In the good old days, corporate housing brought to the fore images of tasteless, unsophisticated and generic accommodations which, while offering a place for the business traveler to basically have a bath and sleep, offered no other service or luxuries of hotel accommodation. For many years, corporate accommodation was perceived as a poor second best alternative that could be avoided wherever possible. But all that has changed since the first serviced apartments were conceptualized in the United States many years ago. What mushroomed as basic lodging services for the medium to longer duration staying business travelers has become a worldwide industry offering unparalleled comfort and amenities for the corporate travelers as well as expats.
By focussing on aesthetics and style, operators of serviced apartments are actively responding to the sophisticated needs and tastes of the new breed of business travelers. From furniture to fittings, serviced apartments combine style and functionality to not just meet, but also to exceed, the services previously offered only by the luxury hotels.
Technology is another area in which serviced apartments are raising the bar to meet the needs of today’s corporate traveler. High-speed internet connections, telephony and wi-fi enabled rooms are top priorities for business travelers and, as such, these have become staple features of corporate accommodation. Moreover, most serviced apartments are now equipped with cutting edge household appliances, and state-of-the-art entertainment, heating and lighting systems to better suit the needs and expectations of corporate guests.
Like hotels, serviced apartments offer impeccable customer services. On site concierge, translators, 24-hour security services, and of course housekeeping are staples of today’s serviced apartments. With the diverse sensibilities of so many business travelers, serviced apartment operators and agents are making sure that the every need of their guests is satisfied.