GUEST BLOG: HOW TO SLASH ACCOMMODATION COSTS BY UP TO 40%

A recent survey conducted by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) has found that its 56 members are optimistic about the sector’s growth in the UK & Ireland for 2013. With occupancy rates as high as 89%* in London last year, it’s not surprising that providers are feeling positive about the forthcoming 12 months.

Thanks, in part, to the many benefits the sector offers business travellers, the serviced apartment sector is finally starting to take a well-deserved place in the limelight. These benefits include:

•          Earlier check-in and later check-out times
•          Discount vouchers for local restaurants/bars/spas/tourist attractions
•          Continental breakfast
•          Gym membership: discounted membership or vouchers to access local gyms;  or free  gym on site
•          Complimentary wi-fi, depending on length of stay
•          Loyalty programmes
•          Butler Service
•          Free parking
•          Free movies

Perhaps more importantly, the serviced apartment sector also offers massive benefits to corporate travel buyers as well as travellers, not least of all starting with price.

ASAP founder member Marlin Apartments has calculated that corporate buyers can save between 30% and 40% on their accommodation costs by switching from hotels to serviced apartments. Booking a serviced apartment in central London can save 31% or £80.29 per night when compared to the equivalent standard hotel. And booking a Marlin serviced apartment in central London will slash 37% or £92.45 per night off the bill.

For major corporate buyers managing accommodation for, say 100 travellers staying in London for 30 nights per year, this is the equivalent saving of £277, 350 per annum. And, as you’ll see from the benefits list, travellers don’t miss out at all from making the switch. In fact, a serviced apartment gives corporate travellers the freedom to spend their down time as they please rather than being tied to the inflexibility of a hotel stay, helping them to comply with policy.  

Both Marlin Apartments (stand AC5) and ASAP are exhibiting at the Business Travel Show, which takes place on 5-6 February 2013 in London. Registration is open at www.businesstravelshow.com. Visit them and find out how you can slash your accommodation costs.

*October 2012 was the month which delivered the best occupancy for the final quarter of the year: 89% for London and 82% in the regions.

For further information, please contact:

Ed Rogers, Marlin Apartments; edward@marlinapartments.com

Joyce Cawthorpe, ASAP; jcawthorpe@theasap.org.uk