The right accommodation choice for VIPs will ensure their comfort and satisfaction during their stay but, more importantly, has the potential to leave a lasting impression. This is true whether the VIPs you are arranging accommodation for are overseas partners, potential clients or your company CEO. In this guide we explore key factors and strategies that you will need to consider when arranging business accommodation solutions to exceed the expectations of your VIPs.
Understanding VIP expectations
With often demanding schedules, high expectations, and a discerning eye for detail VIPs have become accustomed to superior levels of service, luxury, and convenience during their travels. If you are to meet these expectations with their next place to stay, there are a number of things that should be top of your wish list.
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Read Our Expert GuideWhat a VIP wants and needs
VIPs tend to value their privacy, and this means that they prefer accommodation options that give them a sense of seclusion and exclusivity. This might mean a private residence, a secluded wing in a luxury hotel, or a penthouse suite. They may also expect personalised attention together with a higher level of service than usual. This means looking for accommodation options with, for example, a dedicated concierge, 24/7 support, and the ability to deal with specific preferences and requests.
It goes without saying that high-end amenities are important so consider access to things like a swimming pool, fully equipped gym, and even access to more exclusive services such as chauffeur-driven cars.
The right accommodation should be conveniently located close to their business engagements, transport hubs, and relevant cultural sites or attractions that the VIP may wish to visit. With VIP status often comes the need for a high level of security and discretion. Make sure that any accommodation options that you are considering have robust security measures in place, that staff are knowledgeable about handling sensitive information, and are able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
Accommodation options for VIPs
With a few different accommodation options available for VIPs it can be important to understand the differences between what is on offer. Let’s consider the main two options:
Luxury serviced apartments
High-end serviced apartments offer a much more spacious and private alternative to hotels. Look for apartments that have premium furnishings, top-of-the-line appliances, and access to a range of exclusive facilities such as a private gym. Other benefits can include customised services such as airport transfers.
For VIPs who require absolute privacy and exclusivity then a private house or villa is the best option. This allows for complete control over the accommodation environment and provides an altogether more home-like and personalised experience.
Luxury hotels
Luxury hotels are typically five-star hotels but there are even higher tiers of luxury such as the six-star Ritz in Paris or the famous seven-star Burj Al Arab in Dubai, which have unparalleled levels of indulgence and attention to detail that surpass even the highest expectations.
Nevertheless, even a ‘mere’ five-star hotel will have an enviable reputation when it comes to offering exceptional service and luxurious amenities. These are good options for VIPs for short stays but won’t provide the privacy of serviced accommodation; and for longer stays certainly will never feel like home.
Key considerations for booking VIP accommodation
It really is essential to make sure that you have taken all their specific needs and wants into consideration before making a booking. The budget for VIP accommodation will most likely come with a premium price tag so make sure you know exactly how much you should be aiming for with the price. It may be significantly higher than you are used to.
In the case of a VIP with little time to spare to provide input on what they expect, it is important to ensure that you tailor the accommodation choice to the purpose of the trip. In the case of a business trip, you should make sure that accommodation you choose is close to any meeting venues and business facilities. If the trip incorporates some leisure time, then also consider locations that are near to cultural sites or relevant attractions.
When it comes to extended stays, serviced apartments or houses offer a more private accommodation option than hotels. They have more space and are more flexible with a home-like environment that is better suited to longer stays.
It’s also important to take into account the personal preferences of the VIP in question so gather some information about their preferred choices. If they themselves don’t have time, talk to their staff who will have some insights into their expectations. This might be a preferred style of accommodation, specific amenities that they might like, or even specific dietary requirements that they have. This information could be invaluable when selecting the right accommodation option.
Going the extra mile
If you really want to impress your VIPs, then you may want to consider some additional touches. Welcome amenities such as a personalised welcome basket of local treats, a handwritten welcome note, or a bottle of high-quality champagne can help to create a great impression. Customised services such as airport transfers may also go down well.
Ensure that the accommodation offers seamless technology integration with high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and any converters or adapters that may be needed.
After the stay, follow up with the VIP to gather feedback on their experience. This will enable you to gauge their satisfaction and see what, if anything, you can do to make improvements in the future.
When you carefully assess and act on the expectations and needs of VIPs to select accommodation that exceeds their expectations you will create a memorable experience. Ultimately, this could help strengthen business relationships.
