Edinburgh is one of the biggest business and corporate destinations in the UK and attracts thousands of travellers every year for work. One of the biggest trends pertaining to corporate housing in Edinburgh is that corporates are more inclined towards booking serviced apartments in the city for their business jaunts. Let’s explore this trend in more detail below.
Serviced Apartments Hit It Big in the UK Hospitality Industry
It’s not just globally; serviced apartments have hit it big in the UK hospitality sector as well. Several reports by the STR Global and Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) indicate how occupancies for these apartments in London alone touched 77.8% which was a massive jump from the same period in 2013. RevPAR has also gone up by 2.2% while 77% of British travellers now prefer staying in serviced apartments up to five times each year for trips up to seven nights. 79% of them also prefer them to hotels.
Where apartments are making it count for business travellers is that they have multiple ranges from economy to luxury and come with fixed inventory and on-site staff with manned services and receptions. At the same time, they also offer ample space to eat, work and sleep. Corporate housing in Edinburgh is also evolving to be self-contained apartments in residential buildings with management by legal entities or individuals. They are ideal for longer stays, offering in-room laundry and 24-hour service contact. Such has been the popularity of the category that the British Hospitality Association (BHA) has come out with a dedicated sectoral program for serviced apartments.
Some Other Trends Pertaining to Serviced Apartments in the UK
There are several other trends pertaining to serviced apartments throughout the UK, including Edinburgh. Reports by the Cheval Collection highlight that they have now found a permanent home with most travellers. What do they look for? They usually seek a good reputation for the apartment and flexible booking choices. 68% of guests were likely or very likely to book serviced apartments when staying in Edinburgh.
As a result, it is clear that serviced apartments are not a passing trend and are here to stay. Demand has gone up considerably for serviced apartments with experienced and reputed operators who can ensure quality stays in premium environments. Serviced apartments are now clear indicators of how guests now value the freedom of travel and also staying where they desire. At the same time, there is a return to the concept of hospitality alongside. Hence, they are fast becoming the preferred choices for business travellers in the UK.
Why Business Travellers Are Switching from Hotels to Serviced Apartments
Corporate travellers prefer serviced apartments in Edinburgh for several reasons. They are becoming the most-coveted option for business guests in the city, offering a more attractive alternative to regular hotels. Several factors, like longer stay preferences, higher space and great amenities, may be driving these trends. Let’s examine them in more detail below.
- Corporate travellers are gradually moving towards fewer but more extended or longer trips. Hence, serviced apartments are a more affordable and practical choice for extended durations in comparison to regular hotels.
- Serviced apartments offer higher privacy and space for corporate travellers in comparison to regular hotels. Simultaneously, they come with amenities like laundry facilities and kitchens, thereby offering more convenient experiences for those on longer work assignments.
- Serviced apartments are safer and more private, and they also gained more popularity during the pandemic due to their ability to minimise and lower contact with other staff members and guests.
- Corporate travellers are increasingly looking for experiences, and serviced apartments may enable a more immersive and localised stay instead of being isolated in a hotel. You can immerse yourself in the culture and community by staying at a serviced apartment.
- Serviced apartments are easily accessible and are appealing to a bigger audience, making them extremely competitive choices, even for shorter stays in Edinburgh.
- Serviced apartment supply has gone up considerably in Edinburgh, leading to stronger adoption as more investors recognise the potential of this segment.
- These apartments also come with hotel-like services like concierge services, receptions, pool and gym access, parking, elevators and many other add-ons.
- Serviced apartments in Edinburgh are mostly concentrated in prime and strategic locations like the New Town and Old Town. These areas offer central and easy connectivity to several leading business districts and other landmarks.
Final Thoughts
You will find several options in Edinburgh when it comes to corporate housing. There are several verified listings available at TheSquare that you can compare before finalising your decision. Check the amenities, rates and locations carefully before zeroing in on the right apartment that caters to your needs with aplomb. Make sure you book in advance to avoid the last-minute rush. Here’s wishing you a fabulous Edinburgh trip ahead!
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