Looking for a place to spend the night, or the week? The folks at Extended Stay Hotels want you know that if you choose their hotels, you’ll feel comfortable. Really comfortable. More comfortable, in fact, than some people might feel in their own homes, with their own families.

A new commercial for the hotel chain starts off innocuously enough, with an operatic soundtrack coupled with shots of people entering and exiting their hotel rooms.

But wait, why are they pausing ever so slightly, then looking relieved? And what’s up with the fluttering shower curtain, bed sheets and flowers? Why did that woman’s candles suddenly get blown out?

If you’re in fifth grade, chances are you go this one faster than the grown-ups: Extended Stay is using farts to sell hotel rooms.

Extended Stay Hotels (click to play ad)

Whether we grown-ups like to admit it or not, flatulence can be funny, and there are certainly brands -- those directed at pre-teens, for example -- who could do fine with a little humor about letting one rip.

But is it really a way to sell hotel rooms?

We’re guessing most people don’t want to think much about whether hotel rooms are a good place to pass gas. Perhaps more importantly, most people really don’t want to think much about whether other people, who were previously in the room, passed gas (or did anything else related to bodily functions, for that matter).

But now, thanks to this commercial, we can’t help but wonder if we will ever see a sign for an Extended Stay hotel without thinking about those things.

What’s surprising about this campaign is that Extended Stay seems to be in a good position to sell its product simply on its merits. In a weak economy, when most people are looking for a bargain, it has built its reputation on creating a good long-term stay option at a low price, for business travelers and families alike.

While there’s little harm in a few PG-rated flatulence jokes, one wonders how much good it can do a brand, either.

Click here to view the ad.