news-04102024-000144

In a time where housing affordability is a growing concern for many, single mother Suzanne Hayes from Connecticut faced a difficult situation. After receiving a 30-day notice to vacate her month-to-month rental property, Hayes found herself struggling to secure affordable housing due to soaring rent costs and credit complications. Despite her urgent search for a new home, landlords repeatedly rejected her due to her income being deemed insufficient and her credit score falling below the required threshold.

With limited options and time running out, Hayes had to think outside the box. She decided to reach out to local hotels and discovered the Avon Old Farms Hotel, which offered a two-bedroom apartment for $2,200 per month, including all utilities and access to the hotel’s amenities. While the idea of living in a hotel seemed unconventional at first, Hayes soon realized the unexpected benefits it brought to her family.

The hotel living arrangement allowed Hayes to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, reducing the burden of property maintenance, pest problems, and financial management that came with renting a home. The weekly housekeeping service, fresh linens, towels, and access to the hotel’s gym and pool provided a welcome respite from the daily responsibilities Hayes had faced as a single mother.

Despite initial hesitations, Hayes’ children adapted to their new living situation and even found joy in some of the perks offered by the hotel. While the arrangement has been comfortable for the past seven months, Hayes acknowledged the impermanence of hotel living and expressed her desire for a stable, long-term rental where she can finally unpack and settle down.

The Avon Old Farms Hotel, where Hayes and her family reside, offers more than just accommodation. Long-term residents can enjoy flat-screen TVs, plush bedding, an on-site gym and pool, weekly deep cleans, laundry assistance, and in-room massages, creating a hotel experience with the convenience of long-term living. Despite the limitations of hotel living, Hayes remains grateful for the safe haven it has provided her family in the midst of the challenging rental market.

Looking towards the future, Hayes hopes for a more stable housing situation and dreams of securing a one or two-year lease in a permanent home. She believes that addressing housing issues should be a priority for future leaders to help families like hers find affordable and stable housing solutions. As she continues to navigate the uncertainties of the rental market, Hayes remains optimistic about the possibility of finding a place to call home for her family.