Why Apartment-Style Lodging is Ideal for Extended Work Assignments in Great Falls, Montana
- Matt Pickett
- Mar 14
- 3 min read

If you're headed to Great Falls for an extended work assignment at Malmstrom Air Force Base or the Calumet refinery, your accommodation choice can significantly impact both your comfort and your bottom line. While hotels and Airbnbs might seem like convenient options, apartment-style lodging offers substantial advantages for professionals on longer stays. Here's why making the right housing choice matters for your Great Falls work assignment.
The Financial Advantages of Extended-Stay Apartments
Cost Efficiencies That Add Up
When you're staying for weeks or months at a time, the daily costs of traditional accommodations can quickly drain your per diem or expense account. Extended-stay apartment lodging typically offers:
Reduced nightly rates for longer commitments, often 30-40% less than equivalent hotel rooms
Declining rate structures that reward longer stays with better pricing
Predictable monthly expenses without the fluctuations of hotel pricing or Airbnb seasonal adjustments
No hidden cleaning fees or service charges that can make Airbnbs surprisingly expensive
For military personnel at Malmstrom AFB or contractors at the Calumet refinery, these savings align perfectly with government or corporate per diem allowances, helping you stay within budget without sacrificing comfort.
Kitchen Access: The Hidden Cost-Saver
Perhaps the most significant expense reduction comes from having a full kitchen at your disposal:
Save $25-50 daily by preparing simple meals rather than dining out
Store groceries properly in a full-sized refrigerator
Maintain dietary preferences or restrictions more easily
Host colleagues for meetings or collaborative work sessions without restaurant expenses
Over a three-month assignment, kitchen access alone could save you $2,000-4,000 in food expenses compared to hotel living.
Home Comforts for Workplace Productivity
A Proper Work Environment
Unlike cramped hotel rooms, apartment-style accommodations provide:
Dedicated workspace for remote meetings or after-hours projects
Reliable high-speed internet included in your stay
Separate living and sleeping areas to maintain work-life boundaries
Proper lighting and ergonomic setups for extended computer work
For Malmstrom personnel handling sensitive information or Calumet contractors reviewing technical documents, having adequate space to work securely and comfortably is invaluable.
Mental Health Benefits
Extended work assignments away from home can be challenging. Apartment-style lodging helps maintain wellbeing through:
Normalcy and routine in a home-like environment
Space to exercise with room for basic workout equipment
Privacy for video calls with family and friends back home
Ability to decompress in a more spacious, comfortable setting
The impact on productivity and job satisfaction is substantial when workers feel "at home" rather than "in transit" during long-term projects.
Great Falls-Specific Advantages
Strategic Location for Commuting
The right extended-stay location in Great Falls provides:
Easy access to Malmstrom AFB with minimal commuting time
Direct routes to the Calumet refinery avoiding traffic congestion
Proximity to downtown amenities for after-work necessities
Quick access to healthcare at Benefis Health System if needed
Community Integration for Military and Contractors
Unlike temporary hotel stays, extended-stay lodging allows you to:
Connect with other long-term professionals in similar situations
Build relationships with neighbors who understand the demands of your work
Access local knowledge about Great Falls resources and attractions
Participate in community events when your schedule allows
Practical Considerations for Extended Work Assignments
Laundry and Maintenance
Hotels and Airbnbs often fall short with:
Limited or expensive laundry options
Irregular cleaning schedules
Minimal maintenance support
Quality extended-stay apartments offer:
In-unit washer/dryer for convenient laundry management
Regular maintenance personnel to address any issues promptly
Professional cleaning options that work around your schedule
Security and Peace of Mind
For professionals handling sensitive work or maintaining irregular hours:
Enhanced security features provide peace of mind
Dedicated parking eliminates daily searches for spots
Package acceptance services for work materials or personal items
24/7 support for any emergencies or lock-outs
Making the Smart Choice for Your Great Falls Assignment
Whether you're managing Sentinel missile projects at Malmstrom or overseeing operations at the Calumet refinery, your accommodation choice directly impacts your work performance, financial bottom line, and overall wellbeing during your stay in Great Falls.
Apartment-style lodging transforms an extended work assignment from a long hotel stay into a productive professional experience with the comforts of home and significant cost advantages. By choosing the right extended-stay option, you're setting yourself up for success throughout your Great Falls assignment.
Looking for the ideal extended-stay accommodations for your Great Falls work assignment? Contact us to learn about our special rates for Malmstrom AFB personnel and Calumet refinery contractors.
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