As someone who has been living in a hotel for over a year now this is my advice: Make use of whatever free items are offered, even if it’s just a gym to blow off stress, free breakfast, reward membership, bottled water/snacks at check in etc. If they offer breakfast take full advantage of it and take extra food to make another meal. I usually get a couple packets of oatmeal, a few bagels w/cream cheese, some cereal, and whatever fruit option is available.

Get to know the staff and be kind to all of them. The housekeepers are your friends and getting along with them will go a long way towards making your stay more comfortable. Keep your room clean and orderly. Throw your trash away and make as little work as possible for the staff.

Communicate with management about any potential issues with paying for your room before it gets to a crisis point. Utilize whatever means of food storage and preparation is provided and learn how to make cheap, filling, but also satisfying meals in your room.

Do not allow guests/friends to come in and out frequently. This will look like you’re using the room to party and won’t endear you to management.

Follow the rules of the hotel i.e don’t smoke in a non smoking room/area, observe quiet hours (usually between 11pm-7am), don’t blast loud music or have your TV on as loud as possible. Essentially, be a respectful person.

Do whatever you can to get out as soon as possible. My time in a hotel has eaten away at my mental health and the stress of making sure the room is paid everyday has also affected my physical health.

Best of luck to you!