We've stayed in fully furnished executive partments in several cities which are different from extended stay hotels. I prefer the extended stay hotels and the Homewood Suites sort of places over the apartments.

The rates are similar, but if hotel points matter to you, you need the extended stay hotels.

I like getting to know the folks on staff, the free breakfasts, 24 hour coffee, some dinners and manager's receptions as well as the pools and fitness equipment at the extended stay and all suites hotels. I have been able to cut my daily cost of meals about in half.

Be very aware of local taxes when comparing prices!

Security is 6 of one sort and a half dozen of the other.

Get to know the hotel managers as he/she will tell you which rooms are the best ones and which ones are likely to be too near a keg party on the weekends.