The Corporate Housing industry is facing strong competition from Airbnb in the world of temporary stays. When travelling for work or pleasure, the choice of where to stay is critical to the fun and success of any trip. Pricing, location, and service offerings are all crucial factors to consider when looking for accommodation, no matter the duration of your stay.
Location
Airbnb has a presence in over 190 countries, and Corporate Housing providers also have a global presence, so travellers seeking lodging have a nearly limitless number of possibilities. Both Corporate Housing and Airbnb provide residential settings, allowing you to stay in the neighbourhood of your choice (subject to availability) and avoid crowded hotels with limited amenities.
The primary source of revenue for corporate housing is the provision of fully furnished flats for short-term rentals in advantageous commercial locations such as city centres, close to amenities and transportation – an arrangement that is desirable for business travellers. Outside of city centres and major commercial hubs, however, Corporate Housing firms may be limited in their alternatives; this is where Airbnb comes in... Due to the fact that Airbnb properties are offered by individual owners, they are more likely to be available in suburban or unique settings.
Local destination guides are offered by both Corporate Housing providers and Airbnb. These provide important information on the surrounding area, such as food and drink, entertainment, and sights and activities. Most Corporate Housing and serviced apartment companies also provide a concierge service that may make personal recommendations and even arrange restaurant reservations in the area, giving Corporate Housing an advantage over Airbnb for customers looking for ultimate convenience.
Pricing
Airbnb charges a nightly fee and is widely used for short-term stays by both business and pleasure travellers; as Airbnb becomes more well-known, its popularity among travellers is rapidly growing. Although the price of a stay may appear to be reasonable when compared to hotels and flats, it is critical to keep an eye out for hidden expenditures such as cleaning fees and other bills. You might get lucky and find an Airbnb deal once in a while, but these are normally reserved for stays of a month or more, which can pique the curiosity of the extended-stay business traveller.
Expatriate assignees and business travellers, on the other hand, are more likely to stay in corporate housing. Corporate housing typically offers longer-term stay alternatives at comparable pricing with fewer hidden or add-on fees. Providers of serviced accommodation and corporate housing also frequently adjust their rates to ensure their prices are competitive in the local area. Corporate housing almost often includes a fully equipped kitchen, however, some Airbnb rentals require sharing space with the owner or renting only one bedroom or section of the apartment. Some astute travellers have begun to consider Corporate Housing as a feasible alternative to hotels and Airbnb.
Offers of Assistance
The goal of corporate housing is to provide a home away from home for visitors which can be very desirable for the extended-stay business traveller craving a break from the transient hotel lifestyle. Corporate housing often has a lot more space than a conventional hotel room and is fully equipped in terms of furniture, cooking equipment, and home comforts, allowing the expatriate assignee to cook and entertain guests when desired, with the added benefit of housekeeping! If there are maintenance issues, corporate accommodation providers usually have a team on hand to make sure any problems are tackled swiftly. These services are not always available when staying in someone else's house via Airbnb.
Airbnb has a wide range of lodging options, including villas, castles, bed and breakfasts, single room and complete property rentals, whereas Corporate Housing has fewer options (no castles). However, the host's house rules govern how the guest can use the Airbnb accommodation area, which some guests may find restrictive. Airbnb guests should expect DIY facilities, as opposed to Corporate Housing, where there is a predetermined list of services.
Which is the most suitable option?
Because of the formalised service agreement on offer for the review of employers, assignees and business travellers usually find corporate accommodation to be the more appropriate option. Corporate housing is more likely to suit a company's price point and location criteria on a long-term, sustainable basis. Business travellers may have their own space without having to worry about living in someone else's home, and the extra amenities of corporate housing make it much easier to concentrate on their work.
