Corporate travel is going through a significant evolution as more professionals seek a balance between the functionality of an office and the comfort of a home. While traditional hotels once dominated the market, a different model is now taking centre stage. For those based in thriving towns surrounding London, like Guildford, the search for accommodation that supports both productivity and relaxation has led to a significant rise in the popularity of aparthotels.
This trend reflects a broader change in how we approach work-related trips. Modern travellers aren’t just looking for a bed for the night. They want a space where they can prepare a meal, host a brief meeting, or simply unwind without feeling confined to a single room. Follow along to find out why this versatile accommodation style is becoming the go-to choice for the modern workforce.
The Best of Both Worlds
Aparthotels represent a unique hybrid in the hospitality industry. They provide the privacy and spatial benefits of a self-contained apartment while maintaining the essential services of a hotel, such as 24-hour reception or regular housekeeping. This combination is particularly appealing for those who find themselves frequently commuting to and from the Surrey Research Park or Guildford’s town centre.
When you choose this type of stay, you don’t have to sacrifice the convenience of a concierge for the freedom of a private front door. It’s a flexible arrangement that suits the unpredictable nature of business. If a project in another city runs over schedule, the transition from a short stay to an extended one is often much smoother in an environment designed for living, not just visiting. With reliable corporate housing by Situ available with just a few clicks, it’s never been easier to find affordable employee accommodation.
Enhanced Facilities for Productivity
One of the primary reasons for this surge in popularity is the inclusion of a fully equipped kitchen (or kitchenette, depending on the property) and dedicated dining areas. Business travellers often get tired of eating out every night or relying on limited room service menus. Having the facility to cook a healthy meal or brew a proper coffee makes a significant difference to one’s well-being during a long trip.
Beyond the kitchen, the layout of an aparthotel is inherently better suited for work than a standard hotel room. Most units include:
- High-speed Wi-Fi and ample power outlets for multiple devices.
- Separate living and sleeping areas to help maintain a healthy work-life boundary.
- On-site laundry facilities, which are essential for those on multi-week assignments.
- Enough desk space to set up a dual-monitor or ergonomic workstation.
A Cost-Effective Solution for Companies
From a procurement perspective, aparthotels offer impressive value, especially for longer stays. Many providers offer tiered pricing models where the nightly rate decreases as the length of stay increases. This makes them a budget-friendly alternative to booking multiple hotel rooms for a team or paying for expensive daily laundry and meal expenses. Additionally, these transitions are managed by experts who understand the nuances of global mobility.
For a business based in Guildford looking to send a team to a project site for a month, the savings can be substantial. Because these units are designed for independence, companies often find that their duty of care requirements are more easily met in a secure, professionally managed building that feels like a home. It’s a practical way to manage travel spend without compromising the comfort of the employee.
Supporting the Extended Stay Trend
We’re seeing a rise in bleisure (blending business travel and leisure) and extended assignments where professionals might stay in a location for several weeks or even months. In these scenarios, the limitations of a hotel room become very apparent very quickly. Aparthotels provide the breathing room necessary to stay focused and motivated over a longer period.
They offer a sense of stability in an unfamiliar city. Being able to stock a fridge with preferred snacks or have a separate area to exercise means that a traveller’s routine doesn’t have to fall apart. This focus on the human element of travel is exactly why this sector continues to grow so rapidly.
In Closing
The move toward aparthotels is a logical response to the evolving needs of the global workforce. By prioritising space, flexibility, and practical facilities, these accommodations offer a level of support that traditional hotels often struggle to match.
Whether you’re heading out from Guildford for a quick overnight meeting or a three-month relocation, the comfort of an apartment combined with the reliability of a hotel service is an increasingly attractive prospect. As business travel continues to adapt, it’s certain that this versatile model will remain a central part of the corporate journey.
