Our experts explain everything you need to know about business accommodation

Wherever you need to be in the world for business, our serviced accommodation provides the home comforts and amenities that you simply won’t find in a hotel. You or your team can concentrate on doing good business while we handle finding the right accommodation.

Serviced accommodation explained

There are so many different international accommodation choices out there that finding the right option for your corporate travel can seem daunting. It is all too easy to become lost in the process, but fortunately that is where Situ can help you. We have a team of experts on hand to assist and they have access to the best smart technology solutions to help find you the right solution. At Situ we offer a wide range of options, and each is beneficial to our clients in its own unique way. Let's take a look at the corporate accommodation options that we offer and what type of business traveller each may be best suited to.

What is serviced accommodation?

Serviced accommodation is a popular choice that offers a unique blend of the services you might expect from a good quality hotel, combined with many of those all-important home comforts. It offers a flexible and very convenient alternative to a more traditional hotel or a long-term rental property. Serviced accommodations are fully-furnished units that offer everything that you might need for a comfortable stay. They contain everything from fully-equipped kitchens to spacious living areas, private bathrooms, flat screen TVs, and high-quality towels and bed linen. Regular housekeeping services are included and, naturally, there is free Wi-Fi. Whether you are a business traveller on a short-term trip to a busy city, making a long-term trip or looking to relocate as a family, serviced accommodation is the perfect choice for a wide range of situations.

Who is serviced accommodation for?

Business travellers

Business accommodation is most often used if you are on short-term assignments. In the USA it is often referred to as corporate housing.

Leisure travellers

At Situ we are dedicated to arranging the best corporate travel but if families might be staying with the business traveller for some of the trip, then serviced accommodation can be a good option as an alternative to the more traditional hotel accommodation or holiday rental options. It offers more room, comfort, and flexibility for a successful stay in all respects.

Families and those who are relocating

These apartments are a great option for those who are seeking a temporary solution to their accommodation needs whilst looking for a permanent solution in a new area. It offers families a chance to try out an area to see if is a good fit for their requirements.

Contractors or project-based workers

This type of accommodation offers a cost effective and very convenient solution for teams of people who find themselves working away from home on temporary assignments in industries such as the construction industry, for example. Since serviced accommodation always has a communal living room it is also a more sociable environment for teams of workers.

Types of serviced accommodation

Serviced apartments

These fall into a number of categories with serviced apartments being the most common of these. From studio apartments to those with multiple bedrooms, these properties come in a range of sizes and configurations. They are perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families. This type of apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, a separate living area and one, or more, bedrooms. They offer everything you expect from a hotel with the privacy and additional space of a home. They sometimes have more individuality in their interior design making them feel genuinely like a home and are often located in quieter residential areas of a city so are better suited to medium- to long-term stays.

Every business accommodation option has its merits, but for longer trips or those seeking a more residential feel, a serviced flat or apartment may be preferable over a hotel or an aparthotel.

Serviced houses

Serviced houses offer a little more for those who are looking for even more space in a residential area. A serviced house is fully furnished often with several bedrooms and bathrooms; and sometimes additional amenities like private parking and gardens. They are a good option for families, larger groups, and those who would prefer an altogether more independent living experience with more autonomy in managing your visit.

Aparthotels

An aparthotel offers the best of both worlds; the services and amenities of a hotel combined with the comfort of a serviced property. They typically have a reception area, on-site staff, and additional facilities like gyms or restaurants. Aparthotels are a popular choice for those business travellers looking for a balance between convenience and independence.

An aparthotel and a serviced apartment offer similar benefits in combining the comforts of home with hotel-like services, but aparthotels operate more like hotels, with staff and other guests moving around the premises, which may feel less private than a serviced flat in a more residential environment.

Aparthotels are typically more compact compared to serviced apartments and, whilst having some basic kitchen facilities, they do not always have fully equipped kitchens so are better suited to shorter stays.

Luxury serviced accommodation

Luxury serviced accommodation provides upscale, fully-furnished apartments or residences with premium services and amenities. These properties are ideal for senior executives and other business executives on long-term assignments or corporate travel. They are often found in city centres, near business districts or in prime residential locations with good transport links to business districts.

Usually with several bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional amenities like private parking and gardens, a serviced residence is, of course, fully furnished to a high-quality standard.

Choosing the right serviced accommodation – what to consider

When choosing serviced accommodation, the obvious factors to think about are the location, amenities, length of stay, and size/configuration of the unit. You should also, of course, consider your budget. But it’s also important that you check what is included in the rental price, whether there are any additional fees, the services provided, and the cancellation policies.

To avoid any surprises:

• Carefully read the terms and conditions.
• Confirm which utilities and services are included in the payment.
• Ask for a breakdown of all fees before signing any agreement.
• Read reviews of the apartment from past visitors.

The rise in popularity of serviced accommodation

The changing landscape of business travel

The way people travel for work is continually evolving to fit with the current dynamic business environment. Whilst offering convenience, a traditional hotel stay often lacks the space, flexibility, and homely atmosphere that professionals want. This shift in traveller preference has led to the rise of serviced accommodation as a very real alternative.

The home-from-home experience

One of the many factors that is driving the increased popularity of serviced accommodation is the ‘home-from-home’ experience. Unlike impersonal hotel rooms, these serviced flats and houses offer a living room that is more comfortable and personalised. Fully equipped kitchens, separate spacious living areas, and in many cases additional amenities like balconies or gardens, provide people with a sense of normality and flexibility whilst working away from home.

The cost-effectiveness factor

Businesses and individuals are always looking for ways in which they can optimise their travel expenses and serviced accommodation provides a more cost-effective alternative to a traditional hotel. It is true that the initial costs of both may seem comparable but there are significant savings to be gained in the long run. Being able to self-cater, and thereby avoid costly restaurant bills, will over time significantly reduce travel expenses. And whilst eating out once in a while can be very pleasant doing so night after night can become monotonous – not to mention unhealthy.

The need for flexibility

In terms of length of stay, serviced accommodation offers total flexibility. Whether you are looking for something for a short-term business trip, or a longer-term project assignment, it is simple and easy to book for the exact length of time you need without the requirement to be tied into a fixed term lease. For those businesses with fluctuating business needs, and where work contracts may overrun, this is particularly beneficial.

Serviced accommodation vs. other options

Here’s a quick comparison of the different corporate accommodation options available and their pros and cons.

Serviced apartments vs. hotels

Both offer comfortable business accommodation but there are differences to consider. Serviced apartments generally offer more space, a greater degree of privacy, and a home-from-home environment. Hotels usually offer a better range of services and amenities such as room service and on-site restaurants.

So, the differences come down to more room, privacy, and a home-like environment in serviced apartments. In practise, that means a serviced flat has a fully equipped kitchen and spacious living areas in addition to quality bedrooms and private bathrooms.

Which one people prefer is entirely down to individual preferences, but budget and in some cases the reason for the trip will also have an impact.

Serviced apartments vs. Airbnb

It’s fair to say that Airbnb has disrupted the travel industry, offering an array of unique and affordable accommodation options. However, serviced apartments booked through agents with industry-standard due diligence checks (like Situ) provide travellers with a more standardised and reliable experience for corporate accommodation. They offer guaranteed quality, professional service, and consistent standards. All of which are essential for a successful corporate housing solution.

Serviced apartments vs. traditional rentals

Traditional rentals usually request longer lease terms and often they are not fully furnished, nor are the utilities (gas, electricity, Wi-Fi etc) set up. Serviced apartments, on the other hand, are fully furnished, equipped units offering flexible lease terms. This makes them a much more convenient option as business accommodation for short-term or temporary visits.

Serviced apartments vs. aparthotels

The difference between a serviced apartment and an aparthotel is that aparthotels combine the features of a hotel with those of a serviced flat. Which means they offer hotel-like services, with a reception area and on-site staff and facilities, whilst also offering some of the kitchen facilities and additional living area of a serviced apartment. Aparthotels do, however, tend to provide smaller accommodation units.

More about the benefits of serviced accommodation

Not yet convinced about the benefits of serviced accommodation? Or, need to persuade others of the benefits? Here’s more you can use as a cheat-sheet.

1.More space and privacy

When compared to a more traditional hotel stay, serviced accommodation offers more room and privacy. Separate living areas, bedrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, provide the comfort and independence corporate travellers want. For those guests on extended stays, or for families and groups, this extra room can be particularly beneficial.

2.Home-like environment

Fully equipped kitchens allow people to prepare their own meals, thus reducing reliance on expensive hotel restaurants, takeaways, or other eateries. The health benefits, together with the sense of normality and routine that this offers, can be very important for business travellers’ wellbeing.

3.Hotel-like services

Many serviced accommodation providers offer a range of hotel-like services, including regular cleaning and changing bed linen; and on-site amenities such as fitness centres. These services further enhance the guest experience whilst offering a level of convenience comparable to that found in a hotel.

4.Cost-effectiveness

When compared to hotels, serviced accommodation offers a very cost-effective option, particularly when it comes to longer stays. Avoiding the additional expense of hotel restaurants or room service charges can result in significant savings.

If you are wondering if serviced apartments are more expensive than hotels then, as we’ve already mentioned, the nightly rate can be similar in the same location. However, over a longer period they provide better value in terms of both budget and employee wellbeing.

5.Flexibility

Serviced accommodation offers very flexible lease terms, offering guests the chance to book for the exact duration they need, whether it’s just seven days, a few weeks, or even months. This flexibility is ideal for business travellers, project-based workers, or those who are relocating for work and require temporary housing. If you are concerned about how long you can stay in a serviced flat rest assured that some offer short-term periods from seven days, while others cater to long-term stays of a few weeks, several months or even years.

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