UK households spend over £20 billion on accommodation services each year, both in the UK and abroad
For entrepreneurs and top corporate employees, business trips are an essential part of their everyday life. In addition to other finances, a substantial amount goes towards accommodation during a business trip. Deciding where to stay should not be taken lightly, since it can greatly affect the quality of your stay. It could be the difference between being able to switch off and relax, or being stuck in a constant reminder that you’re away from home.
There are many possible options to choose from when it comes to short-term accommodation with hotels and serviced accommodation at the top of the list.
In this article, we will help you compare and decide what best suits your needs for your next business trip. Before we proceed, let’s discuss what service accommodation is and how it is different from a hotel.
What is Serviced Accommodation?
Serviced accommodation, also known as serviced apartments, are a type of fully-furnished apartment that is available for short-term or long-term stays.
These apartments have all the necessary amenities of home such as a fully equipped kitchen and are regularly maintained by housekeeping staff. They usually offer more space, privacy and comfort than a hotel room and are often located in residential areas, providing guests with a home-away-from-home experience.
Serviced accommodation is becoming increasingly popular among business travellers, families and tourists who are looking for a more convenient and affordable alternative to hotel stays.
Why is Serviced Accommodation a popular option?
Business travellers around the world are choosing a serviced apartment over a hotel because of the following 3 reasons:
1. Cost
Hotel prices are on the rise, especially in big cities – while serviced accommodation offers great value for money. Serviced apartments can work out much cheaper than hotels, especially for longer stays.
2. Space
Serviced apartments have a lot more space than a hotel room – usually around 30% more for a 1-bed. In addition, compared to a hotel room, a serviced accommodation is more likely to have a separate bedroom, kitchen, living room and dining area just like home. This makes the overall experience more palatable – I wanted to say enjoyable, but this is work after all.
3. Quality
Most serviced apartments offer the same kind of quality that one would expect from a top-of-the-range hotel. They often come with a range of entertainment options including a Smart TV, sound system and more.
What are Some Key Differences?
It is no secret that staying in an average hotel can actually be quite expensive. This includes not just the room charges but other basic needs such as food, laundry services, television add-ons and much more!
On the contrary, staying in a serviced accommodation tends to reduce the spending on these amenities, in addition to a higher level of privacy and convenience! In most cases staying in a serviced apartment for a business trip is as convenient as being home.
Factors to Consider When Planning a Business Trip
The following are important factors when considering accommodation for business travel:
Convenience: This is probably the most important thing to consider when choosing a place to stay. Your residence should be within a reasonable distance from work to avoid spending unneccesary time and money commuting. It’s also a great idea to be within walking distance of somewhere you can get a bite to eat or do some food shopping. Hotels usually put a lot of effort into choosing the perfect location.
Amenities: This is where a hotel can also come up trumps – depending on your individual needs, look for a place that has all the facilities you require like a gym, taxi service, swimming pool, restaurants, parking etc. Also, if you’re intending to do any work, check your internet connection – in an apartment you’ll likely be the only one with access, whereas in a hotel you’ll have to share. This can greatly affect your connection speeds.
Comfort: For anyone whos had to travel for more than a week (or had to isolate), there’s nothing more depressing than being confined to a bedroom. The beds may be comfortable and the bathroom may be perfect but that’s about as exciting as it gets. The alternative is an apartment where you can cook your favourite food or watch that new series on Netflix, whilst spreading out on a nice comfortable couch. Don’t forget, you could also opt for a hotel suite, which will give you the best of both worlds.
Privacy: Compromising on privacy is never an option in the case of business travel. Maybe you have documents or items of a sensitive nature and don’t particularly want to be packing your stuff away daily for housekeeping. Serviced apartments offer a greater degree of privacy and control.
Now let’s summarise the pros and cons of hotel vs. serviced accommodation for business travel, to make the decision process easier for you.
Hotels
Pros
- Convenient location
- On-site amenities
- Daily housekeeping
Cons
- Limited Privacy
- Additional expenses such as parking
- Slow internet
- Not Suitable for Longer Trips
Serviced Accommodation
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Faster internet
- Home-like comfort
- Increased space
- Perfect for Longer Durations
Cons
- Location convenience
- Limited amenities
Serviced Apartments Vs Hotels: The Verdict
The answer to this question is heavily dependent on the length of your stay. However it’s fair to say that serviced accommodation is steadily growing in popularity.
Firstly, they offer more space and privacy, as they are typically larger than hotel rooms and come equipped with a kitchen, a living area and a separate bedroom. This allows guests to have a more comfortable and home-like experience, rather than feeling confined to a single room.
Secondly, serviced accommodation is often more cost-effective than a hotel, as they offer weekly or monthly rates that are much lower than the nightly rate at a hotel. Additionally, having a kitchen allows guests to cook their own meals, saving money on eating out.
Lastly, serviced accommodation provides a sense of community, as guests often stay for longer periods and can socialize with each other in common areas, such as a lounge or a gym. Overall, serviced accommodation is a great option for long-term stays, offering comfort, cost-effectiveness and a sense of community that traditional hotels simply cannot provide.
