positioning serviced apartments - on cost, service and flexibility

Typical business decision drivers for selecting accommodation: cost, service and flexibility. Comparing Service apartment hotel and Assured Shorthold Tenancy options

hotels for short stays
A hotel is an ideal choice for short stay business accommodation where the guest only needs a place to rest, and having all the hotel facilities on site can be a benefit. And also for leisure breaks, when the guest will want everything to be close by to relax and enjoy their time away.

However, how many times have you arrived at a hotel late in the evening to find that the restaurant is shut, there is no room service, and you need to pay for the wireless broadband connection and the Sky movies.

the value of a serviced apartment
Booking a serviced apartment can offer a much better value proposition. The price includes the services that our guests value, such as housekeeping, full Sky television and free wireless broadband internet access. And there is general support on hand at the end of the phone, 24/7, from our Guest Services team, for when a guest needs it. We also provide a welcome pack of essential groceries upon check-in.

Making a reservation for a serviced apartment involves minimum paperwork and a simple contractual arrangement, virtually the same as when booking a Hotel, and far less than arranging a rental property on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. Your commitment is limited to the exact arrival and departure dates you require, the only risk is if you are going to leave earlier than the booking was made for, when you could incur a cancellation charge. And all utilities except for phone calls are paid included in the price, and all maintenance issues are seamlessly taken care of.

the long term rental option
The final option is Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), taking a rental property for a minimum 6 month contract. Often rented unfurnished, the tenant is also required to set up payment for all utilities.

In the current economic climate where business is changing rapidly it is important to manage costs and exposure to risk. The last thing any company would want to do is pay for a service that they are not going to use, which is the risk of the 6-12 month AST commitment. If part way through the term the tenant’s plans change and they no longer require that service – the company is still committed to paying rent and utilities until the end of the contract term.

Setting up an AST incurs a cost in terms of administration time and effort. Booking a serviced apartment reduces that administration for the company and is likely to offer a better standard of accommodation for the guest.

Do you want to find out more about the differences between booking a serviced apartment over a hotel or Assured Shorthold Tenancy? Contact us today, we’d be delighted to show you our serviced apartments Bournemouth, Newbury, Maidenhead, Swindon or Bracknell or answer any questions you might have.