Here at Urban Flats Toronto, we pride ourselves on our experienced and attentive team. Our seasoned staff have worked in the global short term accommodation business and bring those diverse experiences with them. We’re excited to launch our spotlight series about our talented team, starting with our Account and Operations Manager, Tara Quinn. Tara previously helped clients meet their furnished rental needs while at Luxury Retreats and for various properties in the Turks and Caicos.

 

In a word, Tara is passionate about her work. She oversees all of the operations at Urban Flats Toronto, and manages our relationships with our corporate customers and partner accounts. Tara’s passion is a current throughout her work; building relationships and helping each guest find the perfect furnished rental while in Toronto. It is her attention to detail and responsiveness that makes her stand out and has our customers coming back. Tara ensures that she treats each guest with the best quality short term rental experience.

 

We asked Tara about her experiences in the luxury accommodation business and she had plenty to share!

 

1.    You’ve had a successful career working in short term accommodations, what unique approach do you take in customizing each customer experience at Urban Flats Toronto?

 

I think it is really important to get full clarification of what the client’s needs are from the initial contact. When possible, I try to speak to every client in order to help choose the best selection of properties that will meet their needs. Whether someone is here for business, permanently relocating, vacationing, visiting family or seeking health treatments, we want to make sure that our furnished rentals really feel like a home away from home. I always let them know to reach out if there is something extra that they need. We have an international clientele and they may require products that are not standard in North America. It is also critical to reply to our clients very quickly. When someone is traveling in a new city an urgent reply is always nice for them to have if any questions arise!

 

2.    How do you find the needs and wants differ between corporate travellers and vacation renters?

The clients that are here for business and looking for short term rentals are usually more concerned about the proximity to where they will be working. But at the end of the day both our corporate clients and our vacationers all want to explore our awesome city. I moved to Toronto nearly 3 years ago, thrilled to discover how much is going on in Toronto. From the theater, multiple sporting events, fabulous shopping and great nightlife. I am always happy to share my experience and feedback with our clients.

 

3.    What advice could you give to someone coming to Toronto for the first time on business?

I think it is important to get familiar with the surroundings in order to have that local feeling when staying in your new furnished apartment. The public transport in Toronto is super user friendly so you can jump on a street car, hail a taxi or take a subway hassle free. Our clients can pretty much find anything they are looking for in the underground pathway (PATH). Our properties are extremely close to the PATH that has 30 km worth of shopping services and entertainment. This is certainly a plus during the winter months!

 

4.    In your opinion, what are the main advantages of a fully serviced suite for a corporate traveller over a hotel stay?

I pretty much get the same feedback from all of our clients who have chosen a temporary accommodation over staying in a hotel. The hotel rooms are “soooo” small and impersonal. Additionally they get tired of eating out 3 meals a day. Clients love having a more spacious accommodation and are comfortable having friends or colleagues over to socialize.

 

5.    Do you have a personal favourite flat? If so, why is it your favourite?

This is a tough one. I happen to live at our 120 Homewood property and adore living in this location. The size and view of the “Charisma Suite” make it one of my favorites. It has a little more of a quiet feel but you are still 10 minutes from anywhere you want in the city. We also recently opened a new suite at 300 Front, the “Bathurst Suite (no longer available)”, and hands down this suite has the best views I have seen in the city! Both options have top notch amenities as well.

 

To get in touch with Tara, feel free to send her an email here: tara@urbanflatstoronto.com. Check back for the next installment in our spotlight series!