n ever-increasing number of corporate travellers are realising the benefits of

serviced apartments. The rapid expansion of this sector in the last five years highlights this, with more than 12,000 properties across the UK and Ireland represented by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP), and every major UK city now offering the discerning business traveller a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Emma Cooke investigates the reasons behind this rising trend.

The best of both worldsA serviced apartment combines the benefit of space and privacy with the luxury and facilities of a hotel. High-quality furnishings, bed linen, towels and toiletries, as well as first-class home-entertainment facilities and the latest in-room technology, come as standard. Many apartments are also officially quality-assessed by Visit Britain, and most have a four- or five-star rating.

“A serviced apartment provides the business traveller with a furnished, self-contained flat, including a fully-equipped kitchen and separate areas to sleep, work and eat, offering a complete ‘home-from-home’ experience,” says David Smith, chairman of ASAP and managing director of City Apartments. “A key benefit is the extra space offered – you can expect 30% more than in a comparable standard of hotel room.”

Guests also benefit from a greater degree of privacy. An apartment block in a major city will have, on average, anything from 30 to 50 apartments and a maximum of around 100 to 150 people. A conventional hotel will usually have 100 to 200 bedrooms which, combined with the public areas, could mean up to 500 people in the building.

Counting the costsPerhaps even more significantly, an increasing number of PAs are discovering the financial benefits of serviced apartments. “For less than the cost of two separate hotel rooms, myself and a colleague shared a two-bedroom serviced apartment for a few days,” says

Angela Garry, PA trainer at Pica Aurum, and a key speaker at this year’s ExecSec Summit. “There was also plenty of space – a far cry from some of the shoebox hotel rooms I've seen in the past.

“Overall, the facilities, convenience, flexibility and value made it feel like a really comfortable base for a few days, and I'd recommend it to anyone from bosses going on trips to groups of staff going on team-building events. Even for a few days it was relaxing, but I would imagine that for longer trips the serviced apartment would be by far the best option, as it provides a home-from-home experience with a lot more to offer than a hotel room.”

While there is a wide range of serviced apartments to be found by trawling the internet, first-timers may prefer to look at the website for the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP), which is the only association of its kind within the UK. All members commit to a charter and code of conduct guaranteeing high-quality accommodation, which ranges from compact studios and roof-top apartments in London to ultra-spacious three-bedroom apartments along the canal in Edinburgh. To find out more, visit theasap.org.uk.

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PAlife v e n u e s

PALIFE.CO.UK JUnE 2012 • PALife

c o s t - e f f e c t i v eBusiness travellers on a restricted budget will

appreciate the excellent value for money that serviced apartments provide over a

hotel room, without compromising on comfort. Guests staying for seven nights or more will usually find their price per night is reduced, and there’s the benefit of the free meeting space a living room offers. A large

apartment booked for a number of colleagues offers a discount too, as the

charge is per apartment and not per person. Free from any hidden extras, such as room

service, serviced apartments are a no-strings-attached way to make your travel expenses go further when you’re working

away from home.

f l e x i b i l i t yWith a relaxed ‘home away from home’

feeling, guests can spend their down time away from the meeting room in any way they

please, whether it's eating out at a restaurant, enjoying a home-cooked meal or

even employing a chef to cater for a dinner party. For those travellers spending several

weeks or even months away, a serviced apartment offers the maximum in flexibility and independence and allows the option of

the family to travel with them.

s p a c eA serviced apartment can provide up to

twice as much space as the same standard of hotel room. Whether it's a studio

apartment or four-bedroom penthouse, your boss will be able to enjoy the benefit of a

full-fitted kitchen, a living room and, of course, a separate sleeping space.

t h e b e n e f i t sthe ascott ltd

cheval residences: hyde park gate

Serviced apartmentsGUIDE

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Arlington HouseLocation: LondonMinimum stay: Three nightsPrice: From £195 per night for a studioarlingtonhouse.co.uk

About: Arlington House was built in the 1930s as a private residential block and adjoins the famous Ritz Hotel, giving it an enviable location in St James's. Many of the 120 apartments overlook the garden, while others enjoy views of Green Park. Arlington House is well-equipped for corporate guests wishing to relocate to the UK, with short-term leases available from one month to six months. Guests staying longer than six months will be offered special rates.Amenities: Accommodation ranges from a studio to a four-bedroom apartment, with one penthouse spread over two floors with unrivalled views across London. All apartments have fully-fitted kitchens and most bedrooms have a king-size bed, which can be separated into twin beds to allow flexibility when travelling with the family.Services: Housekeeping five days a week; towels and linen change weekly; all utilities included (excluding telephone charges); 24-hour porter service; secure entry system; widescreen TV; DVD/CD; hair dryer, ironing board/iron;guest toiletries; air-conditioning; car parking (chargeable); WiFi (chargeable).

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Premier ApartmentsLocation: Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and DublinMinimum stay: One nightPrice: On requestpremierapartments.com

About: Established since 1996, Premier Apartments are widely recognised for their highly professional standards. Their most recent development is Premier Apartments London, a brand new waterside development of studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Situated only three miles from the Olympic Stadium in the heart of the Limehouse Lock, and surrounded by a fantastic range of bars, restaurants and shops, it is the ideal base to explore everything the City of London has to offer.Amenities: Most locations offer a selection of apartments, from one bedroom up to three bedrooms.Services: Weekly linen and towel change; weekly service clean for stays over seven nights; all utilities including telephone rental; secure entry system; CD/DVD; hair dryer; ironing board/iron; alarm clock; guest toiletries; welcome pack; WiFi, Continental breakfast box, dry cleaning and discounted membership at local gym (all chargeable).

PALiFE.CO.UK JUNE 2012 • PALife

arlington house

premier apartments

it HAs An enviAble locAtion

Adjoining tHe ritz Hotel

serviced apartmentsGUiDE

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PAlife v e n u e s

Room-Blocation: WorldwideMinimum stay: one nightprices: from £72-£240 per nightroom-b.co.uk

about: Room-B was established in 2008 as a serviced apartment booking agent, aiming to provide a seamless client experience from the initial enquiry through to on-going support and management. as an agent, Room-B makes hours of internet research, checking availability and best rates a thing of the past. its commitment is to provide an excellent product every time, and first-class service.amenities: all Room-B’s corporate clients are assigned an account manager, who will present the best options based on your needs. Room-B can arrange viewings, will conduct meet and greets, organise taxis and has a 24-hour guest support number. it also offers a vast range of serviced apartments, from modest studios to three-bedroom penthouses.Services: Weekly housekeeping; weekly linen and towel change; meet and greet; all utilities (excluding telephone call charges); Wifi; 24-hour concierge in most locations; secure entry system; widescreen TV; DVD/cD; hair dryers; ironing board/iron; toiletries; air- conditioning; car parking (chargeable).

ROOM-B

hOuse Of MOdeRn living

A Space in the Citylocation: Swansea & cardiffMinimum stay: Two nightsprice: from £49 to £260 per nightaspaceinthecity.co.uk

about: a Space in the city was established in 2005 to provide high-value serviced apartment accommodation by focusing on the needs of its customers as a first priority. The company serves the leisure and corporate markets, utilising the most modern apartment developments available, and servicing to the equivalent level of a five-star hotel.amenities: a Space in the city has studios and apartments with up to three bedrooms, all with contemporary design and furnishings. Beds vary from singles to doubles and queen-sized.Services: Weekly housekeeping; towels and linen changed weekly; all utilities; secure entry system; widescreen TV; DVD/cD; hair dryer; ironing board/iron; toiletries; free car parking in most locations; Wifi.

House of Modern Livinglocation: WorldwideMinimum stay: five nightsprice: Seasonal rates start from £107 per night. length of stay affects all rateshouseofmoli.com

about: House of Modern living offers a selection of serviced apartments in central london business districts and across the globe, aimed at the corporate guest. locations are carefully selected to offer a tranquil atmosphere for relaxing. operating since 2008, it caters to travellers coming to london from all over the world, who are seeking high-quality accommodation as a more cost-effective proposal than a four-star hotel and looking for more space than just one small room. as many of its employees come from a background in hospitality, customer service is the number one priority. amenities: House of Modern living’s one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments feature modern, spacious living spaces and dining areas, stylish interior furnishings, fully-equipped kitchens and luxury beds, as well as crockery and linen for up to six guests. Services: Weekly maid service and linen change; meet and greet; all utilities (excluding telephone call charges); complimentary high-speed internet access; concierge/porter/reception in most locations; secure entry system; widescreen TV; DVD player; hair dryer; ironing board/iron; welcome pack.

A spAce in the city

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PAlife v e n u e s

palife.co.uk june 2012 • PALife

Go Nativelocation: london, edinburgh & worldwideMinimum stay: one nightprice: from £85 to £160 per nightgonative.com

about: established in 1997, Go native is an award-winning provider of temporary housing solutions, providing companies and individual travellers with access to a network of over 25,000 serviced apartments. all apartments are available on a flexible basis whether you’re looking for a one night stay or a year-long lease. Delivering great customer service is at the heart of the business.amenities: Go native offers studios and apartments with up to three bedrooms, which come with fully fitted kitchen, modern bathrooms, generous living space and a refined, modern design. The new flagship development at 206 Sussex Gardens in london's Westminster is a Grade ii listed terrace combining Victorian architecture with contemporary design. Services: Weekly housekeeping; weekly linen and towel change; all utilities (including telephone charges); 24-hour concierge; secure entry system; widescreen TV; DVD/cD (or ipod docking station); hair dryers, ironing board/iron; toiletries; some car parking (chargeable); Wifi.

go native

Oakwood UKlocation: europe, the Middle east, africa, north america, latin america, asia-pacific and the ukMinimum stay: five nightsprice: from £138 per night for a studio (for stays of 30 nights or more)oakwood.com

about: oakwood has access to hundreds of apartment providers globally, and its uk branch operates 24 serviced apartment buildings nationwide. its flagship london property, oakwood farringdon, opened in 2011 and includes 48 fully serviced one- and two-bedroom apartments. Tailored towards professionals, apartments are located near major business and residential areas, ensuring guests can live close to work. amenities: oakwood uk’s studios and apartments offer a wide variety of amenities, including fully fitted kitchens with dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer. You can also expect contemporary furniture and fittings. Guests benefit from excellent service, with dedicated account management and consolidated billing. Services: Weekly housekeeping; meet and greet; all utilities (excluding telephone call charges); complimentary high-speed Wifi; concierge; secure entry system; plasma TV with freeview; hair dryer, ironing board/iron; welcome basket; toiletries; airport transfers and dry cleaning service (both chargeable).

The Ascott Limitedlocation: WorldwideMinimum stay: one nightprice: from £119 per nightthe-ascott.com

about: The ascott was founded in 1884, opening its first residence in Singapore. in 2002 it acquired a 50% stake in citadines apart’hotels, which assured its position as the largest serviced operator outside the uSa. amenities: Studios through to three-bedroom apartments are available, and are all fully equipped with every modern convenience.Services (uk residences): Daily house-keeping; weekly towel and linen change; all utilities (including telephone calls); laundry facilities; 24-hour reception service; secure entry system; widescreen TV; DVD/cD; hair dryers, ironing board/iron; toiletries; welcome pack; air-conditioning; car parking (in most apartments); Wifi.

oakwood uk

the ascott limited

Serviced apartmentsGuiDe

51 BUCKINGHAM GATE*London

51-buckinghamgate.co.uk

196 BISHOPSGATE*London

196bishopsgate.com

ABODE BED & CONTINENTAL*Hemel Hempstead & Glasgow

abodebed.com

ACITYABODE*

Cardiff & Bristol

acityabode.com

ARLINGTON HOUSE*

London

arlingtonhouse.co.uk

SEE PAGE 50

ARMITAGE APARTMENTS & SPA*London

thearmitage.com

A SPACE IN THE CITY*Cardiff & Swansea

aspaceinthecity.co.uk

SEE PAGE 52

BERKSHIRE ROOMS LTD*

Berkshire

berkshirerooms.co.uk

BRIDGE STREET*

Nationwide

bridgestreet.com

CHEVAL RESIDENCES LTD*

London

chevalresidences.com

CITY APARTMENTS LTD*

London

cityaparts.com

CITY APARTMENTS MK LTD*

Milton Keynes

servicedcityapartments.com

CITYBASE APARTMENTS*

Worldwide

citybaseapartments.com

CITYQUARTERS SERVICED APARTMENTS*Birmingham

cityquarters.co.uk

CITYSTAY APARTMENTS*

Milton Keynes & Northampton

citystayaparts.com

CITYSTAY LTD*

Cambridge

citystayuk.com

CLARENDON SERVICED APARTMENTSLondon

clarendonuk.com

COTELS/SIMPLY APARTMENTS*Milton Keynes & Northampton

cotels.co.uk

CREDIBLE APARTMENTS*Surrey

credibleapartments.co.uk

DEEP BLUE APARTMENTS*

Nationwide

deepblue-apartments.com

DREAMHOUSE INC*Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen & Manchester

dreamhouseapartments.com

EXECUTIVE SERVICED APARTMENTS LTD (ESA)*

Thames Valley & South Coast

esa-servicedapartments.co.uk

FOUNTAIN COURT APARTMENTS*Edinburgh

fountaincourt.com

FRASERS HOSPITALITY*

Worldwide

frasershospitality.com

GO NATIVE LTD*

Worldwide

gonative.com

SEE PAGE 54

HOUSE OF FISHER LTD*Berkshire, Surrey & Hampshire

stayhof.com

HOUSE OF MODERN LIVING*

Worldwide

houseofmoli.com

SEE PAGE 52

MAITRISE SUITES*

London

maitrisesuites.com

MARLIN APARTMENTS*

London

marlinapartments.com

MAX SERVICED APARTMENTS LTD*Nationwide

max-servicedapartments.co.uk

MONDO HOSPITALITY LTD* London & Dubai

mondohospitality.com

OAKWOOD UK*

Worldwide

oakwood.com

SEE PAGE 54

PRAVONIX APARTMENTS*

Newbury, Berkshire

pravonixservicedapartments.co.uk

PREMIER APARTMENTS*

England & Dublin

premierapartments.com

SEE PAGE 50

PROPERTIES UNIQUE LTD*

Newcastle

propertiesunique.com

QUEST APARTMENTS*

Cambridge

questapartments.co.uk

ROOM-B*Worldwide

room-b.co.uk

SEE PAGE 52

SACO*

Worldwide

sacoapartments.com

SHORTSTAYMK*

Milton Keynes

shortstay-mk.co.uk

SHORTSTAYUK *Surrey & Sussex

shortstayuk.com

SKYLINE WORLDWIDE ACCOMMODATIONS LTD*

Worldwide

liveskyline.com

STAYCITY.COM*Europe

staycity.com

STAYING COOL*

Birmingham, Manchester & Barcelona

stayingcool.com

SUPERCITY APARTHOTELS*London

supercityuk.com

THE APARTMENT SERVICE*

Nationwide

apartmentservice.com

THE ASCOTT LIMITED

Worldwide

the-ascott.com

SEE PAGE 54

THE KNIGHT RESIDENCE*

Edinburgh

knightresidence.com

THINK APARTMENTS*

London

think-apartments.com

TOWN OR COUNTRY*Southampton

town-or-country.co.uk

WEST LONDON APARTMENTS*

London

westlondonapartments.co.uk

YOUR HOME FROM HOME*Dublin & London

yourhomefromhome.com

YOUR SPACE APARTMENTS LTD*London & Cambridge

yourspaceapartments.com

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F O L L O W U S O N T W I T T E R V I A @ P A L I F E M A G O R O N T H E P A L I F E F A C E B O O K P A G E

PAlife V E N U E S

PALIFE.CO.UK JUNE 2012 • PALife

Serviced apartmentsGUIDE

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* MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICED APARTMENT PROVIDERS

THE ASCOTT LIMITED

A SPACE IN THE CITY

Be Involved: For details of advertising and sponsorship opportunities with PA Life Magazine and Events, please contact Rob Hill T: 020 7367 4027 E: rob.hill@palife.co.uk

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