Navigating the intricate details of corporate relocations requires not just logistical precision, but also confidence in sourcing and partnering with suppliers. Because of the complex nature of these moves, you need assurance the companies you work with can support you and your corporate traveller needs in their journey.
Fortunately, when it comes to choice, in most areas, there is a good range of quality corporate accommodation options spanning global brands to local suppliers.
Both options come with their own set of pros and cons.
For simple short stays, where the employee is flying in for a couple of days, global hotel brands really do well. Often, they include access to onsite F&B options, frequent housekeeping and reception desks.
However, for longer or more complex bookings, such as corporate relocations, local partners shine due to their ability to offer more personalised, flexible solutions that cater to the unique demands of corporate travellers.
This piece will delve into the distinct advantages of opting for corporate travel accommodation partners with local on-the-ground management, highlighting real-life scenarios where those operators make a tangible difference.
The Case for Local Expertise in Corporate Relocations
Rapid Response to Unique Requests
When dealing with larger brands, requests often pass through centralised booking systems. For basic bookings, this is fine, however, more complex requirements need to be escalated, slowing the process as approvals are sought. In contrast, locally owned providers streamline this because you have direct communication with decision-makers who excel in their ability to quickly respond to the bookers’ requirements such as negotiated rates and special requests. Undoubtedly, this is a crucial advantage for corporate travel bookers when time is of the essence.
Having a direct line to the business decision-maker can also be incredibly beneficial when bespoke requests come in, such as seeking additional space for visiting family members or enhancing the work-from-home inclusions. Local providers typically offer full-sized apartments so they have larger floorplans to work with. As such, they can generally be more flexible with their room configurations, allowing for swift adjustments like adding extra beds or furniture.
This hands-on approach of locally owned providers ensures corporate travellers have a seamless and tailored experience, reinforcing the value of choosing local expertise over larger, less adaptable alternatives.
Building Personal Relationships
A standout advantage of locally run accommodation providers is their capacity to build personal relationships with their guests. While global brands have a reception desk, the staff might rotate frequently, making it hard to form a lasting connection and have continuity of care. Other alternatives provide lock-box solutions, completely removing the opportunity for personal contact.
With locally managed partners, the person who welcomes you is often the same individual who will assist you throughout your stay. In these instances, guests are provided with direct contact numbers to management, who are available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.
This consistency fosters a sense of reliability and trust, crucial for people relocating for work. It allows them to feel genuinely supported, knowing they have a single point of contact for any issues or requests. By choosing locally managed accommodation for employee mobility, travellers often find a partner in their journey, rather than merely a service provider.
Enhanced Local Support in Employee Mobility
Local corporate travel accommodation specialists can offer enhanced support that global names often struggle to match. From offering personalised recommendations for the immediate and surrounding areas to assisting with settling into the new community. This level of personal engagement not only enhances the guest experience but also eases the transition into new environments.
They can offer references to help relocating employees secure permanent housing, connect them with reliable local real estate agents, or even assist with finding storage solutions. This local insight can be a game-changer, making the corporate relocation process smoother and more efficient. By leveraging their deep understanding of the area, together with their expertise in corporate travel, local providers ensure that guests have all the support they need, not just within their accommodation but in integrating into the new community as well.
Astra Apartments is a corporate accommodation provider that can offer a distinctively different employee mobility experience. Each locally owned and managed Astra location has a deep understanding of the corporate accommodation industry and a commitment to personalised service, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for the travellers and the companies they work for.
