As with many midsized cities in the U.S., Peoria has a huge choice of housing options. Usually, when people are coming into the U.S. on a temporary basis they research apartment rentals as their first option. At first glance, these may appear to be cost effective, but there are hidden costs that you need to consider before signing a lease for an apartment…

• Utility costs: Gas, electric, water, trash, sewer, basic telephone lines, high-speed wireless internet access, CNN, Showtime, ESPN. It may cost you between $300-$500 per month in addition to the apartment rental.
• Furniture rental package: To furnish a typical 2 bedroom apartment will cost you $423 per month to rent.
• Accessory packages: Of course you will need soft goods for your kitchen, bed and bath. To furnish the kitchen with dinnerware, coffeemaker, pots and pans, etc will cost $45 per month; rental of bathroom towels will cost $25 per month; utility items such as iron and ironing board, vacuum cleaner, etc $30 per month; bedding for a queen bed is $30 per month. Total for a typical 2 bedroom apartment is an additional $130 per month. (Or you can go out and buy the items and it will cost you a few hundred dollars).
• Baby items: You can rent a crib with sheets for $35 a month; a high chair $20 per month.  

Also, in preparation for your arrival, you will need to coordinate the services of all the utilities and rentals in advance of your stay. Often, they require advance security deposits and references. Then, when you move out, you will have to have those services disconnected; return rental items and collect the refunds, if applicable.

If you sign a lease for a typical 2 bedroom apartment at $920 per month, you may incur an additional $900 a month in utilities and rentals! Suddenly, that ‘reasonably priced apartment’ now costs you well over $1800 a month!….and that doesn’t even include your cost of living fees such as groceries, paper products and meals!

So, what is the alternative? Many seasoned travelers search out the “extended stay facilities” in Peoria. The leading facility is the Residence Inn by Marriott. In addition to not having to sign a lease or give a non-refundable security deposit; there are countless of other advantages that will fit your budget while allowing you to be pampered at no additional cost….

The Residence Inn by Marriott in Peoria will furnish:   

• BATHROOM: Shampoo, soap, lotion, towels, washcloths, light bulbs, toilet paper, tissue, hair dryer, shower curtain, waste basket and trash bags.
• BEDROOM: Queen size bed, bedspread, curtains, sheets, alarm clock/radio, telephone, voicemail, hangers, full length mirror, large closet, extra blanket, 2 lamps, 2 night stands, iron and ironing board.
• LIVING ROOM: Pullout sofa sleeper, chair, 2 lamps, coffee table, end tables, desk, curtains, telephone with voicemail.
• KITCHEN: FULL SIZED STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES! Microwave, coffee maker, regular coffee, decaf coffee, tea, paper towels, pots and pans, dishes, dishwasher detergent, waste basket, trash bags, Equal, sugar, salt, pepper, creamer, cooking and eating utensils.
• ALL UTILITIES PAID! Gas, electric, water, trash, sewer, basic phone lines, voicemail system, high-speed wireless internet access, cable: CNN, Showtime, ESPN.

• We even do your grocery shopping free of charge and put it away for you! We have a special arrangement with the local Indian Grocery store and can have delivered to your room any specialty you desire.
• You will not have to purchase a gas grill, refill propane tanks or buy grill utensils…use ours! You can eat outside and enjoy our picnic area.
• We wash all of your sheets, towels, and washcloths. You only wash your clothes! We have an on-site laundry so you do not have to go outside to another building or go to a Laundromat. So, your laundry soap is minimal.
• Complimentary use of crib, sheets and high chairs.
• We also serve a FREE FULL BUFFET BREAKFAST DAILY!
• On Monday – Wednesday evenings, we have a ‘Social Night’ that includes a light meal. In addition to the variety of foods served on our buffet, we also provide a rotation of Sambar, Mendu Vada, Idli, Uttapam, and Masala Dosa. All included in your cost! You have the added benefit of socializing with other guests, if you desire.
• Our exercise room is on-site and is open 24 hours a day. It is fully equipped and includes TVs with remotes, towels, scales, and water. You do not need to leave the building to workout.
• Our indoor heated pool and spa is open until 10pm every night and is open year round! We furnish and launder the towels.
• We have a “Sports Court’ with tennis and basketballs available.
• We allow pets with a minor deposit.
• After a 30 consecutive day stays, your rooming becomes tax exempt. This saves over $200+ per month!
• Weekly HOUSEKEEPING! You will never have to vacuum, clean tubs, sinks, toilets, wash dishes, clean windows, wash linens, replace bulbs, or worry about maintenance!
• Best of all, you will receive MARRIOTT REWARDS POINTS! For every one dollar you spend, you will receive 5 Marriott points! These points can be redeemed for FREE upgrades at Marriott’s (If applicable), airline tickets, cruises, hotel nights, tour packages, entertainment packages, theme parks, and much more!
• Security & Convenience: We are tucked away in a quiet, secure area of the city….within walking distance to North Woods Mall.
• 24/7 front desk staff for added convenience and security.  

Normally, our hotel stays will cost you less than a typical apartment rental!

If this option appeals to you, please see our website at www.Marriott.com/piail for further details on our hotel.

Please contact Bonnie at peoriailrisales@tharaldson.com for extended stay reservations.