HR and global mobility managers are under growing pressure to provide efficient, compliant, and cost-effective accommodation for relocating staff, short-term assignees, and project teams. Serviced apartments offer a modern, flexible alternative to hotels and traditional lettings—helping organisations deliver better employee experiences while keeping budgets and policies in check.
This comprehensive guide explores the benefits of serviced apartments, provides practical tips for searching and booking, and addresses the common challenges HR teams face when managing corporate accommodation.
What Are Serviced Apartments?
Serviced apartments are fully furnished, move-in-ready properties designed for both short and extended stays. They offer the space and comfort of a residential flat with the convenience of hotel-style services.
Typical features include:
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Separate living and sleeping areas
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- On-site or in-unit laundry
- Weekly cleaning services
- All utilities included in the rate
- Secure locations, often with 24/7 concierge or support
They’re ideal for business travellers, staff on assignment, or employees in the process of relocating.
Key Benefits for HR and Global Mobility Teams
1. Better Budget Control and Cost Transparency
Serviced apartments are generally more affordable than hotels for longer stays. Their all-inclusive pricing—covering rent, bills, Wi-Fi, and cleaning—makes it easier to manage budgets and avoid hidden costs. This is particularly useful for companies managing multiple assignments or relocation programmes.
Many providers also offer preferential corporate rates for extended stays, which can lead to considerable cost savings.
Common Issue: Hotel costs vary and often incur additional charges for meals, laundry, and internet.
Workaround: Choose a serviced apartment provider that offers fixed, transparent pricing with consolidated invoicing to simplify finance processes.
2. Flexibility to Match Dynamic Workforce Needs
Serviced apartments offer flexible lease terms, which are essential for temporary assignments, uncertain relocation timelines, or changing project requirements. Whether an employee needs to stay for a few weeks or several months, serviced apartments can accommodate sudden changes or extensions with minimal hassle.
This flexibility reduces the stress of last-minute changes and helps HR teams manage costs and expectations more effectively.
Common Issue: Hotels and traditional rentals often have rigid cancellation policies and limited flexibility.
Workaround: Work with accommodation providers that offer short notice periods, early exit options, and seamless extensions.
3. Enhanced Employee Comfort and Wellbeing
Living in a hotel room for weeks can be draining. Serviced apartments offer a more homely experience, allowing employees to cook, relax in a proper living area, and maintain their routines. This can be especially beneficial for families relocating together or employees who prefer privacy and independence during their stay.
Creating a comfortable and stable environment can significantly improve the relocation experience and support employee wellbeing and productivity.
Common Issue: Employees may feel isolated or uncomfortable in generic hotel environments.
Workaround: Select apartments with spacious layouts, full kitchens, and access to local amenities to make the transition smoother.
4. Compliance, Safety, and Duty of Care
Duty of care remains a top priority for HR and mobility teams. With serviced apartments, you can ensure your employees are staying in professionally managed, compliant, and safe properties. Reputable providers will have safety certifications, risk assessments, and insurance in place—giving you peace of mind that your policies are being upheld.
Properties are often located in safe, central areas with security features, concierge services, or on-call support.
Common Issue: Peer-to-peer rentals may not meet health and safety or liability standards.
Workaround: Partner with a serviced accommodation provider that vets properties for fire safety, security, and compliance documentation.
5. Simplified Booking and Centralised Management
Juggling multiple bookings, employees, and time zones can be a logistical headache. A dedicated serviced apartment partner can offer centralised booking systems, consolidated invoicing, and a single point of contact for all accommodation requirements. This saves time, reduces administrative pressure, and ensures consistency across your mobility programme.
Customised reporting and account management also make it easier to track spend, assess trends, and maintain visibility.
Common Issue: Booking hotels or rentals individually is time-consuming and inconsistent.
Workaround: Work with a corporate housing specialist who provides a managed service with tools tailored to HR and mobility teams.
6. Scalable Housing for Groups, Interns, and Projects
Serviced apartments are ideal for group moves, graduate schemes, contractor teams, and international projects. Providers can offer multiple apartments in the same building or nearby locations, allowing employees to feel connected while enjoying their own space.
This is particularly valuable for industries with frequent project-based travel or seasonal hiring cycles.
Common Issue: Hotels may lack availability, consistency, or appropriate space for longer group stays.
Workaround: Use a provider experienced in group relocations and intern housing, with the ability to coordinate block bookings and tailored solutions.
How to Search, Compare, and Book Serviced Apartments
✅ 1. Start by Defining Requirements
Before you search, gather details such as:
- Number of guests (e.g. solo, couples, families)
- Desired location (near the office or public transport)
- Length of stay
- Must-have amenities (e.g. kitchen, workspace, parking, pet-friendly)
This helps streamline the search process and ensures consistency when comparing options.
✅ 2. Use a Trusted Corporate Accommodation Provider
Rather than relying on public listing sites or general hotel platforms, opt for a serviced accommodation provider that specialises in corporate travel. Look for:
- Pre-vetted, compliant properties
- Dedicated account support
- Flexible booking terms
- Clear pricing structures
- Experience in relocation and business travel
Working with a specialist like Checkin Apartments ensures a smoother process and better alignment with your business needs.
✅ 3. Compare Properties Thoughtfully
Don’t just look at price—consider the total value:
- What’s included in the rate?
- How close is the property to your employee’s workplace?
- Is the area safe, well-connected, and suitable for longer stays?
- Are support services like cleaning, repairs, and Wi-Fi reliable?
When in doubt, ask for a virtual tour or photos, and consider employee feedback from previous stays.
✅ 4. Review Booking Terms Carefully
Ensure you understand the terms before confirming a booking:
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Can the stay be extended at short notice?
- Are utilities, cleaning, and taxes included?
- Is a deposit required?
Having this information upfront avoids unexpected charges or conflicts during the stay.
✅ 5. Streamline with Centralised Booking Tools
Many serviced apartment providers offer online portals, reporting dashboards, and dedicated account managers, making it easier to book, extend, and manage multiple stays at once. This centralisation is especially helpful for fast-growing companies or HR teams supporting global assignments.
Ready to Improve Your Corporate Accommodation Strategy?
Serviced apartments are a practical, employee-friendly solution for HR and mobility teams managing temporary accommodation. They provide greater comfort, cost efficiency, and policy compliance than hotels or private rentals—while easing the administrative load on your internal teams.
Whether you’re relocating a senior executive, housing a group of interns, or supporting a short-term assignment, serviced apartments offer a flexible, reliable way to deliver a high-quality employee experience.
Speak with our serviced apartment expert today and discover how a tailored, fully managed solution can support your mobility goals—while making life easier for your team and your employees.
