MPV

A Multi-Purpose Vehicle for Corporate Housing

1. Which vehicle would you prefer to drive on a long trip, given the choice:

A standard saloon car with a cup-holder plus a roof-rack?

….Or an MPV with folding rear seats and cruise-control?

(If going off-road, would you even consider Four-Wheel Drive?)

2. Would you think about certain things you can do to make the journey less draining for the driver?

Same question, different context: Where would you book-in for a week, given the choice:

A standard hotel-room, with tea/coffee and a mini-bar, or a serviced apartment with the facilities you enjoy at home?

OK, for an overnight stay with a packed schedule, perhaps convenience and service is even more a priority than where you are staying, but even then, choose well and you’ll be in better shape throughout your journey, or your reservation.

Your Own place, with your own space

A serviced apartment is much more than just a place to stay. It is a place to live. Unlike a hotel room where a traveller is limited for space, a serviced apartment is to have your own space to live, entertain or even have family over.

There are other considerations for some - many women business travellers are just not comfortable with eating alone in hotel restaurants, preferring to use room service. In an apartment you have the luxury of more than just one room, so it’s far more appealing to dine there, relaxed and in your own space.

Facilities mean abilities

When booking a serviced apartment you are paying a flat rate that includes amenities which most hotels do not offer or cover in their prices. These include a fully equipped kitchen, usually with washer dryer, dishwasher, cooker/ oven, microwave, fridge freezer, and more. Satellite TV or Digital Freeview and unlimited broadband are also on the list of the facilities normally included.

The Cost argument

Some surveys suggest that apartments are typically 25% less expensive than a room in an equivalent hotel. The rate is charged per apartment, not per person, which makes it even more of a cost effective solution for sharers.

And for business travellers, a large part of any expense claim regularly gets spent on things which the traveller could do – and in some ways would prefer to do – for themselves, such as making their own breakfast or a favourite quick snack.

And adding value

If you can enjoy the journey, you can be more successful in its purpose.

Adrian England,