Understanding Houston Corporate Housing: The Convenient Travel Solution With The Comforts Of Home
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This is actually an apartment. But it may also be a hotel. No, it’s corporate housing. Corporate housing has gained traction over the last decade, yet some companies still don’t know much about it. The Corporate Housing Providers Association values the corporate housing industry at $2.77 billion in the United States during 2008, being comprised of approximately 73,385 units with an occupancy rate of 88.5 percent.
Why would you consider the use of corporate housing? Simple, it’s very convenient, it’s more comfortable with twice the living space, and it’s cost effective at half the price.
It is true that corporate housing was designed with business travelers in mind, but it can also be accessed by people who need a temporary place to live due to relocation or short-term military assignment. Traveling theater groups use corporate housing for extended performance stays, and television/film actors and crews use it when shooting on location. Other instances of corporate housing use are individual vacations and by insurance companies needing to make accommodations for distressed policyholders.
Corporate housing providers are able to react rapidly to offer temporary shelter in the event of an emergency. It was only a few years ago when Katrina hit southern Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. Houston, being a nearby metropolitan city, received a ton of requests for corporate housing. Thousands of displaced employees were in extreme need for temporary housing.
Within tree weeks of this terrible event, Oakwood Worldwide was able to provide 1,500 apartments in different locations to assist these employees. . “Frankly, the only thing we were limited by was our furniture rental companies couldn’t take it on any faster than that,” said Oakwood Senior Vice President Gavan James when interviewed by Mobility Magazine in 2007
There are some companies that own their own furniture. “Our firm owns all the furniture in our units, stated Paul Sternberg of Choice Corporate Housing, “which is beneficial since we are not dependent upon others for our furniture and housewares.” “We can make certain that our quality needs are met, and we are sure that our units are in the best shape, permitting our control over each section of our business”, he said.
Benefits of Corporate Housing in Houston
When you consider comprehensive travel spending, whether it is for special projects, relocations or general corporate travel, Houston corporate housing offers savings and convenience when compared to mid-range to high-end hotels. Many corporate units will offer amenities such as fitness centers, laundry and business centers.
Sternberg was quoted saying, “We provide great value with corporate housing in Houston.” This is due to the fact that we are a small firm, giving us the ability to react. He states that they are able change accommodations quickly and provide a discounted product.
“We can set clients up with a 700-950 sq ft elegantly furnished apartment in a Houston high-rise for as little as $60 a night, less than what you would pay for a 285 sq ft hotel room”, he added. When looking at the value of Houston corporate housing against hotels, you will see that you are provided with twice the living space at the same bargain rates. Plus, you are made to feel right at home. Another advantage of corporate housing in Houston is the availability of a kitchen with cooking utensils.
Travelling expenses are less, thereby saving money. In lieu of room service, employees can cook their own meals which not only saves money, it is also healthier than eating out.
This can lower per diems allowed for food as employees like the idea of cooking their own favorite meals, yet they still have the option of dining out for corporate entertainment if necessary.
Although there are advantages with hotels, after a couple of weeks most people long for the comforts of home. The home-like atmosphere of temporary housing can mean more productive employees while on extended stays.
Cost Effectiveness
Cost effectiveness is generally a top factor as companies choose corporate housing, however an underlying benefit is the decrease in intangible costs of employee non-productivity and mental pressure. There is a natural wish for a calm environment when travelling and this is made possible by Houston corporate housing. The privacy of a well equipped, furnished apartment in a convenient locale also lowers employee stress level when conducting business out of town.
Finally, the amenities available top it off. On the next occasion that your firm has to seek employee accommodations for prolonged periods, explore what corporate housing in Houston has to offer.
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