Archive for the ‘Serviced Accommodation’ Category
Serviced apartments - delivering real boys’ toys
Monday, August 17th, 2009It takes a lot to keep my brother entertained. He’s 25 and still requires constant stimulation from electronic gadgets, games consoles and music stations. And it seems unlikely he’ll ever grow out of it . . . sigh.
While this seems typical of many men (and I’m sure some women), withdrawal symptoms can set in when on holiday and the Play Station, PC and Nintendo Wi are left behind. But, blissfully, there is a solution . . .
Serviced apartments have cottoned on to the fact that men need entertaining – 24/7. With this in mind, serviced apartments frequently offer an impressive array of ‘techy toys’ to keep boys/teenagers and men glued to their seats and out of mischief.
On a recent family get-together in Newcastle, we booked into a serviced apartment which had some impressive electronics, which even managed to entice me. They included:
With this run-down of stupendous entertainment systems, my brother and my Dad were, needless to say, in their element. And, admittedly, I was pretty content at watching Coronation Street in the bath. So for anyone dreading a family holiday with fidgety teenagers, brothers or husbands, serviced apartments can at least meet the needs of pretty much every male out there. Which means a more relaxing holiday all round.
Serviced apartments - it’s all in the amenities
Monday, August 3rd, 2009With the credit crunch stinging us in all directions, hotels and serviced apartments are not going unscathed. And, as with many businesses, from shoe shops to supermarkets, beating the competition is crucial. For the likes of serviced apartments and hotels this means providing an impeccable service and gaining the edge over competitors. One way this can be achieved – for both hotels and serviced apartments – is through enhanced amenities.
Serviced apartments have the means to bump up the level of facilities pretty easily – and many are doing so in these testing times. Serviced apartments seem to have recognised there’s certain temptations that will appeal to various different clientele. Take a stereotypical family of four looking for a serviced apartment for instance…
- Mum
White fluffy robes, thick bath sheets (warmed on a heated towel rail), a dishwasher and posh bathroom (plus fancy products) are generally among the perks which could ‘sell’ serviced apartments to the Mum of the family more effectively. Not forgetting nearby shopping facilities. - Dad
Serviced apartment owners seem to be thinking technical facilities and sophistication for the gent of the family in 2009. A safe place to park the family 4×4 (ideally undercover), a huge bath, dedicated office area, sizeable plasma screen in the lounge or bedroom (preferably both), and a comfortable chair/sofa are all selling points for Dad. - Teenage son
Aren’t most lads of this age driven by beer, food, TV and computers? With that in mind, a nice big fridge/freezer doesn’t go amiss for the male teen of the family in serviced apartments, along with DVD player, high-speed internet and a large bedroom with private TV. Whether parents decide to take their teenager’s lavish requirements into consideration is, of course, another matter. - Teenage daughter
For young ladies in the family, leisure activities can be the most appealing factor. From a personal point of view, I know that a 24-hour health club, swimming pool and a decent Jacuzzi were the overriding dream ‘terms-and-conditions’ for booking hotels or serviced apartments in my late teens. Come to think of it, they still are.
If you’re booking serviced apartments remember there’s plenty of competition out there. Shop around, request the special extra touches, and squeeze all you can out of the booking agent.
Serviced apartments – at the essence of event management
Saturday, May 9th, 2009Corporate event management requires zest and imagination in choice of accommodation – so turn to serviced apartments to keep your guests happy
Event management requires thoughtful planning and meticulous attention to detail. Corporate organisations specialising in event management are increasingly turning to serviced apartments to ensure a comfortable, stylish and atmospheric stay for their guests.
Selecting the ideal serviced apartment may first entail addressing a number of specific details including:-
- Number of guests
- Budget
- Desired event image
When these have been formalised, a little inspiration is called for. What is the event style? Would it be most appropriate for guests to stay in a converted warehouse, a rural retreat, Victorian conversion or a beach residence? Perhaps a slick city pad is more apt? While the creative streak is being tapped into, it’s important to bear various practicalities in mind:-
- Are there adequate parking facilities in the serviced apartments?
- Are the serviced apartments close to public transportation? Do they need to be?
- Are there any special transportation issues to be addressed?
- Are the serviced apartments situated close to the event venue?
- What is the smoking policy in the serviced apartments?
Serviced apartments – the booking process
When you have ascertained the requirements of the serviced apartments, narrow down the possible locations online and check if sufficient rooms are available on the required date. Serviced apartments book up quickly so if you’re aiming to give your guests a memorable stay, get organised as soon as possible. If you can visit the serviced apartments in advance to vet them first hand, this can offer event managers valuable peace of mind. It is also worth checking cancellation policies should guest numbers drop nearer the time.
Family life with loved ones in serviced apartments
Friday, April 17th, 2009Travelling with children can be tricky. But serviced apartments can help make overnight stays a relaxing and safe experience . . .
If you’ve ever spent a night with children in a hotel room you’ll have encountered the limitations of this kind of living environment; kids under your feet, the need for additional and often uncomfortable ‘cot’ beds, lack of food-preparation facilities, and difficulty keeping the room tidy are just some of the downfalls. Fortunately, serviced apartments offer a more practical alternative. Aside from being around 30% cheaper than the equivalent standard of hotel accommodation, they provide a host of other benefits for families. Here’s just a few . . .
Advantages of serviced apartments for families
- Increased privacy
- Increased space
- Fully-equipped kitchen facilities
- Secure environment to co-exist in comfort
- Separate bedrooms for parents and children
- Hi-tech facilities such as internet connection and TV
Additional benefits of serviced apartments for families
Serviced apartments are also, as the name suggests ‘serviced’. This means you don’t have to worry about cleaning. The design of serviced apartments also means they generally feel more secure than a hotel. If the family structure is two parents and two children for example, it is commonplace for two hotel rooms to be booked – these are not necessarily right next to each other, which can create anxiety for children and parents. Serviced apartments, however, are available in various specifications from one bedroom upwards, which allows families to stay together under the same roof while still maintaining a level of privacy.
Serviced apartments and little family extras
Serviced apartments often go the extra mile to help families have a relaxing and trouble-free stay with their loved ones. Here are some additional benefits:
- Discounted rates for affiliated restaurants
- Cots and high chairs at no extra charge
- Discounted breakfast
- Game consoles, DVDs and other entertainment
Serviced apartments and stress-free relocation
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009Why make relocation a chore? Ease into your new living space with stylish serviced apartments
Relocation can be an unsettling time. Whether it is an upheaval for a new job, or a family decision to move to another area of the country, it can be a particularly disconcerting time for all involved. Serviced apartments, however, can ease you smoothly into your new environment.
Serviced apartments – helping you gently adjust
Two key attributes behind serviced apartments are flexibility and comfort. Serviced apartments are designed to be a home from home, and to provide you with a safe living space to adjust to a strange and unfamiliar UK city.
Avoid ‘snap buying’ decisions with serviced apartments
If you are moving for a new contract of employment, and are hoping to eventually buy an apartment or house in the area, serviced apartments afford you the luxury of time to make the right decision in buying a property. You can book into serviced apartments from one night to several months (discounts may be available for longer-term stays) and take time to become familiar with property in the area. This prevents any snap buying decisions being made, which you may later regret.
Researching the property market for you and your family
If you are moving with your family, it may be even more crucial that you have time to study the property market. Serviced apartments can be used as a temporary home during the initial research stage to allow you to drive around the city and suburbs with the family. Getting a feel for an area yourself, rather than relying purely on the recommendations of estate agents, is certainly the most sensible way to secure a smart property buy.
Hotels versus serviced apartments
Pondering bed and breakfasts or hotels instead? This, of course, is an option considered by many. Remember though, serviced apartments are designed to be a temporary home, rather than just a temporary ‘base’. They offer privacy, extreme comfort, safety for you and your family, state-of-the-art facilities and space. Serviced apartments are also, on average, 30% cheaper than a hotel of the equivalent standard.
Serviced apartments – design and style
Thursday, April 9th, 2009Serviced apartments across the UK’s major cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle are available in many beautiful styles and designs. Here’s a snapshot of some of the varying architectural styles you may expect from serviced apartments . . .
High-rise city serviced apartments
Luxury high-rise serviced apartments are available in many stunning buildings across the cities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle. The attraction for many guests is the beautiful day and night-time views and the sense of seclusion from the crowds and traffic noise below. High-rise serviced apartments tend to be very fashionable with businesspeople.
Waterside and warehouse serviced apartments
Serviced apartments have grown and spread in little enclaves around the rivers of many cities. Many old Victorian warehouses have been converted into chic serviced apartments which retain authentic features such as exposed brickwork, barrel vaulted ceilings and original ironwork. Many waterside apartments also feature a private balcony, with peaceful river or town views.
Period residence serviced apartments
In various UK cities, such as the Georgian quarter in the centre of Leeds, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining the authenticity of period buildings. Many such residences have been sympathetically restored and transformed into contemporary serviced apartments which retain characteristics such as airy interiors and big windows which flood apartments with natural daylight.
Out-of-town serviced apartments
Although city serviced apartments are often situated in prime locations, serviced apartments are sometimes located in city suburbs. Such accommodation may appeal more to families or to friends who are taking a holiday, rather than businesspeople who need to be in the hub of things. Naturally, out-of-town locations offer a greater sense of tranquillity than centrally-situated apartments.
Why choose serviced accommodation?
Saturday, March 14th, 2009Look beyond hotels, think serviced accommodation. Let’s consider the advantages…
What is serviced accommodation?
Serviced accommodation can be described as a ‘home from home’. The apartments, which vary in size, incorporate bedrooms, bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and lounge – along with desirable facilities such as broadband and Sky TV. Serviced apartments are much akin to a hotel suite for a fraction of the cost.
Why is serviced accommodation so popular?
Serviced accommodation has swept across the UK with ever-growing popularity over the last few years. Today’s increasingly transient lifestyles and the surge in business travel - coupled with the demand for quality accommodation - have allowed serviced apartments to fill a niche in the market.
What are the specific advantages of serviced accommodation?
- Flexibility to stay from one night to many months
- Excellent value - Between 25% and 40% cheaper than a hotel
- No lengthy ‘tie-in’ contract, unlike private property rentals
- Generally charged per apartment, not per person
- Fully serviced - apartments cleaned at least once a week
- Offers space for guests, business meetings and dinner parties
- More homely than a hotel room
- Easy to book on-line or over the phone
- Mostly located near restaurants and amenities
Who stays in serviced accommodation?
- Business people living away from home
- Individuals or families relocating to a new city
- Groups of friends looking for a weekend away
- Anyone looking for a short to medium-term stay
The only drawback, if you can call it that, to serviced accommodation is the absence of a restaurant on the premises. This may seem inconvenient for some, but this is one reason why serviced accommodation is cheaper than a hotel room, as there aren’t the same running costs or staff wages involved. Fortunately, serviced apartments are generally located in the hub of the city and so restaurants are in the vicinity. Serviced accommodation always offers a fully-equipped kitchen so occupants can enjoy home cooking if preferred.
Serviced Accommodation – flexible living with finesse
Thursday, February 26th, 2009Welcome to my serviced accommodation blog. Here I’ll keep you updated with all the latest serviced accommodation information, as well as sharing tips on the hottest places to rent serviced accommodation in the north of England - mainly focusing on serviced accommodation in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle.
From high-rise to waterside, serviced accommodation takes many forms
Serviced accommodation is a flourishing market and as cities undergo regeneration and continual investment, stylish apartments are springing up in many different city locations. You may be tempted by high-rise apartments overlooking the glowing lights of the city. Or you may like the idea of living by tranquil watersides in a trendy conversion in the city centre. Alternatively, you may welcome the ease of a ground-floor living space close to high-street stores, first-class restaurants and supermarkets.
Who uses serviced accommodation?
People use serviced accommodation for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps you’re a business person looking for a safe and homely apartment while you work away from home. Maybe you’re moving to the city and need time to find your bearings and establish a permanent place of residence. Serviced accommodation could simply be a means to get a group of friends together for a party weekend.
The financial benefits of serviced accommodation
Furthermore, in these difficult financial times, your quest for serviced accommodation could be down to the fantastic rates such apartments offer. Most are at least 25% cheaper than comparable hotel accommodation, and come with a multitude of benefits not offered in a hotel.
The reasons you may be looking into serviced accommodation could be many and varied. But the great thing is you’ve found us. Here, I look forward to bringing you the most up-to-date advice to steer you on course to a comfortable stay in your serviced accommodation.