Workspaces
staycity
We need to be agile and adaptable in this new world, listening to customers and recognising their needs” synergy
House of fisher
Flexible
SPACEs
Serviced apartment providers are reimagining their spaces to meet the demand for new ways of working
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f WFH (work from home) is here to stay then so, it seems, is WFA (work from apartment), providing an unexpected revenue stream for serviced apartment operators. "While less demand from the corporate segment was reported by around 40% of respondents, a quarter reported to have benefited from increased corporate demand thanks to offering guests the option of using the aparthotel as an office,” states an HVS report, which finds that more than 50% of respondents have made unique modifications to their product to cater for Covid-induced changes in ways of working. Those polled also say they are focusing on the extended stay product as it
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has been least impacted. “We need to be agile and adaptable in this new world, listening to customers and recognising their needs, observing the market and bringing new models that deliver on that basis,” says Synergy’s Stephen Hanton. The company’s SynergyWork product exemplifies this, with facilities including traditional and stand-up desks, 24-inch monitors, smart HDTVs with webcams, laptops and portable tables, printers, audio devices, and exercise ball and mat, which should cover most eventualities. These can be booked ad hoc or as a standard requirement in a corporate programme, with the ability to change amenities according to the occupant’s needs.
Adagio launched coworking corners with WOJO in December in selected sites in France, and a roll-out in other European markets may follow suit. “Worldwide, we aim to open our lobbies to the local market and bring these spaces – often in city centres – to life. We also sell our apartments in Hotel Office via Accor to teleworkers during the day,” says Adagio Aparthotels CEO Karim Malak. Ascott's Work in Residence allows people to book rooms on a daily, weekly or monthly basis in more than 60 Ascott properties in 10 countries and these come with a workstation, housekeeping services, free tea and coffee, or Nespresso machines at selected properties. In addition, the company’s Space-as-a-Service provides a more creative option for organisations to use rooms as a cloud kitchen, for live streaming or fitness activities, for example. For guests who book a two-bedroom apartment at a Cheval Residences property, Cheval will convert the second into an office backed by fast WiFi, Nespresso machine and other conveniences. Edyn clients can book apartments on day rates and these can be included in an accommodation programme. PREMIER SUITES also offers a day rate and House of Fisher has refurbished the lounge at 100 Kings Road, Reading, to facilitate coworking. Bottomless tea and coffee, complimentary healthy snacks and space to spread out are to be had from Staycity for £50 a day from 08.00 to 18.00; and rooms at three Yays properties in Amsterdam – Bickergracht, Entrepothaven or Zoutkeetsgracht – are also available for use by the day at €55 or €195 for the week, backed by food deliveries for lunch breaks, soap and paper towels, and tea and coffee. Staybridge Suites and Frasers will respond to requests for rooms for a day but do not (yet) have a formal day-rate programme.
2021 GUIDE TO SERVICED APARTMENTS
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1/26/21 10:42 AM
