When you’re staying away from home for a long period of time, having a place to make your own meals can bring comfort, savings and a sense of control. That’s why many travelers look for hotels with kitchenettes. 

Understanding what a kitchenette includes, how it works and how it differs from a full kitchen can help you choose the right space for your stay.

In this guide, we’ll break down what hotel kitchenettes are, how they differ from full kitchens and why choosing a hotel with in-room cooking amenities can make every day a little easier.

Key Takeaways

• A hotel kitchenette is a compact food-prep area with basic and/or smaller appliances and storage.
• Common kitchenette features typically include a microwave, mini fridge and sink.
• Kitchenettes differ from full kitchens by offering simplified cooking setups and smaller appliances.
• Simpler meals like soups and salads can be made in a kitchenette.

What Is a Kitchenette?

A kitchenette is a small, streamlined kitchen area commonly found in hotels, dorms, RVs and other compact living spaces. It typically includes very basic appliances to prepare simple meals, such as a small refrigerator and microwave. 

Its setup gives you the flexibility to store groceries, cook basic meals and maintain your daily routine without relying solely on dining out. Because of this, having a kitchen space can help you save a significant amount of money while staying at a hotel. 

However, kitchenettes do come with limitations, such as reduced counter space, smaller appliances and fewer cooking tools, which can make more involved meals challenging.

What Does a Hotel Kitchenette Include?

Most hotel kitchenettes are designed to give you the basics without taking up too much space. While layouts vary by brand, many kitchenettes have a mini fridge and microwave. 

Common items in hotel kitchenettes include:

• Small refrigerator or mini fridge
• Microwave
• Sink with running water
• Limited counter space for prep
• Coffee maker
• Storage cabinets

Hotel kitchenettes typically do not include: 

• Full-size refrigerator
• Stovetop
• Large amounts of counterspace 
• Large storage cabinets
• Larger, multi-basin sink
• Expanded cookware sets

Kitchenette vs. Kitchen: Main Differences

A kitchenette focuses on the essentials. It provides the tools and appliances needed to prepare basic meals in a small space. 

Full kitchens offer a broader setup, making them ideal for families or long-term travelers needing full cooking capacity. If you’re planning meals that require more counter space and a place to store leftovers a full kitchen will be more versatile. But for quick, simple and budget-friendly meals, a kitchenette delivers everything you need in one compact area.

What Can You Cook in a Kitchenette?

With a little creativity, you can prepare a surprising variety of meals in a hotel kitchenette.

Here are some meals you can cook in a hotel kitchenette:

Breakfast

• Greek yogurt parfaits (yogurt + granola + fruit)
• Microwave oatmeal cups (add nut butter, banana or honey) 
• Egg mug scramble (microwave beaten eggs + cheese + spinach in a mug)

Lunch

• Bagged salad upgrades (add rotisserie chicken, beans, or tuna) 
• Microwave rice bowl (instant rice + vegetables + soy sauce/sriracha)
• Wraps (tortilla + hummus/turkey + vegetables)

Dinner

• Baked potato bar (microwaved potato + toppings like chili, cheese or beans)
• Microwave ramen (ramen + add frozen edamame or spinach + a soft-boiled egg)

These simple recipes keep your stay affordable and flexible.

Benefits of Staying at a Hotel with a Kitchen or Kitchenette

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Alt text: Full kitchen in Extended Stay America suite

Whether you’re staying for a few nights or settling in for weeks, having access to your own cooking space can bring comfort and meaningful savings. A kitchenette can help you prepare simple, budget friendly meals and create a space that feels more like home, especially during extended travel or life transitions.

The experience becomes even easier when choosing a hotel with a full kitchen, which offers more room to cook, full-size appliances and expanded storage. That’s where Extended Stay America stands apart. 

Every Extended Stay America suite includes a large, full-size refrigerator, microwave, ample counter space and plenty of storage cabinets. Plus, you have access to a stovetop, which means there are more recipes you can cook in our fully equipped kitchens compared to a kitchenette. It’s your home cooking space away from home. 

Eat and Stay Your Way with Extended Stay America’s Fully Equipped Kitchens

At Extended Stay America, every suite comes with a full kitchen, so you can enjoy more space and convenience throughout your stay. Whether you're settling in for work, relocating or staying with us for the long term, we design every detail around how you actually live.

With affordable tiered rates, free wi-fi and no long-term commitments, we make it easier to feel at home.

Ready to eat and stay your way? Book your next stay with Extended Stay America today.