What Are The Different Types Of Business Accommodation

Travelling for business is a different prospect than travelling for leisure and the accommodation options should reflect that. This is particularly true when staying in a business hub like London. 

 

This guide will explain the different types of business accommodation you may come across and help you decide which is best for you.

What is Business Travel Accommodation?

Business accommodation is effectively any accommodation used by business travellers. But what makes it unique is that business travellers often have certain needs and requirements.

 

Some travellers only need accommodation for a couple of days so a short stay in a hotel or airbnb works fine. But others may need to stay somewhere for months and will need space, cooking facilities and public transport links to their place of business.

 

Types of Business Accommodation

Now, let’s dive into the types of business accommodation you can choose.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are fully furnished apartments that offer hotel-like amenities and services to its guests. These services tend to include offerings like a concierge service, room cleaning service and a host of in-room amenities.

 

Key features:

• Separate living and sleeping areas
• Fully-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes for self-catering options
• Regular housekeeping services
• All utilities included in the rate
• Privacy and security
• Cost-effectiveness for longer stays

Business travellers increasingly prefer serviced apartments because they provide a “home away from home” environment that helps maintain work-life balance during extended business trips. They are often located in desirable locations with good access to the business hubs of a city.

 

Stayprime, for example, have London serviced apartments located in:

• Marylebone
• Kensington
• Earl’s Court
• Fitzrovia
• Notting Hill

Hotels

Hotels remain a traditional choice for business accommodation, particularly for short-term trips lasting a few days. They offer convenience, consistent service standards, and various amenities that business travellers may require.

 

Key features:

• 24/7 reception and concierge services
• On-site dining options
• Business centres with printing and meeting facilities
• Regular housekeeping
• Consistent brand experience across locations

Hotels typically excel at providing short-term convenience but can become costly and restrictive for longer stays. Many business travellers find hotel rooms confining when staying for extended periods, leading them to explore serviced apartments as alternatives.

 

Check our full guide on serviced apartments vs hotels.

 

Prices will always vary, but if you want a hotel closer to the business sectors of a city, then you will have to pay a premium for the privilege.

Short-term Rentals/Airbnb

The rise of platforms like Airbnb has created additional options for business travellers seeking alternative accommodation experiences. Short-term rentals offer unique properties ranging from apartments to houses that can be rented for business trips.

 

Key features:

• Varied property types and locations
• Often located in residential areas
• Variable service levels
• Potential cost savings
• Local cultural immersion
• Less standardized amenities

 

While short-term rentals can provide interesting accommodation options, they often lack the professional management, consistent service standards, and amenities that corporate travellers may need. Security concerns and inconsistent quality control can make these options less suitable.

Co-living Spaces

A relatively new entry in the business accommodation landscape, co-living spaces combine private bedrooms with shared common areas. These community-oriented living arrangements appeal to digital nomads and entrepreneurs seeking networking opportunities alongside accommodation.

 

Key features:

• Private bedrooms with shared common areas
• Professional networking opportunities
• Community events and activities
• All-inclusive pricing models
• Flexible contracts
• Collaborative workspaces

 

Co-living spaces suit independent contractors and startup employees seeking community connections during business trips. However, they may not provide the privacy and professional environment required by traditional business travellers.

 

What to Consider When Choosing Business Accommodation

Selecting the appropriate business accommodation requires careful consideration of several factors:

 

• Duration of stay: Your needs in a short stay will likely be very different to your needs during a long stay.
• Location: Distance and access to your place of business will be a key factor.
• Budget constraints: Different accommodation types offer different price points, with serviced apartments often providing better value for extended stays.
• Required amenities: You may require high-speed internet, workspace, kitchen facilities, and meeting spaces.
• Company travel policy: Corporate guidelines will likely dictate your accommodation options
• Work-life balance: How comfortable can you be outside of work and does your accommodation allow you to switch off.
• Security considerations:  Business travellers often carry valuable equipment and confidential information, making security features important.

Types of Business Travel and Suitable Accommodation Options

 

There is no one standard definition for business travel and so there is similarly no one perfect accommodation option. Different travellers will have different needs so let’s break this down.

 

Short business trips: For short trips of a few days to a couple of weeks, you likely will be happy with either a hotel, Airbnb or serviced apartment. The key requirements are usually convenience, ease of access to your place of business and comfort.

 

Medium length business trips: Once the trip is longer than a couple of weeks, you begin to desire a more permanent solution. While hotels are fine for a few days, longer stays can become uncomfortable and you begin to crave comforts like a home cooked meal. Serviced apartments are perfect for these individuals.

 

Long-term assignments: For long term assignments, you will want your own space to settle properly. This means your best options are service apartments or private corporate letting.

 

Relocation transition: If you are relocating to a new city for business, you either want the comfort of a hotel for a quick transition, or perhaps a serviced apartment if you’re going through a longer transition period.

 

Summary

Business travellers have a multitude of options when it comes to accommodation. And while hotels and AirBnbs certainly have their place, you can’t quite compete with the full package that serviced apartments offer.

 

If you’re looking for high quality business accommodation in some of London’s most desirable areas, then get in touch with Stayprime today.