property 43
Why serviced apartments offer a real 'home from home'
Picture the scene – it’s the end of a long day and all you want to do is chill and out and relax with dinner on a tray in front of the TV. The only problem is, you’re staying in a hotel, there’s a 'no jeans' dress code for dinner and the three-course menu is beginning to play havoc with your waistline
Anyone whose job entails staying in a hotel regularly will know that the novelty soon wears off, which is why the popularity of serviced apartments is soaring.
Situated in the heart of Reading, The Faculty Apartments provides a cost-effective alternative to staying in a hotel. Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Oracle shopping centre and a five minute drive from the M4, The Faculty offers a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with a separate lounge/diner, fitted kitchen and shower room.
“Our apartments offer a real home from home feeling,” said owner Daren Staples. “If you’re away from home you don’t want to be stuck in one small hotel room, you want to be able to spread out and have your own space around you.
“Serviced apartments are a great alternative, in a hotel you have to fit in with their schedule, here you can eat when you want, take as much time as you like, and have your own personal things around you, which is much nicer.”
Although The Faculty’s longest booking has been for a year, most guests stay for two to three months, often based in the Reading area for work and, where possible, travelling home at weekends, safe in the knowledge that everything will be as they left it.
In addition, the larger apartments make it easy for groups of colleagues to share accommodation and get to know each other better in a more informal setting away from the office.
Light, modern and spacious, the London Road accommodation offers secure parking and a gated courtyard area, as well as 24-hour CCTV, which Staples believes is especially important for female clients who are staying on their own.
“We are very keen on security, we have allocated parking so you can drive right up to the back door, something which is very reassuring for guests,” he added.
“Unlike serviced apartments which are owned by big corporate companies, we do everything ourselves and we find that makes a difference. If a tenant does have an issue then we will deal with it and sort it out straight away, it’s the personal touch which we think is important.”
Staples has a strong background in hospitality – his parents were involved in the hotel industry – and that goes a long way to explain his attention to detail. When one regular client requested a desk to enable him to work from the apartment, Staples was only too happy to oblige.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JUNE 2012
It’s a given that free wi-fi is available and Staples puts such a high priority on ensuring an uninterrupted broadband service, that he has installed 10 separate hubs into the building.
Another benefit of staying in an apartment instead of a hotel is that family and friends can come and stay.
“We have cots and high chairs available and often clients will invite their wife or husband and children for a weekend to see the local sights,” Staples continued. “We’ve even had families to stay over Christmas and they love to bring their own personal touches, such as a tree and decorations.
“It’s just a few minutes’ walk into the town centre, so the location is great for exploring or taking a stroll after work to enjoy the bars and restaurants. Alternatively, it’s just as easy to pop into the local supermarket and put something in the oven while you relax on the sofa.”
Although a minimum two night booking is required, Staples says the cost of staying in an apartment compares favourably with a hotel room.
“People used to think that to rent an apartment you had to have an assured tenancy agreement and a big deposit, but the marketplace for business accommodation has changed. As more people shop around for a good deal, they are recognising the benefits that serviced apartments can offer for short stays as well as longer ones,” he concluded.
Facilities at The Faculty include:
• Free wi-fi • Flat screen TV with free in-house movies • Double bedrooms • Weekly laundry service
• Fully fitted kitchen complete with oven and fridge
• Complimentary tea and coffee • Washing/drying/ironing facilities • Separate lounge/diner and shower room • On-site parking • Easy walk to town centre • Excellent transport links
Details:
Daren Staples 0845-539-9987
facultyserviced@gmail.com www.facultyapartments.co.uk
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www.businessmag.co.uk
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