Serviced Apartments - Corporate/guest Perspective

With just over 2 years to run until London 2012

, increasing attention and focus will be given to the Games; the preparation, the venues and athletes facilities. But with up to a million extra visitors expected throughout August 2012, in addition to the number of domestic visitors, how well is London prepared to accommodate the increase in visitors, as well as meet the everyday demand from business?

Yes, its true there are hundreds of hotels in the capital and plans are in place to add extra capacity in preparation for the Games. But for many, hotels just arent a viable option, given the room rates and extra costs associated with food and beverage. So whats the alternative? In two words serviced apartments.

Within the corporate sector serviced apartments are widely recognized as a cost effective alternative to hotels when accommodating employees on extended stay visits in London. They represent huge cost savings for companies looking to reduce travel spend, and in some cases provide up to 40% reduction. But for many businesses with UK headquarters, serviced apartments continue to remain an unknown; what is a serviced apartment, where can I find serviced apartments in London and most importantly how much do serviced apartments cost?

Simply put, a serviced apartment is a fully furnished and equipped apartment that receives a housekeeping service, sometimes daily but most often on a weekly basis. In terms of size they are typically twice the size of a hotel room, and provide a living space, separate bedroom and fully equipped kitchen. Today broadband is more often than not included in the rate as is satellite TV. Most serviced apartment operators provide a complimentary welcome pack, which includes the basic provisions helping guests to settle in after arrival. At some buildings gyms and pool are available for use, though these facilities are not typically standard across London.

London serviced apartments are spread across the UK and in London alone there are more than 6000 apartments represented by a number of operators. Clarendon Serviced Apartments is one of the more recognised names. They offer a number of locations across options and choice of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. It has a large portfolio in Canary Wharf. All Clarendon serviced apartments are furnished to a very high standard and provide a home away from home, with comfortable furnishings and within close proximity to offices and local shopping. Easy access to Londons transport network is a prerequisite when Clarendon looks to open new apartments and a tube station is never more than 5 minute walk.

Its expected Canary Wharf will act as a main hub during the Olympic Games, especially given the convenience of arriving into City Airport, easy access to the DLR which connects with the Wharf in 15 minutes and its close proximity to the Olympic Park. In fact such is the appeal of Canary Wharf that providers are already being approached to discuss accommodation in the area as organisers, teams and the worlds press look to confirm their accommodation in good time.

So with more space more freedom and choice, whats the cost? Typically today in Canary Wharf a 1 bedroom apartment will cost in the region of 800 per week + VAT. This is based on a 7 night stay includes all utilities, council tax, TV licence and housekeeping service once a week. Now compare this to the average cost of a hotel room plus the added costs to eat out v self cater and you start to see substantial cost savings.

Serviced apartments London continue to be a viable alternative to the higher hotel costs in London, especially for individuals and groups seeking accommodation for 1 week or more. 2 bedroom apartments provide even greater benefit as they feature 2 bathrooms, so are suitable for sharers.

by: victorking8

POST COMMENT

Cable Tv Providers On Dealing With Customers Comparing Shared Hosting and Dedicated Hosting Services    Services Every City Should Provide Do you have a requirefor an on-line fax service? Types Of Voip Services Getting Customers To Pay Consistently And On Time Should I Get Satellite Tv Service? Creating A Community For Your Customers Emergency Dental Service: A Pain In The Tooth Resellers With Call Accounting Service Headaches The Benefits of a Live Answering Service in a Big City LPO Services in India Funeral Services And Associated Practices Differ Between Cultures