The Travel Manager's Guide to Corporate Housing

Finding the right housing for your traveling employees can be a daunting task. As a travel manager, balancing cost, comfort, and convenience is key to ensuring your team has a successful, restful, and productive stay. This guide will help you navigate the world of corporate housing with confidence, providing solutions to common challenges and equipping you with actionable advice to streamline the decision-making process.

What Exactly is Corporate Housing?

Corporate housing refers to fully furnished accommodations available for short- or long-term stays. Unlike traditional hotels or short-term rentals, corporate housing offers a home-like environment with dedicated amenities designed for business travelers. Whether it's a spacious apartment or an extended-stay hotel, corporate housing caters to professionals seeking comfort, convenience, and affordability.

Types of Corporate Housing

• Furnished apartments: Ideal for long-term stays, these units feature fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, and essential amenities.

• Corporate housing apartments: Specially designed for business travelers, these properties often provide flexible lease terms and enhanced security.

• Extended-stay hotels: Combining hotel services with apartment-style living, extended-stay options offer convenience for both short- and long-term stays.

When to Use Corporate Housing

• Employee Relocation: Provides a stable home base while employees transition to a new city.

• Project-Based Assignments: Ensures employees have a comfortable place to stay during lengthy projects.

• Extended Business Trips: Ideal for stays lasting weeks or months, offering a more cost-effective alternative to hotels.

Corporate Housing Features

Corporate housing stands out due to its thoughtful amenities, designed to support both work and leisure. Common features include:

• Fully furnished living spaces
• Fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes
• In-unit or on-site laundry facilities
• Complimentary WiFi and utilities
• Weekly housekeeping services
• Strategic locations near business hubs and transportation options
  
  

How Corporate Housing Benefits Your Company (and Employees)

Corporate housing provides numerous benefits that align with both business goals and employee well-being.

Reduced Costs

Corporate housing often proves to be more affordable than traditional hotels for extended stays. With kitchens for cooking, in-unit laundry, and utilities included, employees can reduce out-of-pocket expenses, while companies save on daily room rates and dining costs.

Boosts Employee Morale and Productivity

A well-equipped, comfortable living space allows employees to unwind after a long day. The home-like environment encourages relaxation, improving focus, engagement, and overall productivity.

Streamlines the Relocation Process

For employees moving to a new city, corporate housing offers a sense of stability. With furnished spaces and included utilities, employees can focus on their new role rather than logistical stress.

How to Find the Right Corporate Housing for Your Team

To ensure you select the best corporate housing option for your employees, follow these steps:

Assess Your Company's Needs and Requirements

Consider factors such as:

• Number of employees requiring accommodation
• Desired amenities like fitness centers, parking, or coworking spaces
• Budget constraints and expense policies

Research Locations and Providers

When evaluating providers, prioritize those offering convenient locations near your company's office or project site. Reliable providers such as Placemakr apartment-style hotels and extended stays offer diverse options across major cities. Placemakr is not just about a place to stay—it’s about providing the perfect environment for your team to thrive while they’re away from home.

Understand Lease Terms and Contracts

Corporate housing typically offers flexible lease terms. Be sure to review cancellation policies, included services, and payment structures to avoid unexpected costs.

Leverage Property Viewing and Inspections

Whenever possible, arrange property visits to assess cleanliness, security, and overall quality. Confirm that amenities meet your employees' needs.

How to Elevate the Corporate Housing Experience

To ensure your employees have the best possible experience during their stay, implement these strategies:

Set Clear Policies and Expectations

Establish clear guidelines regarding check-in procedures, guest policies, and emergency contacts. Providing this information upfront ensures employees feel informed and supported.

Provide Support and Resources for Employees

Consider offering 24/7 assistance, ensuring employees have someone to contact if issues arise. Reliable providers like Placemakr prioritize guest support to address any concerns promptly. This means no more waiting on hold with generic customer service—Placemakr’s local teams are there to make life easy for your team.

Gather Feedback and Continuously Improve

Encourage employees to share feedback about their corporate housing experience. Insights from travelers can help refine your corporate travel program and ensure future stays meet expectations.

Experience Smart Corporate Housing with Placemakr

Choosing the right corporate housing can simplify your role as a travel manager while improving employee satisfaction. Placemakr's corporate housing for business travelers offers fully equipped apartments with thoughtful amenities, blending the comforts of home with the convenience of hotel services. With locations across major business hubs like Washington D.C., Austin, and New York, Placemakr ensures that your employees have access to both a cozy retreat and proximity to where they need to be.