Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has announced a major expansion into the long-stay accommodation market with the introduction of its MainStay Suites brand to Australia. The move marks the first time the brand has ventured outside North America and reflects a growing demand for flexible, apartment-style lodging among business travelers, contractors, and government workers. The rollout is being delivered in partnership with Extended Stay Australasia, co-founded by hospitality veteran Paul Constantinou, best known as the founder of Quest Apartment Hotels.
Trent Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, described the launch as a milestone in the company’s growth strategy. “Bringing MainStay Suites to Australia strengthens our presence and supports our international footprint,” Fraser said. The new brand aims to serve guests seeking comfort, consistency, and the practical conveniences of home, such as fully equipped kitchens and in-room laundry facilities. Designed for stays that extend beyond the traditional hotel model, MainStay Suites blends hotel services with residential comforts to meet the changing needs of modern travelers.
The newly formed Extended Stay Australasia, led by Constantinou and co-founder Damian Gallace, brings deep experience in the long-stay sector through their other ventures, Aligned Corporate Residences and Corporate Living Accommodation. Constantinou said the partnership represents a shared vision for redefining extended-stay hospitality in Australia. “Our goal is to deliver comfort, space, and value to guests who need a home-like experience while traveling for work or relocation,” he said. “MainStay Suites allows us to do that with the support of an internationally recognized hotel group.”
The expansion strategy includes both new developments and conversions of existing properties, offering an attractive opportunity for investors and developers looking to enter a high-growth segment of the market. Each property will participate in Choice Hotels’ loyalty program, Choice Privileges, enabling travelers to earn and redeem points across the company’s global network of brands.
As the extended-stay category continues to gain momentum, the launch of MainStay Suites positions Choice Hotels as a serious player in Australia’s evolving accommodation landscape. By combining the scale of an international franchise with the expertise of local partners, the venture is poised to capture a growing audience of long-stay guests seeking flexibility without compromise.