The suite life: 10 long-term UAE hotel stays to book instead of renewing your lease

From room service to free housekeeping, there are plenty of perks that come with a hotel stay. But what if these added extras could become part of your every day life? Well, perhaps now they can. Recently, due to the coronavirus pandemic, long-term prices for hotel rooms and serviced apartments across the UAE have become more affordable, meaning it could cost less than your monthly rent. As well as saving you money, these options offer you flexibility, as you can often pay monthly and move out when you want to. If you’re having second thoughts about signing onto a year-long contract, here’s a look at some of the hotels offering monthly stays. This budget hotel chain, with branches across Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, has a "StayThirty" deal for those who don't want to deal with rental agreements, utility bills and long contracts. The month-long deal includes Wi-Fi and free housekeeping services, as well as discounts on laundry, food and drinks within the hotel. Monthly cost Prices differ across branches, but begin at Dh1,999 at Citymax Hotel Sharjah. Several locations; www.citymaxhotels.com Looking for a flexible option with all the creature comforts? This budget hotel group has launched monthly rates at branches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you book 30 consecutive days, you'll get a room service breakfast each day, free Wi-Fi, up to 30 per cent off on food and drinks at the hotel and up to 30 per cent discount on laundry services. The offer is valid on its Dubai Investments Park, Al Jaddaf, Silicon Oasis, Dubai International Airport, Ibn Battuta, Dragon Mart, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Abu Dhabi Capital Centre branches. Monthly cost It depends on the branch, but prices start at Dh2,640, excluding taxes, for an adult staying in the Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park. Several locations; mena.premierinn.com The Dubai brand has fixed monthly rates across its five properties for those looking to turn a hotel room into their new home. Those who book in before Wednesday, September 30, can enjoy a discounted rate until Saturday, December 26. You'll get free Wi-Fi, access to a 24-hour gym and outdoor pool, a 50 per cent discount on the self-service laundrette and on-demand laundry service, 20 per cent off on food and drinks at The Daily restaurant and a 20 per cent discount on a Letswork membership, which gives you access to a co-working space. Monthly cost: The rate for a standard room is Dh2,999 for Rove at the Park, Rove Healthcare City and Rove City Centre, and goes up to Dh3,499 for Rove Dubai Marina and Dubai Downtown. There are also connecting rooms available that can be requested at select branches. These rates are valid on bookings at Rove Hotel branches before Wednesday, September 30; multiple locations; 04 561 9999; www.rovehotels.com This boutique hotel in Dubai Studio City has a monthly deal that includes daily housekeeping, coffee and tea-making facilities, and access to the swimming pool and 24-hour gym. There are also a number of dining options in the hotel, including The Maine Street Eatery and The Irish Village, and movie screenings held at the weekend to keep you entertained. Monthly cost The rate is Dh3,750 without tax and Dh4,200 with tax. If the guest extends their stay for another 30 days, they don't have to pay tax. The current rates are valid on bookings made before Monday, August 31; Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City; 800 788 346; www.studioonehotel.com Those checking into this Dubai Media City hotel can enjoy free Wi-Fi, 20 per cent off at food and drinks outlets in the hotel (as well as in-room dining), and a housekeeping service twice a week. Considering the hotel has nine restaurants, a swimming pool and a gym, there should be plenty to do. Monthly cost A stay in a standard room is priced at Dh4,250. Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City; 04 427 1000; www.mediaonehotel.com A modern and trendy hotel located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Radisson Red has 59 long-term options – including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. You'll get free Wi-Fi, access to a rooftop pool, 24-hour gym and 20 per cent off on food and drinks at Ouibar + Terrace and the Red Roof. The apartments feature modern interiors, with custom-made wallpaper inspired by UAE artists. The hotel is also pet-friendly, meaning your furry friends can join in the fun. Monthly cost: Prices start at Dh4,500 for a studio, Dh7,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and Dh10,500 for a two-bedroom apartment. Radisson Red Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis; 04 571 4343; www.radissonhotels.com/red Overlooking Emirates Golf Club, and in close proximity to Dubai Marina, this hotel has a long-stay offer with a number of great perks – but those interested have to book in for stays of more than 14 days before August (although you can stay any time until June 23, 2021). Those taking up the offer will get 25 per cent off at the hotel's restaurants, 25 per cent off on the laundry package, room cleaning twice a week, free Wi-Fi, parking, complimentary access to the cooking hub (which includes a private fridge), and the social hub (which features games, including on PS4). There is also a pool and a 24-hour gym to enjoy. Monthly cost Prices start at Dh4,500 a month, including taxes, and can be extended for Dh130 per night. Current offer is valid on bookings made before August; Vida Emirates Hills, Emirates Hills; 04 872 8888; www.vidahotels.com Those booking a standard room on a monthly basis here also get a 50 per cent discount on laundry, 30 per cent discount at Elmax Salon and Spa, a 25 per cent discount on food and beverages (including at Riva Beach Club), a free self-parking space and room cleaning three times a week. The rooms may also be upgraded, subject to availability at the time of booking. Monthly cost Prices for a standard room start at Dh4,500. Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, JLT Cluster A; 04 438 0000; www.movenpick.com In search of a luxury long-stay hotel deal? One of the capital's most popular five-star hotels, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi, currently has an offer available for those booking and planning a stay before Sunday, December 20. Guests who check-in for 30 nights or more, can enjoy a 50 per cent discount on food and drinks within the hotel and 50 per cent off on laundry services. Monthly cost Rates start from Dh7,599, including taxes. Offer valid on bookings made before Sunday, December 20; Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel; 02 656 1000; www.anantara.com The luxury property at Meydan Racecourse in Nad Al Sheba reopened on Sunday, July 12, with a deal for those looking for an extended break surrounded by horses. Those booking a grand superior room for a week will get complimentary breakfast, 25 per cent off in-hotel dining, and 50 per cent off laundry services. There will also be a complimentary upgrade to a grand deluxe room if the booking is made five days in advance, while children under the age of 12 can stay for free. There are plenty of reasons to want to call this home – and the infinity pool overlooking the racecourse is just one of them. Monthly cost Prices for a grand superior room start at Dh1,949 for one week, and Dh3,499 for two weeks. That works out to about Dh7,000 for a month. The Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba; 04 381 3333; www.themeydanhotel.com

The suite life: 10 long-term UAE hotel stays to book instead of renewing your lease

If you're looking for options that deliver on comfort while offering flexibility – why not move into a hotel?