The Benefits of Staying in a Serviced Apartment in Tokyo
It’s no secret the way people are traveling is changing, especially when it comes to accommodations. More and more travelers, whether the purpose of their trip is business or leisure, are looking for a a place to stay that doesn’t feel like a disruption to their daily routine, but instead helps them bring it along seamlessly wherever they go so they better immerse themselves in their surroundings.
This desire for accommodations that offer all the perks of home without the added costs of hotels has led to the rise of home-sharing sites such as Airbnb, which launched in 2008 and can now be found in more than 190 countries. But long before Airbnb was a booming business, serviced apartments met the needs of travelers looking for a true home away from home for an extended stay, with many of the perks of a hotel, but in a smaller, more comfortable setting. While not as glamorous as a hotel, they got the job done, but are now improving their offerings to play a key role in the ever-globalizing economy.
What Is a Serviced Apartment?
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished unit (size will vary) that combines apartment living with the amenities often found in a hotel. Rented for either a short (daily, weekly) or long-term (monthly) stay, serviced apartments allow guests to truly settle into the space while enjoying benefits such as:
- Concierge services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry facilities
- Linen service
- Fitness center
- Business center
- On-site dining options
- Communal areas
- Included utilities
For example, staying in a serviced apartment allows a guest to cook their own meals with an in-unit kitchen while also being able to ask for help with making travel plans or reservations at local establishments. It’s a marriage of independent living and hospitality that provides flexibility for the guest at a great value. To get these perks at a hotel, you would otherwise have to multiply your costs many times over to stay in a suite or compromise location for a more budget-friendly option.
Who Typically Rents Serviced Apartments?
The serviced apartment industry began more than a decade ago to appeal to those who prefer apartment living over hotels. Traditionally, these units have been used by working professionals visiting a city for an extended period of time or those having just been relocated to a new home for their job.
But it isn’t only corporations that can rent them. Self-employed individuals looking to break into a new market can utilize a serviced apartment as a both a home and an office while they get things set up, a benefit unique to serviced apartments which is explained further below. Tourists can also book a stay in a serviced apartment to help them better experience local life.
Additional Benefits of Staying in a Serviced Apartment
But how do the benefits of a serviced apartments differ from those offered in a hotel? And what are the additional reasons someone should book a serviced apartment over a room in a luxury hotel or an independently owned apartment or home? This can be summed up in three main areas:
- Business Resources: First and foremost, when staying in a serviced apartment, you can consider it your base of operations while you’re on the ground. You have an address to send and receive mail and assist with local business procedures. Internet service is included to help you get your work done no matter the time. Lastly, you have a team of people who can help you make your days more productive. The concierge team can receive and notify guests and make arrangements for dinners or other events. They can also help you plan meetings or gatherings in their on-site facilities. All of these benefits combined help you put your best foot forward.
- Safety: When you’re traveling in a new city or a foreign country, you want to know you and your belongings are safe when you’re out and about and wherever you choose to stay. A serviced apartment building offers staff around the clock to make sure you are protected as you come and go and can rest easy knowing your belongings are safe as well in your absence.
- Trustworthiness: Lastly, and perhaps most important, you really get what you’re paying for with a serviced apartment without the hidden fees that an individual owner renting their property can charge. A building of serviced apartments is backed by a management team that insures consistency and quality, so the apartment you walk into looks just like the one you looked at online. All members of the staff are involved in quality control to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible, no matter how short or long. Whether you have a question about billing or need to extend your stay at the last moment, a team of professionals is ready and able to help you.
The future of serviced apartments is bright as the way we work — and where we work — continues to evolve. No longer is the 9-to-5 office job the standard for many people as the global economy continues to shift and change.
Discover Hotel & Residence Roppongi
Hotel & Residence Roppongi is one part boutique hotel and one part serviced apartment building. We’re pleased to offer the amenities and comforts of a hotel to all our guests in a more personal setting. Each of our serviced apartments is unique in design but none are lacking in the essentials. From our premium twin to luxury apartments, you’ll experience the same exceptional service. All units are available to rent for a minimum of one month.
Our guests enjoy the convenience of a multilingual staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lab Library Lounge is available for quiet work or for arranged meetings and we also have a private meeting room that can be reserved to welcome clients and colleagues. Centrally located in Roppongi, we’re surrounded by some of the finest restaurants, stores and entertainment the city has to offer and we take pride in creating a welcoming and relaxing environment in the middle of a bustling metropolis.
Connect with us to learn more about our units and the services we offer, whether you’re traveling to Japan for business or leisure. In addition to our website, we can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Give us a call or send us an email and let our friendly staff tell you more about all the options we have available to suit your needs.
This article was written by Petra Canan Trudell, Journalist and Director of Internet Strategy for Jarman International KK. More information about H&R Roppongi can be found on their Website, Facebook and Instagram accounts.