Locum Tenens Housing: Hotels vs AirBNB and how to get the most out of your stay!
/Where do I stay and is there a better way to arrange housing when doing locum tenens work? It’s a question we often get asked. Often times physicians are choosing assignments in desirable geographic locations and want to have some input into where they stay. Yes, that Ramada Inn is good enough, but couldn’t you just stay in a nicer hotel or get an AirBNB on your own? Well, let’s take a deep dive into the correct way to approach housing when you are on a Locum Tenens assignment.
We reached out to 5 of the top staffing agencies to discuss what they offer, what they will negotiate, and proposed situations to them in an attempt to get better housing for our assignments. What we found was there are several options for housing, and we will review them in depth. First, hotels are the most common place a locum tenens doctor will stay. We will talk out how to ensure you get a nice place and how to handle an assignment that places you somewhere you are not satisfied. Second, we break down the growth of AirBNB and its impact on locum tenens assignments. Last, we discuss the option of using the locums staffing agency versus finding your own housing and getting reimbursed.
Hotels. The short explanation is that the vast majority of staffing agencies prefer hotels. According to the five staffing agencies we spoke with, the current industry standard is to set physicians up with a middle tier hotel as close to the assignment as possible. How do they pick? Most look to one of the major hotel chains and arrange long term housing in extended stay hotels. This allows consistency, predictability and is easier to arrange. Let us be clear here, we are not talking about the Ritz Carlton, staffing agencies aim to provide 3-star housing that is reasonable and safe.
How do we maximize the hotel arrangements? First, safety and comfort are key. Make sure the staffing agency you are working with is reputable and has a track record of success. The larger companies have the benefit of experience and want you to be happy. They are quick to respond to issues with your housing and can move you to a new hotel if needed. That said, this is extra work and they tend to put in the upfront effort to avoid this. Remember, they want you to come back for future assignments so they will typically avoid cutting corners or using hotels that are not desirable. When it comes to smaller staffing agencies, there is an upside and a downside. Smaller companies have the risk of being less seasoned in arranging assignments and housing, and the potential for a bad location may be higher. That said, some of the smaller agencies may be more willing to provide individual input into your assignment and provide housing in better hotels or locations.
One piece of advice we give all physicians arranging their locum tenens assignment is to be actively involved in choosing the location prior to arriving. We aren’t advocating demanding specific hotels for all assignments; most staffing agencies are reasonable but not willing to accommodate requests if their selection is nice. That said, we absolutely advise researching the housing prior to arriving. Look up reviews, research locations, and review images of the hotel prior to arriving. If you have any concerns, address them early with the staffing representative. Most times they will agree if the concern is valid and help accommodate your concerns.
What happens if you get there and the hotel isn’t up to level? This has happened to us several times (and we expect it will happen again). We tend to not get too upset as we have only had good results with addressing concerns with the agencies. Similar to travel outside the country, you never really know what you are going to get sometimes. If your assignment is a regular customer with locum tenens, prior doctors likely have stayed in the hotel and it hasn’t been an issue. It’s the new assignment in unknown geographic locations that have biggest risk (but sometimes higher pay!) We have found that immediately calling the representative will lead to swift action and a change of plans.
Ok, so now onto some pearls of wisdom and tips. First, we cannot recommend more highly signing up for reward points with several hotel chains. Locum tenens staffing agencies will allow you to claim the points for utilizing the hotel. These can build up rapidly and lead to numerous benefits. After years of locum tenens assignments, we have reached platinum status with several chains and commonly find ourselves upgraded to nicer suites or rooms. This simple benefit can make the experience much nicer. Second, try to utilize hotels that offer suites within the hotel. In the beginning we would often request the staffing agency upgrade to these for longer assignments (4 weeks or more) but do not have to anymore with our status with the hotels. When all else fails, you always have the option of upgrading rooms and paying out of pocket. Not ideal, but sometimes the cost justifies the benefit.
AirBNB. WE. LOVE. AirBNB. It is how we travel when we are with our families and its ideal for assignments that last 3, 6 or 12 months. However, having extensive experience with AirBNB, we recognize it has higher costs, less quality assurance and room for many more pitfalls.
Most locum tenens staffing agencies will go out of their way to utilize large chain hotels, but when the location doesn’t have a clear option, you may have the opportunity to utilize AirBNB. There is one issue with this, the staffing agency may require you to book, pay and submit receipts. Not a huge deal, but it does risk out of picket expenses and can prove problematic if the assignment ends early or gets cancelled. Remember, cancellation policies with AirBNB are variable and may lead to out of pocket expenses you weren’t prepared for. Whenever possible, try and get the staffing agency to make the reservation but from our experience, this isn’t always possible.
When choosing an AirBNB option for housing, there are two big items: quality and cancellation policy. We highly advise picking a place that allows cancellation up till last minute without penalty and also allows to leave the reservation early without any problems. Quality is typically easy to police. Read the recent reviews and look closely at the pictures. Avoid new listings and those without reviews. AirBNB has its own quality assurance program and you can filter properties with the highest ratings. If possible, we recommend using these options to ensure there are no surprises.
The last topic we want to cover is Who arranges the housing. Whenever possible, we recommend using the staffing agency to do the booking and reservation. This takes the financial risk out of your hands for bad hotels, cancellations, delays in travel, and assignments that terminate early. The option to book your own depends on your comfort level. If you find yourself requesting higher level housing (we are talking 4 or 5 star accommodations), you want a larger place, you prefer houses over hotels, you travel with family or pets then you may be on your own. In these situations, try and get the staffing agency to due to booking once you find a place. If not, ensure they will pay and do it on your own. Just be aware you are taking some extra risk
Locum Tenens is an adventure, that doesn’t mean the places you stay need to be rugged. Always remember you are in demand. Be upfront and honest with expectations and ask for what you want. We have found that most of the time we get the housing we want!
~The Locums Life~
FAQS: Locum Tenens Housing Options — Hotels vs AirBNB vs “Do It Yourself”
1) What’s the best default housing option for most locum tenens assignments?
For most physicians and most assignments, agency-booked hotel housing is the best default. It minimizes your financial risk (cancellations, early termination, travel delays), simplifies logistics, and usually provides consistent safety/quality standards. Even if it isn’t “luxury,” it’s typically the most predictable.
2) Why do staffing agencies prefer hotels so strongly?
Because hotels are:
Easier to book and modify
More consistent in quality standards
Better at handling last-minute changes
Less likely to create disputes (cleaning, check-in problems, host rules, etc.)
Easier for agencies to manage across many clinicians
Hotels reduce operational risk for the agency—which often translates into less risk for you.
3) What kind of hotels do agencies typically book?
Most agencies aim for a safe, reputable, mid-tier chain (often extended-stay style when assignments are longer). It’s usually not luxury. The goal is reliability: clean, functional, close to the facility, and easy to adjust if needed.
4) When does a hotel become a bad choice?
Hotels can become painful when:
The assignment is long (4+ weeks) and the room is small
You need a kitchen, laundry, or quiet workspace
The neighborhood feels unsafe
You’re on heavy call and need real sleep
You’re traveling with family, pets, or lots of gear
In those cases, pushing for a suite, extended-stay property, or a furnished rental often improves quality of life dramatically.
5) What are the top housing priorities for a locums physician?
In order, most physicians thrive with:
Safety (area + property security)
Sleep quality (quiet + comfortable bed + climate control)
Commute simplicity (short, predictable drive)
Functionality (kitchenette, laundry, workspace)
Consistency (no surprises, reliable management)
Comfort upgrades (suite, amenities, gym, parking)
If you’re on call, sleep moves to #1.
6) How involved should I be in choosing my hotel?
Very involved—without being unreasonable. A smart pattern:
Ask what hotel they plan to book before it’s finalized
Look up reviews, neighborhood, and photos
Flag concerns early (noise, safety, cleanliness)
Offer 1–2 alternative hotels that meet the agency’s budget range
Agencies are much more likely to adjust before booking than after you arrive.
7) What should I say to a recruiter to get better housing without sounding difficult?
Try:
“I’m totally fine with a standard hotel. My only priorities are safety and sleep. Can you share the property before it’s booked so I can confirm it’s a good fit?”
“If there’s an extended-stay option with a kitchenette, that would help a lot for a multi-week assignment.”
“I’m happy to be flexible—if we can get a quieter property closer to the hospital, it’ll make this assignment more sustainable.”
You’re not demanding luxury—you’re negotiating performance and sustainability.
8) What if I show up and the hotel is unacceptable?
Call immediately—day one, not day five. Be calm and specific:
Safety issue (location, property security)
Cleanliness issue
Noise issue impacting sleep
Misrepresentation (not what was described)
Most reputable agencies will move you quickly because unhappy clinicians = assignment risk.
9) Should I “tough it out” for a week to see if it gets better?
Not if it affects sleep, safety, or your ability to work. Locums is demanding; poor housing compounds fatigue and increases burnout risk. If it’s minor (small room, mediocre breakfast), you can adapt. If it’s fundamental (unsafe, loud, dirty), escalate immediately.
10) What are the best “extended-stay hacks” for long assignments?
Ask for a suite or extended-stay property up front
Request top floor or away from elevators
Ask for quiet side (not facing the highway)
Confirm laundry availability (in-room or on-site)
Bring a small “comfort kit” (earplugs, eye mask, portable white noise, travel kettle)
Small details can turn a “grind” into something livable.
11) How do hotel rewards programs help locums physicians?
They’re one of the biggest hidden upsides of hotel housing. If the agency books your stay but your name is on the reservation, you can often collect:
Points for free stays
Elite status upgrades (bigger rooms, suites)
Late check-out (huge for post-call days)
Better customer service when issues arise
Enroll in multiple major chains and attach your rewards number every time.
12) Will agencies always allow me to collect hotel points?
Often yes, but not always—it depends on how the reservation is made and the hotel’s policy. The best approach: ask politely and early, and always add your loyalty number at check-in.
13) Should I ever pay out of pocket to upgrade a hotel room?
Sometimes—if the assignment is long and the cost meaningfully improves:
Sleep quality
Space and sanity
Ability to cook and work
Post-call recovery
But avoid “death by a thousand upgrades.” If you’re consistently paying extra, you may be better off negotiating different housing or a stipend.
14) When is AirBNB a better choice than a hotel?
AirBNB (or furnished rentals generally) shines when:
The assignment is longer than 4 weeks
You want a real kitchen and living space
You’re traveling with family or pets
You need privacy and quiet
You want a neighborhood experience (walkable areas, local routines)
For 3–12 month assignments, many physicians find it dramatically better—if risks are managed.
15) What’s the biggest downside of AirBNB for locums?
Risk and variability:
Cancellation policies can trap you financially
Quality assurance is less consistent than hotels
Host rules and property quirks can be stressful
Last-minute changes are harder
Refund disputes can become time-consuming
AirBNB can be amazing—but you need a strategy.
16) How do I reduce AirBNB risk for a locums assignment?
Use these rules:
Choose listings with lots of recent positive reviews
Avoid new listings with minimal history
Only book places with flexible cancellation when possible
Confirm Wi-Fi, workspace, parking, and quiet
Message host with a clear explanation: you’re a traveling physician, stable schedule, quiet, reliable
Favor “Superhost” and high-rated properties
Your goal: minimize surprises and maximize control.
17) Should I book a month at a time or the whole assignment?
If there’s any risk the assignment could end early, consider:
Booking 2–4 weeks first, then extending
Or choosing a property with a cancellation policy that protects you
Or having the agency book (best case)
Long upfront bookings can create financial exposure if the hospital cancels early.
18) What if the agency won’t book an AirBNB directly?
This is common. If you must book yourself:
Get written confirmation of what’s reimbursable
Clarify reimbursement timing and documentation requirements
Choose flexible cancellation
Keep receipts and transaction records organized
Avoid non-refundable “deals” unless you’re fully confident in assignment stability
If you book your own housing, you’re essentially taking on risk the agency otherwise absorbs.
19) What’s the cleanest way to get reimbursed if I book my own housing?
Ask for:
A clear nightly cap or weekly cap
A receipt submission process
A stated reimbursement timeline (e.g., weekly with timesheets)
Written confirmation of what is covered (taxes, fees, cleaning fees, parking)
Ambiguity = delayed payments and disputes.
20) How do I handle AirBNB problems (cleanliness, noise, misrepresentation)?
Document calmly and immediately:
Photos/videos
Written description of issues
Message the host inside the platform
Escalate early if unresolved
Notify your recruiter if it impacts your ability to work
Hotels have a manager. AirBNB has a host. Your leverage is documentation and speed.
21) What about furnished apartments through corporate housing companies?
These can be a strong middle ground:
More consistent than random AirBNBs
More spacious than hotels
Often include utilities and furniture
Better for multi-month stays
They’re not always available in rural markets, but when they are, they can be excellent.
22) Is it better to live close to the hospital or in a nicer area farther away?
It depends on call burden and your priorities:
Heavy call → closer is usually better
Light/no call + long assignment → nicer area may improve your quality of life
If you’ll be exhausted, a short commute is a form of self-care
A 10-minute commute vs 35-minute commute is a huge difference over 12 weeks.
23) How do I evaluate housing safety quickly?
Use:
Online reviews (look for patterns: theft, noise, “sketchy area”)
Map view: proximity to nightlife, highways, industrial zones
Street view and nearby businesses
Ask the hospital or other clinicians what areas they recommend
If multiple sources raise concern, don’t ignore it.
24) What if the only nearby options are bad hotels?
This happens in small markets. Options:
Ask for a different hotel a bit farther away
Ask for an extended-stay property in the nearest larger town
Ask for a furnished rental option
Negotiate a higher lodging budget if the market is expensive
If the assignment pays well, don’t accept miserable housing as the hidden cost.
25) Should I ever bring my family on assignment?
It can be amazing if:
The assignment is stable and longer-term
Housing is truly family-ready (space, safety, laundry, kitchen)
You have a plan for childcare/school routines
Call expectations are manageable
Family travel turns housing from “bed near hospital” into “temporary life base,” so prioritize space and normalcy.
26) How do pets change housing strategy?
Pets often push you away from hotels and toward furnished rentals. If you need pet-friendly lodging:
Ask early—pet restrictions are common
Expect limited inventory in some regions
Clarify deposits/fees and who pays
Confirm nearby parks and walkability
Pet-friendly housing can be negotiated, but it must be planned.
27) What should I do if I’m sensitive to noise and sleep disruption?
Make it part of your negotiation:
“Quiet property is essential due to call and patient safety.”
Request top floor, away from elevator/ice machine, not facing highway
Consider furnished rental in a quiet residential area
Bring white noise and blackout solutions
Sleep is performance.
28) How can housing affect taxes for locums physicians?
Housing intersects with tax issues mainly when:
You pay out of pocket and deduct travel expenses
You maintain a tax home and are traveling temporarily
Reimbursements are structured in specific ways
This is a “do it right or don’t do it” area. If you’re making housing decisions primarily for tax reasons, talk to a CPA who understands locums.
29) What’s the biggest “housing negotiation” leverage point?
Your willingness to commit. Agencies and hospitals care about filling coverage reliably. If you’re a strong candidate and the assignment is hard to staff, you can often negotiate:
A better hotel tier
A suite
A furnished rental
A housing stipend increase
Guaranteed housing standards
Leverage increases with specialty scarcity, urgency, and assignment difficulty.
30) Should I ask for a housing stipend instead of direct booking?
Sometimes. A stipend can:
Give you control
Let you upgrade or choose neighborhoods
Help if you want a house/condo over a hotel
But it also:
Transfers risk to you (cancellation, upfront costs)
Requires reimbursements and recordkeeping
May not keep up with high-cost markets unless negotiated well
If you want control and can manage risk, stipend can work. If you want simplicity and protection, agency booking usually wins.
31) What’s a smart “two-phase” housing plan for uncertain assignments?
Use a ramp strategy:
Week 1–2: hotel (agency booked)
After you confirm the job is stable: transition to furnished rental for comfort
This reduces risk and lets you learn the area before committing to longer housing.
32) What should I pack or buy to improve any locums housing situation?
A “Locums Comfort Kit”:
White noise machine or app speaker
Earplugs + eye mask
Portable blackout clips/curtain solution
Small extension cord/power strip
Basic kitchen kit (knife, cutting board, spices) if you cook
Travel pillow if you’re picky
Disinfecting wipes (not paranoid—practical)
You can upgrade your living conditions anywhere with a few essentials.
33) How do I prevent housing from becoming the reason I quit an assignment?
Handle it like a professional performance variable:
Vet before arrival (reviews, neighborhood, photos)
Set expectations early (sleep, safety, commute)
Escalate quickly if it’s not workable
Document issues objectively
Have fallback options (alternate hotel list, corporate housing options)
Housing is not “extra.” It’s part of the contract experience.
34) What’s the best “script” if I want an AirBNB but the agency defaults to a hotel?
Try:
“For assignments longer than 4 weeks, I do much better in a furnished space with a kitchen and laundry. I’m happy to find options within the usual budget range—can you book it through your process, or confirm reimbursement terms if I book it?”
This frames it as sustainability, not luxury.
35) Final takeaway: how do I get the most out of my locums stay?
Use the “3 C’s”:
Control: vet housing early and ask for what you need
Comfort: prioritize sleep, safety, and livability
Coverage-proofing: reduce cancellation risk by having the agency book when possible or selecting flexible policies when you book yourself
Locums is an adventure—but your housing shouldn’t be a gamble.