The world of business travel is continually changing. Gone are the days when the only option available to a professional on the move was a standard hotel room. The modern business traveller is looking for more than just a place to sleep; they want comfort, convenience, and something that feels like home. In this respect aparthotels have become something of a rising star, they offer a unique blend that combines hotel-type service and apartment-style living in a way which fits all the requirements of the modern business traveller.
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Benefits for business travellers
Aparthotels compared to other accommodation options
Tips for business travellers staying in aparthotels
Aparthotels offer the perfect solution for those business travellers who are looking for an accommodation experience that is altogether more flexible. Whether you are looking for somewhere for a solo business trip, or you are working on a project as part of a team, aparthotels are the cost-effective, comfortable alternative to a more traditional hotel stay.
What is an aparthotel?
An aparthotel is a hybrid form of accommodation that combines the very best features of a hotel and an apartment. The result is something that offers you space, privacy, and perhaps more importantly the independence that you could expect from a private apartment but with the services and convenience you would get with a hotel. Typically, aparthotels feature kitchens or kitchenettes, comfortable living areas, and, depending on the size, one or more bedrooms. They offer a comfortable and very functional solution that is ideal for business travellers.
Whilst a serviced apartment provides more living space that is private and self-contained, aparthotels offer just that little bit more with hotel-type amenities. These can include housekeeping services, 24/7 reception desks, on-site gym facilities and in many cases restaurants or bars. These features make aparthotels a very good choice for those business travellers who want the convenience and support of a hotel but don’t want to miss out on the comforts of home.
Benefits for business travellers
There are many benefits of aparthotels that business travellers may want to consider.
Budget-friendly
When it comes to longer stays an aparthotel can often be more cost-effective over a traditional hotel. This is because they offer rates that are more competitive, and the kitchen facilities make it easier to self-cater and avoid expensive restaurant bills.
Flexibility
Aparthotels are very flexible; they offer great options with regard to length of stay and cater to those corporate travellers who are interested in either short-term stays or extended business trips.
Home-like environment
The amenities and space that you will find in an aparthotel provide an atmosphere that is far more comfortable and homely than that which you will find in a standard hotel room.
Increased productivity
Some of our aparthotels offer dedicated workspaces. These quiet spaces make a better environment for business travellers with fewer distractions than a hotel, which enables you to focus on work and be more productive.
Work-life balance
Staying in an aparthotel allows you to create a better balance between work and life whilst travelling. Being able to cook your own meals, relax in your own living area and enjoy a little space to rest; these are things that will help you to maintain an all-important healthy work-life balance.
Types of aparthotels
Aparthotels cater to a diverse range of corporate travellers, including senior executives and members of a project team. Talk to us about the various options available to suit your specific requirements and preferences.
Studios
These are ideal for solo business travellers and offer a living space that is compact yet still functional. They offer a combined living area and bedroom, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom.
One-bedroom aparthotels
This style of aparthotel is suitable for those business travellers who require more space, privacy, or both. They have a separate bedroom and living area, kitchen facilities, and a private bathroom.
Luxury and budget aparthotels
Aparthotels appeal to a range of different budgets and preferences ranging from the budget-friendly options which have a more basic range of amenities to luxury aparthotels with high-end furnishings and premium services as well as exclusive facilities.
Amenities and services
Aparthotels usually offer a very good range of amenities and services that can help to enhance comfort and convenience on a business trip, while also being more cost-effective in terms of annual corporate travel budgets. If you need specific services talk to one of our dedicated team on +44 (0)1392 690079 or [email protected] and we’ll be happy to find your perfect aparthotel in any of our international locations.
Common amenities
All of our aparthotels have kitchen facilities with appliances, cookware, and utensils. You can also expect laundry facilities, in some cases these are within your unit, however, in other cases these are communal facilities located on-site. Our Accommodation Specialists are on hand to help you find the right aparthotel with the perfect amenities for your stay. Talk to us on +44 (0)1392 690079 or [email protected].
Hotel-type services
You will also find a good range of hotel-type services in our aparthotels including housekeeping services which provide linen and towel changes. A 24/7 reception desk is available for assistance and support at many aparthotels and some aparthotels also have a concierge service available to assist you.
Business-specific amenities
Some aparthotels also have business-specific amenities on site, such as business centres or meeting rooms that are suitable for corporate gatherings and events. Other amenities such as printing services and high-speed internet are available at some of our aparthotels.
Choosing the right aparthotel
When it comes to choosing the right aparthotel for your business trip, there are a number of different factors that you should consider. Location, budget, amenities, length of stay, and reviews from other business travellers are all important. Also think about essential amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and kitchen facilities.
Here’s a handy checklist:
| Location | It can be a good idea to choose an aparthotel based on its proximity to the business district where you will be based. Or an area with easy access to meeting venues and offices or conference centres. This will not only minimise your commute times but can also help to maximise your productivity. |
| Access to transportation | Major transport hubs like airports, train lines or bus routes may also be an important consideration, depending on location. You should consider somewhere that offers easy access to other parts of the city. |
| Nearby facilities | Being away from home means staying in an unfamiliar area. It can be a good idea to look for aparthotels that are close to cafes and restaurants as well as food shops if you want to cater for yourself. You should also think about any other essential facilities you might want such as fitness or leisure centres and open spaces. |
| Budget | You should decide what your budget is and then let the Situ experts do a property search to look at all your aparthotel options, negotiate rates for you, and find the best value for money based on your requirements. Things you may wish to factor into your final decision are amenities that are included, any discounts for length of stay, and any additional fees that may be incurred during your stay. The best aparthotels will have the right balance between quality and affordability. |
| Amenities | The essential amenities of an aparthotel in terms of business travel should include things like high-speed Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and laundry facilities. There are some additional amenities that are nice to have but are not essential, such as a dedicated workspace, fitness centre, meeting room, and on-site restaurant, although these could certainly enhance your stay. |
| Length of stay | It can be a good idea to choose an aparthotel that offers flexible options for length of stay especially if you might need to change your dates. They cater very well for short-term business trips but for longer stays or extended assignments we always recommend serviced apartments because they are more suitable in terms of extra space and facilities when staying for a longer period of time. . |
| Reviews and ratings | It is always a good idea to check out what other travellers have to say about an aparthotel. Online reviews and ratings from other business travellers will give you an idea of the quality of an aparthotel, the services available, and the overall guest experience. Look for reviews about issues that are most likely to impact business travellers such as reliable Wi-Fi and functionality of workspaces. |
Aparthotels compared to other accommodation options
When it comes to choosing accommodation for corporate travel, it’s important to compare aparthotels to other available options to find the best fit for your requirements.
Aparthotels vs. hotels
Aparthotels offer more space and privacy compared to a traditional hotel room. They have separate living areasand kitchenettes. They can also be a more cost-effective option than a hotel. One of the reasons for this is that they offer the option to self-cater, thus avoiding expensive meals when eating out.
When it comes to services, a hotel will typically have a much wider range of services on offer for its guests, whereas an aparthotel provides a balance of essential amenities plus some hotel-type services such as a reception and meeting rooms.
Aparthotels vs. Airbnb
The experience offered by an aparthotel will be more standardised and reliable when compared to that of a typical Airbnb. An aparthotel booked through agents with industry-standard due diligence checks (like Situ) provide travellers with a more standardised and reliable experience. It will have guaranteed quality standards and professional services. Aparthotels are usually much better equipped than an Airbnb for business travellers with high-speed internet, dedicated workspaces, and quite often meeting rooms or business centres. They also sometimes have staff on-site or have support services to ensure there is a level of assistance available should you need it. This is not the case with Airbnb rentals.
Aparthotels vs. service accommodation or corporate housing
Aparthotels are a combination of apartment-style living and hotel-type services. Serviced apartments on the other hand typically focus on offering a fully-equipped and spacious self-contained living space. Finding the right accommodation for business travel means finding the right balance of services and amenities. Both are excellent options for the business traveller with serviced accommodation having a more comprehensive range of facilities whilst aparthotels tend to offer more essential facilities alongside hotel-type services such as access to a gym. The choice may simply come down to the personal preference of the traveller.
Tips for business travellers staying in aparthotels
If you want to make the most of your aparthotel stay whilst also ensuring that you have a comfortable and productive business trip, here are some tips to consider:
Pack the essentials
There are some things that every business traveller should pack for their trip. Appropriate business attire that will work for meetings, presentations, and even networking events is a must. Remember you should also pack some comfortable clothes for relaxing in your aparthotel or even for exploring the city.
Essentials should also include all of the electronics that you might need, laptop, phone, and any chargers that these will use. If there are any other essential electronics that you use for communication and work, then don’t forget these either. If you are travelling to another county, then a travel adaptor is a must. Ensure that you have the right type for the country that you are travelling to!
Maximise your productivity
If there is a dedicated workspace in your aparthotel, then use this to create a productive work environment. Aparthotels offer a quiet environment which can make a great place for boosting your concentration and enhancing your focus particularly when compared to a shared workspace in a bustling hotel lobby.
Maintain your work-life balance
Being away from home can be difficult, but keeping a sense of normality can help. Make use of the kitchenette to prepare healthy meals you enjoy rather than eating out every evening. Relax and unwind in the living area and fully recharge after a long day’s work.
Take time for yourself in the evenings and at weekends, explore the city, visit local attractions, or even use local leisure facilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s all too easy to lose healthy habits when away from home.
The future of business travel
Business travel is evolving and will continue to do so. Aparthotels are set to play an increasingly important role when it comes to offering accommodation that is comfortable, convenient, and cost effective, particularly for professionals on the move. The aparthotel industry is always finding new innovations such as smart home technology, sustainability initiatives, and personalised services that are helping to shape the future of business travel.
When you choose an aparthotel from Situ for your next business trip you can be certain of a productive, enjoyable, and fulfilling travel experience.