Alternative accommodation for business travelers

Alternative accommodation for business travelers

Serviced apartments offer the ideal solution to expensive business accommodation.

There is an extensive range of accommodation available to the business traveler today, hotels, B&B and corporate housing.

Hotels are extremely convenient and many of them offer comfort and additional amenities however there are downsides too. Space is limited to a bed and small sitting area and the additional amenities are expensive. Hotel services are standardized and not flexible to the guest's needs.

Bed & Breakfast establishments have personalized service but also lack space and privacy and are restrictive with meal times.

Corporate housing requires capital investment and property management without the services offered by other accommodation establishments.

Serviced apartments are furnished, self-contained apartments designed for short-term and long-term stays, which provides amenities for daily use. The benefits include more space, including a fully equipped kitchen, living area and separate bedrooms. Some even offer a private garden and lock up garages. The extra space gives you room to spread out, store food and to cook your own meals if you desire. You are not forced to visit restaurants or order room service for every meal. You can expect privacy and freedom.

Each visit and services can be personalized according to the likes of the guests and offer the same benefits as hotels and guest houses such as meals on request, daily cleaning, laundry service and modern conveniences such as television, DVD, DSTV and Wi-Fi internet access. They offer extraordinary services including grocery shopping and wine delivery. Additional services such as airport transfers and car rental are outsourced to the experienced service providers.

Many travelers assume they can't afford serviced apartments however they charge per apartment and not by the number of guests. They offer discounts for long stays and include VAT and service charge. You know exactly what you are paying for upfront. No hidden charges.

Based on a recent survey, the average cost of hotel accommodation has increased by approximately 55% between 2008 and 2009 and 30% for Bed & breakfast establishments during the same period. Companies have to review their travel policies on a regular basis to control their expenditure for business travel.

Serviced apartments have been around for quite some time but have yet to reach their full potential. With most companies reducing their costs in 2010 however, this may very well change.

These apartments are designed for the individual who want a higher standard of living at a fraction of the price.

Contact Carin Stewart at Dagbreek Apartments on carin@belmet.co.za for more information.