Safety and security is one of the top concerns for any traveller or corporate booker when booking accommodation. Being professionally managed and in many cases independently accredited, serviced apartments offer this added peace of mind and assurance.
Why should clients consider this type of accommodation over private homes on websites like Airbnb?
As an ISAAP accredited agent, we recognise the importance of the quality accreditation and represent many properties who have undergone this assessment to confirm the required standards of safety, security and duty of care have been met.
Here are some key reasons why serviced apartments stand out as a more reliable solution and a list of safety and security procedures and assessments that are in place.
1. 24/7 Emergency support
In general, serviced apartments offer guests an emergency helpline available 24/7 to call should they have an issue during their stay or need assistance urgently while they are in-house.
This comes as standard and it makes a huge difference when unexpected things happen such as the keys getting lost, plumbing emergencies, washing machine breaking down, internet not working or heating issues.
It is also extremely helpful and reassuring for travellers from overseas who have a local representative for assistance.
You will find the contact details of the emergency team on call in the guest handbook or be given this information during Check-in. If there is a 24 hour reception or concierge on-site, guests can always contact staff here to request assistance.
2. Security
Serviced apartments are professionally managed and have secure systems in place to ensure the safety and security of their properties and their guests.
All apartments are securely accessed with keys, key codes, entry cards or video entry phones.
Details of key collection and drop-off are provided at the time of Check-in or prior to arrival via email.
Depending on the building, some apartments may have a 24 hour reception, on-site security staff patrolling the premises and CCTV coverage.
In the apartments, guests may have access to a safe to store belongings, similar to a hotel room.
All the apartments are only serviced by professional housekeeping staff who are monitored by the apartment management company for added security.
3. Fire & lift safety
Fire safety is another big concern, especially here in the UK. These are some of the measures in place to prevent and protect in the event of a fire:
- Fire risk assessments are available
- Fire extinguishers are fitted around the property and in the apartments
- Landlord’s gas certificates are available where applicable
- Portable electrical appliances are inspected regularly
- Statutory electrical testing is carried out regularly
- Fire blankets are provided around the kitchen area
- Smoke alarms are provided and regularly checked
- Carbon monoxide testing is conducted if applicable
- An evacuation procedure or escape routes will be displayed
- Smoking is not permitted inside most apartments and apartment buildings
Lifts are another aspect of safety that often gets overlooked, however professional serviced apartment companies regularly service and assess the safety of the lifts on-site and hold the appropriate certification. They are also marked with safety and emergency signage.
4. Independent accreditations and inspections
ISAAP accredited serviced apartment buildings undergo on-site inspections and provide the guest or corporate buyer with the assurance that standards of health, safety, security and quality have been achieved and that customer duty of care is assured.
In addition to health and safety policies serviced apartment management companies follow, these operators also have the appropriate insurances in place including public & employer’s liability insurance.
