Short term accommodations are Lee-Anne Golden’s specialty. Her talents are multi-faceted. She’s an industry leader in the short term accommodation business as co-founder of Urban Flats Toronto. She knows the ins and outs of corporate travel and what it means to make a furnished apartment feel like home. Lee-Anne has an amazing knack for finding the perfect luxury suites for clients and outfitting them in the best of modern interior design to ensure every aspect feels just right.
We asked Lee-Anne how she finds inspiration, her tips for corporate travel, and how she can’t possibly pick just one favourite Urban Flats Toronto unit!
1. As a seasoned professional in the short term accommodation industry, what is one aspect that drew you to working in the luxury corporate rental business?
Business travel is more gruelling than ever. I wanted to build a company that would be dedicated to providing a smooth transition for these weary road warriors. Being away from family and friends and arriving in a foreign city is daunting, even to the seasoned traveller. We strive to make them feel like temporary residents, not visitors.
2. All of the suites on Urban Flats Toronto include the latest in modern interior designs – what is your approach when decorating one of Urban Flat Toronto’s luxury suites?
My inspiration always starts from a piece of art. From there, I select complementary furnishings and decor items to create a tasteful yet cozy and functional space. My goal is to help our guests feel comfortable in their home-away-from-home and hopefully inspire them too.
3. What is an aspect that makes Urban Flats Toronto different from other short term accommodation offerings in Toronto?
We try to create a unique guest experience in our flats. From the outset, every luxury suite has its own exclusive name and décor; this provides character and variety to our portfolio. We help our guests to select the appropriate suite for their specific needs and personal tastes and will provide them with almost anything they need during their short term stay in Toronto to make them feel more “at home”.
4. Which luxury suite is your favourite at Urban Flats Toronto? Why?
This question is impossible to answer…like asking a parent which child they prefer. I have a deeply personal connection to all of them as I am hands-on in the planning and furnishing of every one of our luxury rentals. I even give them each a unique name. If I have to find an answer then I would say it will be my next one!
5. If you had one piece of advice for someone visiting Toronto for the first time on business, what would it be?
Take advantage of your short term stay in one of our furnished apartments to explore our vibrant city and all it has to offer. Live like a local during your time in Toronto. You may end up liking it so much that you will decide to stay!
