I was at the Staybridge for initial, 2 plus years ago. Full kitchen. Happy hour nearly every night. Free breakfast every day and dinner most nights. I rolled down to WalMart and stocked the pantry and fridge. Even bought a blender for margaritas and smoothies. Staybridge had a BBQ grill and I used that too with my classmates.
In all, by having the ability to buy - and cook- my own quality, healthy food I lost 12 pounds while in training.

After staying at the Lodge for recurrent I can't imagine doing it for initial. Chow there is low grade Sysco right from the can, on par with a mid grade cafeteria at best. Like the pseudo eggish looking things they put out at a Hampton. But alas, it's free at the Hampton (and cheap at the Lodge) so pilots will gobble down the refined processed carbs and mystery meat like it's the last can of gruel in the apocalypse. In the case of the Lodge it just might be.