New Extended-Stay Option for Top Earners, Executives

As individual travel incentives continue to rise in popularity, some reward planners are considering a type of lodging that is usually the domain of business travelers on long-term assignments—the short-term hotel apartment.

A relative of the extended-stay property, hotel residences give guests an added level of privacy and discretion while maintaining many of the amenities and services provided by a traditional hotel.

In New York City, new to this market is the Sutton Court Hotel Residences, on tony East 57th Street, where guests can live like a New Yorker. The building is in the midst of a full renovation, with 80 units now available and the remaining 20 scheduled for completion by the fall.

The Sutton Court offers furnished studios, one-bedroom units, and two-bedrooms units with city or river views. Each unit has a fully furnished kitchen that includes stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, utensils, and dinnerware, as well as a king-size bed (or beds) with 300 thread-count linens. Technology amenities include a 42-inch HDTV, wireless telephone with unlimited local and long-distance calling (U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico), an iHome docking station, and a work station. The Sutton Court has a 24-hour doorman and concierge, a fitness center, and laundry facilities.

A long-term stay option could be ideal for those companies that offer sabbaticals, such as those for executives who will be in New York City regularly, for extended periods of time, or for company relocations. The Sutton Court is within walking distance of luxury shopping on 57th Street and Madison Avenue.

Corporate VIPs from companies like JP Morgan and Boston Consulting have booked stays there, and it’s been a home to actors in town for stints on Broadway or at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Studios start at $5,900 per month, one-bedrooms at $6,700, and two-bedrooms at $12,000 to $15,000, plus taxes, which are lower than those charged at regular hotels. When broken out by day, the costs are comparable—or even less—than regular rates for four- or five-star properties. While the Sutton Court focuses on extended stays, shorter-term rentals can be arranged, pending availability. Rates increase for shorter stays, depending on the season.

Book now through Sept. 5, 2011 and the Sutton Court is offering the Pampered Business Traveler Package, which includes a one-hour workout session led by a personal trainer, plus a choice between a $100 certificate for a limo company or a $100 gift card for Brooks Brothers or Ann Taylor. Certain restrictions apply.

For more information, call (212) 935-3300 or visit www.suttoncourt.com.