Corporate housing: accommodation for staff

Whether you need to find corporate housing for staff moving interstate or a place to stay for employees on a longer-than-usual business trip, extended-stay accommodation is a great solution.

Not only can it provide your staff with all the comforts of home, it can save your business significant money when compared with regular hotel rates.

Fulfilling staff needs

When looking for corporate housing, it's important to ensure that the needs of your staff will be taken care of - both personal and professional.

These days internet access is a given, but there are many other areas you should think about when making your choice, says Dean Minett from the Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association's advisory board.

"Consider asking if the accommodation has a public lounge where staff can conduct meetings during their stay," he says. "And you might like to make sure there's a desk in the room so they can work at night."

The comforts of home

Besides making it easy for your staff to conduct business, it's also important that staff feel relaxed and comfortable when away on business for long periods.

Corporate housing usually comes with all the conveniences of home, such as a kitchen and laundry facilities, which can help staff feel more settled.

Location is key

The internet is littered with extended-stay options for the business traveller, which means sorting out the good from the bad can be a tough task.

To narrow it down, start by figuring out the best location for corporate housing. Ensure that staff can easily access your offices and that there are a few restaurants nearby.

Paying attention to these details can often make the difference between a business trip being a pleasant experience or a pain.

Serviced apartments

While hotels usually welcome extended-stay guests, consider seeking out a serviced apartment. These are often similarly priced but offer more space, luxury and a friendlier feel.

Serviced apartments, as the name suggests, offer a daily cleaning service. Also ask about added extras to sweeten the deal, such as dry-cleaning services or daily newspaper delivery.

Drive a hard bargain

Extended stays can significantly reduce nightly accommodation tariffs, says Dean.

"Depending on the time of year, you may be able to negotiate a special rate, which can vary as much as 50% off what regular clients pay," he says.

Long-stay corporate housing can also entitle guests to a range of additional services and free beverages, so it's worth asking questions when making a booking.