digital nomads, predicting stable occupancy. Finally, he delves into strategic expansions and the impact of mega trends reshaping the industry.
Extended Stay America's model of catering to diverse guest needs amid economic uncertainty highlights the resilience and growth potential of extended-stay hotels.
The introduction of Extend America Select Suites showcases ESA's strategic adaptability and commitment to affordability in response to evolving market demand for temporary housing.
Deep dives
The Growth of Extended Stay Hotels
The extended stay hotel segment has experienced significant growth despite challenges faced by the wider hotel industry during the pandemic. Extended Stay America, as a pioneer in this niche, has carved a distinct market by catering primarily to guests who need accommodations for weeks or months. With over 700 locations across the U.S. and a focus on secondary and tertiary markets, this model effectively serves an increasing demand for temporary housing without the traditional requirements of short-term leases. As a result, the company welcomes approximately 22 million guests each year, showcasing a robust business model that operates successfully even in times of economic uncertainty.
Innovative Brand Development
Extended Stay America has recently expanded its brand offerings with the introduction of Extend America Select Suites, positioning itself as an economical choice for guests seeking limited-stay accommodations. This economy-focused brand emphasizes affordability and has rapidly grown from one to 220 hotels within two years, meeting the needs of an expanding market where temporary housing is increasingly sought after. The success of this initiative illustrates the company's strategic adaptability in a shifting marketplace, catering to guests looking for extended stays while also attracting franchise partners eager to capitalize on this growing segment. Such innovation not only strengthens the brand's market presence but also reflects a keen understanding of consumer demand.
Structural Uniqueness in the Hospitality Model
Extended Stay America operates under a unique business model that integrates ownership, management, and branding, diverging from the prevalent asset-light strategies adopted by many hotel companies today. This structure allows the brand to maintain close relationships with franchises and owners while ensuring that operational decisions align with both guest satisfaction and business performance. By retaining ownership of a substantial portion of its properties through a real estate investment trust, the company can better control quality and service standards, which can lead to improved guest experiences and better overall occupancy rates. This competitive advantage enables the brand to respond effectively to market demands and ensure long-term sustainability.
Navigating Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
The pandemic has shifted consumer behavior, illuminating the appeal of extended stay hotels for a diverse range of guests, from business travelers to those in need of temporary housing. The ongoing trend of remote work means that many guests utilize extended stay hotels as alternative home offices, leading to increased demand for business-friendly amenities like reliable Wi-Fi and workspaces. Additionally, the brand's role in supporting healthcare initiatives, such as providing discounted rooms for families visiting patients, underlines its community engagement and adaptability in catering to various customer needs. By remaining attuned to these market trends, Extended Stay America is well-positioned to leverage current and emerging demands within the hospitality sector.
With a twist on the conventional lodging business model, Extended Stay America (ESA) has seen impressive growth in recent years. ESA CEO Greg Juceam discusses managing its real estate portfolio and provides insights on the business of long-term accommodations.
Share these insights from this week’s episode:
Investment Potential: The extended-stay lodging segment offers a resilient and growing opportunity, particularly in secondary and tertiary markets.
Operational Simplicity: Extended-stay hotels can benefit from streamlined operations and less labor requirements.
Scalability: ESA’s model combines ownership and franchising, enabling multiple avenues for growth and scalability.
Diversified Demand: The diverse range of guest demand drivers -- from construction crews to long-term healthcare treatments to digital nomads -- tends to support stable occupancy rates.
Strategic Expansion: ESA’s focus on new builds and strategic acquisitions positions it well for future growth, even in challenging capital markets.
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