The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a permanent merger of work and vacation into a "workcation." But where are all those travelers going to stay?
The fast-growing market for long-term accommodations picked up speed during the pandemic, as offices closed and more Americans like Tarantino began working remotely. The options range from innovative new companies that offer housing as a subscription to traditional rental platforms and hotels adjusting their products for the workcation crowd.
The average length of a hotel stay rose 35% to 4.4 days between 2018 and 2019, according to travel data company RateGain. And the trend accelerated in 2020, with the average stay now at 5.2 days.
Subscription services
Another company, citizenM, also offers a subscription service for digital nomads, freelancers and adventurers who "love big-city life, but not big-city rent prices." Its new Global Passport lets you pay a flat rate of $1,500 for 29 consecutive nights, though additional charges such as tourist taxes may apply and will be added where applicable).
Co-working accommodations
Selina, one of the most established players, has a network of 80 properties in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Its "target customers are young digital nomads. In late 2020, Selina introduced a program that allows subscribers to use any of its spaces for $400 per month. More than half of its rooms are now subscription-based.
A subscription includes accommodations, co-working spaces, daily wellness activities, weekly laundry and meal discounts. Sales of Selina's 30-day subscription products have risen 300% in the last four months, according to Rafael Museri, the company's CEO.
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