Columnist

Benefits of serviced accommodation for business travellers

Given the current economic climate, it is important that businesses take action to control the costs incurred from business travel. Every year large corporations spend millions of pounds on hotel accommodation, which can be particularly expensive for large teams. Serviced accommodation, allowing business travellers to rent furnished apartments for as little as one night per visit, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative.

On average, serviced accommodation is around 30 per cent cheaper than hotels. You can find corporate accommodation in London for as little as £60.00 per night for a single room or £110.00 for a triple. A similar standard double hotel room, on the other hand, can cost up to £200.00.

A serviced apartment can also offer around four times the average space of a hotel room. With multiple bedrooms, businesses can house several executives in one apartment, saving the cost of renting by the room.

Fully equipped kitchens and living areas also offer added flexibility, with business travellers being able to live completely independently. No longer will staff be required to dine at the expensive hotel restaurant, they can cook for themselves from the comfort of their kitchen instead.

With lounge rooms and comfortable furnishings, including LCD televisions and three piece suites, guests can spend their evenings relaxing at home, instead of being cooped up in a hotel room or passing time in the bar. Although higher-end hotels can provide a similar comfort level, this will typically come at a higher cost. Hotels also typically charge customers for internet access, occasionally up to £20 per day, and frequently charge for parking; both complimentary in many serviced accommodation providers.

The majority of serviced apartments also provide a 24-hour reception and a weekly maid service, combining hotel services with home-like facilities for added benefit. Higher-end apartments, like 130 Queensgate in Chelsea, start from around £200.00 per night and also include concierge services, multilingual staff, dry cleaning and grocery services.

Some serviced apartments, including London’s Citadines Holborn, have the additional benefit of meeting rooms on site, allowing you to save costs of hiring a room externally. For your longer-term clients, you can even invite them round for a meal, adding a personal touch and saving additional dining costs; provided, of course, you are a good cook.

For longer stays, serviced apartments offer better privacy, with fewer interruptions from housekeeping staff; winding down at the end of a long day is also made easier with your own communal areas.

Overall, as well as providing lower travel costs for firms, serviced accommodation could lead to a highly motivated workforce and more productive meetings with business partners and clients. If you do not currently use serviced accommodation for business travel, now could be the time to start.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Refresh Apartments .