Fall is around the corner and many companies are scheduling projects or resuming them after a summer break. It’s also that time of year when corporate training programs gear back up. It’s the perfect time to consider whether corporate apartments should form an important part of your company’s travel strategy. At Urban Flats Toronto, we’ve reviewed feedback from our guests and a variety of blogs posted on this topic. Here’s our list of the top four reasons why business travelers prefer corporate apartments over hotels.

 

Extra Space
When comparing an average hotel room to a one-bedroom corporate apartment, the square footage of the apartment is typically double the size of the hotel room. This lets business travelers spread out and be comfortable during their assignment away from home. It also lends itself to having family and friends visit for part of the stay. Business travelers tell us that their children particularly enjoy visiting Mom or Dad in their corporate apartment for a weekend or longer and setting out to explore the city that their parent is working in.

 

In-house Eating
Corporate apartments typically have full-size kitchens which are completely equipped with everything you need to cook your own healthy and gourmet meals. Employees can stock the fridge with their favorites from local grocery stores/delivery services and stick to their preferred diet and routines while away from home. For teams that are traveling as a group, they can take turns hosting dinner parties in their apartments as a great team building exercise. Employees who have meal per diem allowances can save on meal amounts through the week and splurge to check out a more expensive and interesting option in the city they are visiting without breaking their budget.

 

Health and Well-Being
One reason an increasing number of business travelers prefer a corporate apartment is that it provides a more authentic residential experience in the city they are living. They can choose a corporate apartment that is best suited to their lifestyle and desired neighborhood location. Business travelers have access to the amenities of the residence that often include health clubs, fitness equipment, spas, swimming pools, game rooms, etc.

 

 

 

 

Cost Advantages
Employees understand that companies must effectively manage their travel costs in order to be successful and can appreciate the cost benefit associated with staying in corporate apartments versus a hotel. This is particularly important when travel and living expenses are being billed to clients. According to a survey conducted by the Corporate Housing Providers Association, the average daily cost of a one bedroom corporate housing rental in Canada is $122.65 per night. This compares favorably with average hotel rates tracked by Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport that reported an average daily rate of $187.27 per night in downtown Toronto hotels from January to June 2015.

 

When reviewing the top four reasons employees like corporate apartments, they all add up to the fact that business travelers feel much more at home and satisfied in their corporate apartment. The most frequently cited con associated with corporate apartments versus hotels is the lack of a bar or restaurant on the premises to entertain clients and guests or grab a quick drink or bite to eat. We believe that this con can easily be mitigated in Toronto by choosing a corporate apartment located in an urban setting. Guests will find lots of cafe, bar and restaurant choices within a short walk of their corporate apartment as well as many order-in food delivery options. Our four building locations have lots to offer corporate travelers just outside their front doors.

 

If you’d like additional information on our corporate apartments in Toronto, please contact Urban Flats Toronto here.