Unfortunately, he'll be disappointed at almost any of the extended-stay chains. None of them are rolling out gourmet vittles, if you know what I mean... Think build-your-own-tacos, little smokies, nacho dip, etc.

One chain that nobody's mentioned that seems to do a bit more is Kimpton. I've stayed at 3-4 of their hotels, and I noticed lobby receptions in at least a couple of them. Evening receptions open to all guests, that is. I dropped in on one at the Monaco in Seattle a few months ago - decent nibbles (that is, what you'd expect at a catered event at a nice hotel) and several drinkable wine choices, plus Heineken and a couple of other beers.

I don't know if they do it every night or at every hotel. But it seems to be more common there - especially because some (all?) of them do not have concierge levels.