Imagine you’re heading out on a business trip. The suitcase is packed, flights are booked, and meetings are scheduled. The only thing left? Deciding where to stay. You might think of booking a hotel, but wait a second—have you ever considered a serviced apartment?
A Tale You Can Relate To
Let me share a quick story with you about Sarah and Tom, both are business professionals heading to the same city for work. Sarah decides to stay in a serviced apartment, while Tom chooses a traditional hotel.
Sarah walks into a spacious, cozy apartment with a full kitchen. She’s got high-speed Wi-Fi and even a small office area where she can make calls and work without interruption. Tom, however, finds himself in a cramped hotel room with slow Wi-Fi and no space to work, let alone breathe.
Fast forward a few days, and Sarah’s absolutely loving her stay. She’s even been able to host a meeting in her apartment’s living room. Tom? He’s not having a great time and finds himself struggling to get comfortable in his tiny space.
So, which one would you rather be?
Here’s Why Serviced Apartments Win
If the story didn’t make it clear, here’s a simple breakdown of why serviced apartments are a great pick for business travellers:
Space Matters
Imagine having an entire apartment versus just one room. You get a full kitchen, a living room, and even a work area. It’s like having a second home on your business trip!
Flexibility
You’re not confined to strict hotel timelines for meals or gym use. Want to whip up a late-night snack? Go ahead. Need to host a last-minute meeting? You can do that.
Cost-Efficient
It might sound surprising, but serviced apartments often turn out to be cheaper than hotels when you factor in all the benefits. Plus, with the option to cook, you can save a fair amount on food too.
Personal Touch
Serviced apartments often go the extra mile to make you feel at home. Whether it’s a fully-stocked pantry or customised services, the aim is to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Work-Life Balance
Having separate spaces for work and relaxation can do wonders for your productivity and peace of mind. Unlike a hotel room where your ‘office’ is also your ‘bedroom’, a serviced apartment allows you to balance both effectively.
Home-like Environment
When you’re away from home, especially for extended periods, a sense of normalcy can go a long way. Serviced apartments deliver that home-away-from-home experience by providing you with comfortable furniture, home appliances, and privacy. Unlike in a hotel where the primary feature is often just a bed and perhaps a desk, a serviced apartment offers distinct living, dining, and sleeping areas.
Professional Housekeeping with a Personal Touch
High-quality cleaning services ensure that the apartment remains spick-and-span. Yet, you can tailor the frequency of these services according to your comfort and schedule. In a hotel, housekeeping comes at their convenience, potentially disrupting your workflow or relaxation time.
Technological Amenities
In today’s digital world, seamless connectivity is non-negotiable. Serviced apartments often offer high-speed internet and modern entertainment systems. Some even provide smartphones with local SIM cards and useful pre-loaded apps to help you navigate the city like a local.
Booking Made Easy with Renowned Platforms
When it comes to making your reservation, serviced apartments offer flexibility by being listed on various popular platforms. Whether it’s Airbnb, Booking.com, or TripAdvisor, you can easily compare prices, read reviews, and confirm your stay. This plethora of options allows you to find a serviced apartment that perfectly matches your needs, often at a competitive price point.
Security Measures
From CCTV cameras to secure entry systems and 24/7 concierge services, serviced apartments invest in robust security measures. For the business traveller with confidential materials and high-value gadgets, this extra layer of security can be a significant stress-reliever.
A Personal Encounter with Security Loopholes: Why Serviced Apartments Stand Out,
Let me share with you a moment that forever changed my perspective on business travel and the critical role of security in choosing accommodation. This experience wasn’t just eye-opening—it became a cornerstone in how I manage and recommend properties today.
I was on a business trip, staying at a reputable hotel like countless times before. The floors were sprawling labyrinths of identical corridors and doors. Coming back from a day filled with back-to-back meetings, my exhausted brain momentarily blanked on my room number.
I approached a door I believed was mine and tried my key card. No luck. Just as I was contemplating my next move, a cleaner came by. Seeing me struggle, the well-meaning staff member used their master key to grant me access. Imagine my astonishment when I entered, only to realize it wasn’t my room at all. I immediately exited and found my actual room, but the incident left me deeply unsettled.
That experience made me wonder: What if I had been someone with less scrupulous intentions? What if it were my room someone accidentally gained access to?
This is a loophole scammers have exploited time and again in traditional hotels, even those claiming to have robust security measures. But in the realm of serviced apartments, the narrative is drastically different.
Serviced apartments often employ digitally-controlled lock systems where entry codes are changed frequently. This means that the odds of someone accidentally (or deliberately) gaining access to your space are extremely low. In my line of work, managing serviced accommodation, such security measures are not an optional luxury—they are a necessity.
It was this very incident that fortified my commitment to serviced apartments, both as a traveller and as someone in the property management industry. Security should never be compromised, especially when you are far from home, focused on professional commitments.
So, the next time you find yourself contemplating where to stay on your business trip, remember this personal story. I can tell you firsthand that the security in serviced apartments isn’t just about locked doors and CCTV cameras; it’s a holistic approach designed to offer peace of mind. And isn’t that exactly what you need when you’re on the road for business?
A Look at Cost Efficiency
It’s crucial to discuss the financial aspect, as business decisions often come down to budgetary considerations. When you break down the costs, serviced apartments frequently offer better value for your money than hotels, particularly for longer stays.
No Hidden Charges
Many hotels dazzle you with a base rate but tack on extra fees for Wi-Fi, breakfast, or use of the gym. Serviced apartments usually provide an all-inclusive rate. The price you see often includes various amenities, making it easier for you to budget your trip.
Economies of Scale
The longer you stay in a serviced apartment, the lower your daily rate tends to be. This tiered pricing structure can lead to significant cost savings for trips that span several weeks or even months. On the contrary, hotel rates rarely offer this level of flexibility.
Price Comparison at Your Fingertips
The advantage of serviced apartments being listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor isn’t just the convenience but also the cost transparency. You can easily compare rates, check for discounts, and read reviews on these platforms, ensuring that you get the best value for your money.
Making the Business Case
So, if you’re a decision-maker in your organization or someone with influence over corporate travel policies, isn’t it time to reevaluate your choices? The case for serviced apartments is compelling both from a comfort and a cost perspective.
Adopting this model doesn’t just benefit the individual traveller but can lead to company-wide advantages. A workforce lodged in comfortable, cost-efficient, and productivity-enhancing environments is likely to be more motivated and effective, positively impacting the business’s bottom line.
Choice and Credibility through Popular Platforms
The presence of serviced apartments on esteemed platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor adds an extra layer of credibility. Real reviews from real people can give you an in-depth understanding of what to expect. Plus, these platforms often offer business-friendly filters to help you find apartments that are tailored for the corporate traveller.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to business travel, there’s no need to settle for less when better options are available. In the fast-paced world of corporate travel, quality accommodation is crucial.
The story of Sarah and Tom isn’t just a tale; it’s a sign of changing times. Business travel is evolving, and serviced apartments are leading the way. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a business executive, the choice you make today can change your travel experience for the better.
So, before you hit ‘Book Now’ on that hotel room, think again. Consider a smarter, more luxurious, and cost-effective option—a serviced apartment.
The verdict is clear: serviced apartments are not just a great choice; they are the future of business travel. In business, as in life, making the right choices makes all the difference.
Dewi Roberts – Orange Rentals