Temporary Housing – Issues and Discussion
India is on the verge of stepping up from an emerging nation into a leading economic power. Besides, recent events in India - right from the Mumbai attacks to sporting milestones like the Olympic gold medal and cricket victories, have resonated in the hearts of every Indian a quiet and passionate confidence - to make best use of the freedom we had gained over fifty years ago and change the way we live as a country. Today, for every Indian – India is the opportunity, without doubt.
As part of globalization and the increased economic activity combined with focused effort on the part of the government to improve the infrastructure there are increased number of reasons for people to travel – both domestically and internationally. Although, not limited to the corporate Indian - travel trips or travelling assignments are usually reasons for stress and inconvenience especially, staying away from home, more so, considering the strong family ties we bear unlike most western cultures. Home environments relax travelers living away from home and ensure productivity levels are sustained, especially, if the stay is for long durations. Imagine landing in a new city and going straight home. Serviced apartments are the answer. Also, typically know as 'short term accommodation/housing solutions' or 'corporate housing – focused on corporate travel' Serviced apartments are purpose built facilities to cater for short term housing needs – for both corporate and non-corporate needs. The apartments are rented out with complete furnishings for a temporary period of time. Typically, they are provided with fully equipped kitchenettes, television sets, hi-speed wireless internet access, room service and round-the-clock security amongst other value added facilities. Also commonly referred to as furnished apartments, serviced apartments or temporary housing, corporate housing, these facilities bridges the gap between home and hotel stay. This means the same privacy, space and amenities you so desire when you are away on business for long periods of time but take for granted when at home. Although, historically not a new mode of accommodation this is certainly a newly defined necessity for the traveler. Temporary Housing – Issues and Discussion Whether the need for the corporate or the non-corporate traveler - relocation can be a daunting task, in spite of today's advances in information and telecommunication technologies. Stress related to travelling could potentially impact the productivity of an individual. This is the reason most relocation managers, would not want his/her employees to be burdened with the pressures of relocation and would prefer an organization to seamlessly integrate their travel plans with a temporary accommodation solution provider. The differentiator with the hotel include – Room size, value per rupee paid, home like environment, personal attention amongst other softer and tangible conveniences. Another typical example of the use of temporary housing solutions, which is predominant in the western world, is the need for assistance with relocation packages. With the pace at which the culture gap between the western and eastern working cultures are narrowing, India is certainly going to experience an increased demand for such solutions. Depending on the type of traveler, the destination and the time of the year, the duration of the stay can range from a few hours to weeks and months. For this, the amenities and the interiors are specifically designed to accommodate a traveler for varying durations of stay. Key Differentiators The major difference is the living space itself along with the complementing services which make the stay in a service apartment different to a hotel.
The living areas, for starters, are substantially bigger giving you more space to relax or entertain guests, and the privacy to do so is unmatched. There is more privacy as compared to lodges and hotels and guests can conveniently avoid the annoyance of transient guests in the building and the chaos of living next to busy, commercial areas where hotels and lodges are usually located.
Moreover, unlike other accommodation modes, round-the-clock security is a critical feature in most serviced apartments. As a matter of fact, most of the facilities that are exorbitantly charged in other modes of accommodation come at significantly lower price. Additionally, common convenience and simple pleasures like home food rather than expensive room service and dining out – are pretty much standard. One size fits all Not just restricted to business travellers, corporate apartments are available for every lifestyle and budget. Corporate housing is ideal for families who are in the middle of a house renovation and need to relocate or have recently moved into a new town and need time to find their feet. The same goes for annual family vacations, honeymoons, accommodating extra guests and all other activities requiring temporary housing. A wide range of special offers and value packages on offer make corporate housing that much more attractive. Also, many corporate apartments maintain competitive and flexible rental rates and terms, seasonal discounts and incentives, and master leases for corporate clients. There are specialized property management companies that will assist any corporate traveller with a number of furnished, cost-effective corporate apartment options and housing needs.
Location, Location, Location
As with most real estate assets, its – Location, Location, Location. Serviced Apartments are located in prime locations of cities and towns. Proximity to transport, shopping and entertainment are key features that are non-negotiable. Unlike other modes of travel accommodations, serviced apartments are located in quite residential locations, which benefit total well being. Conclusion With the pace of today's world and the need to balance work and life, serviced apartments is a concept that is here to stay and a definite alternative to expensive hotel and lodge stay. The value that can be obtained for the price paid is unparalleled.
Although there are quite a few setups that claim to be Serviced Apartments, there are only a handful of organizations that are professionally managed and even fewer with audacious visions and mission to take on global competition.
Serviced apartments for temporary housing solution is a must in the check lists of both corporate and non-corporate travellers and travel planners. |
