Travel has become a huge part of the modern way of life. Not only are people traveling for pleasure, businesses are increasing the frequency of work and training trips taken by their employees. Some jobs, like construction, rely heavily on hotels and extended stay establishments for their workers’ housing situation until a job is finished. While many hotels offer decent rates, the cost can get quite high when you need to stay for longer than a day or two.
Recently, I had the chance to stay at the Value Place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, an extended living hotel chain with over fifty locations across the US and current development plans for over eighty more. With company in town and the need to stay somewhere other than home for a week, I rented a room at one of the three Value Places in Oklahoma City. For someone looking to spend minimal money, Value Place is perfect…as long as you expect humble accommodations.
Value Place offers three different types of rooms/apartments. All follow a basic studio layout and come in singles, double, and studio sleepers. The room is fairly sparse, relying on those leasing the space to furnish their own extras, such as bedside lamps, dishes, and pots and pans. The room has a television, an alarm clock, and internet access. One advantage of a Value Place room over a regular hotel was the small kitchenette area, which included a sink, a full sized refrigerator, and two burners for simple cooking.
The bathroom was clean and spacious with a good sized tub and sink area. There were no problems with water temperature or pressure, and towels, wash cloths, and a floor mat came with the room. The room in general was clean, with a clothes rack, a set of drawers, and a dining table with two chairs. The air conditioning worked well and the TV provided an expanded cable service (though it differed from the regular Oklahoma City expanded cable service that most residents have, with fewer channels, some not found in a regular package).
As far as room comfort went, the chairs were fine to sit in and the facilities were quiet. The main problem with the room was the bed. The double size was not comfortable for two people, though one person may not have a problem with it. Unfortunately, the “firmness” of the bed takes some getting used to. The bed in our room consisted of a mattress placed on a hard board on top of what looked like a tipped over shelving unit (“extra storage space” according to Value Place). Though my companion and I were able to adapt to this, those with back problems probably won’t get a good night’s rest on these beds.
The overall facilities at Value Place were clean and the staff was friendly. A room key gives you 24 hour access in and out of the building. Housekeeping is offered every other week for those staying longer than the minimum of seven days. Value Place offers things like daily housekeeping and dish packages at an extra cost. Vending machines are available and there is an elevator for those who can’t use stairs, as well as coin-op laundry services.
The cost of Value Place starts at $169.00 for seven days for one person. The double studio and studio sleeper rooms were more expensive, up to $219.00 for one person and $10 for each additional guest. Even at the higher prices, Value Place is cheaper than a regular motel, even for one that only charges $50 a night.
Overall, my Value Place stay was decent. The privacy was great and the location right off of I-44 allowed easy access to restaurants and shopping centers in the area. It’s perfect for those staying in the area for business, or for newcomers to the city who need somewhere to stay until they can settle in their own home or apartment. At the low rate, the small bit of discomfort can easily be adapted to for those more concerned with their pocketbook.
Reservations and complete location listings can be found at the company’s website. You can make online, phone, or in-person reservations. Make sure to keep your confirmation number and present it at the front desk. We did have an issue with our original reservation not being sent to the correct establishment. Upon check-in, you will be asked to pay your “rent” in advance as well as a $100 deposit which will be refunded at the end of the week if there were no problems or damages to the room. It’s also important to review Value Place’s rules to make sure you get your deposit back. They require a 24 hour notice of your evacuation in order to get your deposit back.
If you’re traveling for longer than a week (the minimum Value Place stay is seven days), and are looking for a modest place to stay, definitely check this place out. While you won’t be living in the lap of luxury, you will have a roof over your head, a place to shower, eat, and sleep, and internet and cable to keep you entertained.
