What is a Pet-Friendly Apartment?

A pet-friendly apartment is one that specifically caters to the needs of pet owners and their animals. It provides a welcoming and cordial environment for business travelers and their favourite four-legged friend. Pet-friendly Apartments are desirable for their pet amenities, which are not usually found in the average apartment complex. However, they can sometimes be hard to find since many landlords are nervous about renting to pet owners.

Although some apartment buildings may allow pets, there is a huge contrast between pet-friendly apartments and apartments that allow pets. While the latter may be open to the idea of pets, it does not have any of the convenient amenities that pet-friendly apartments have, often have strict rules against loud animal noises, and might even put breed restrictions in place.

In the past a pet-friendly apartment might have been an anomaly, making business traveling especially hard for pet owners who have to go through the heartbreaking experience of watching a fluffy pouty face stare with sad eyes as they leave home. Now, ‘’pawrents’’, as pet owners are being called, no longer need to make the compromise of leaving their pets behind when travelling for business. The nature of pet-friendly accommodation is that it allows pawrents to take their furry babies along with them on unforgettable adventures!

The notion of pet-friendly accommodation has gained great traction all over the African continent post COVID. While there are some establishments that make travelling with a pet difficult or nearly impossible, there are also establishments that are exceptionally welcoming. However, finding such establishments is not as easy as it sounds, especially when you are trying to do so while sitting in an entirely different country.

This is where MyResidence Africa seeks to help you. Over the past years, we have collected a portfolio of information across all the countries on the African continent. Our task is to provide you with all the information you may need on the availability and locations of pet-friendly apartments in the country that you plan to travel to, so that you can have a comfortable stay with your furry loved one. MyResidence has worked hard at building trusted relationships with their property portfolio to encourage establishments to accept pets and guide them on how they can best manage a furry friend’s stay. This has had a positive impact on the establishments and certainly for those traveling with their furry loved ones.

Amazing Benefits of Staying at Pet-Friendly Apartment

Travelling with a pet is not only a relief for the business traveler, but also works in everyone’s favour. There are plenty of benefits to staying in pet-friendly apartments, some of which we have outlined below:

• Pet-friendly amenities: Pet-friendly apartments are often furnished with an array of suitable amenities for the little creature’s enjoyment and the business traveler’s convenience. Pet-friendly apartment amenities include cleanup stations, on-site pet-sitters, an in-unit washer, a dog door, and a yard or dog run.

• Pet-friendly neighbours: Staying in a pet-friendly apartment will inevitably mean that your neighbours will be likely to either have pets of their own or be accepting of your pet. What’s great about this is that it means you will be less likely to have to listen to annoying complaints if your pet gets a little noisy.

• A pet-friendly landlord: You are much less likely to encounter a Cruella Deville-type character if you live in a pet-friendly rental. However, you will still be responsible for any damage that your pet may cause to the rental unit.

• Socialisation: Living in a pet-friendly community is a wonderful way for you and your pet to make new friends wherever you are staying. This is especially helpful if there are communal play areas or pet-friendly events planned.

The Best Pet-Friendly Options for Business Travelers

• Corporate housing: Corporate housing is a great option for business travelers who need a place to stay for a few weeks or even months. Corporate housing providers typically offer furnished apartments or homes that are fully equipped with everything you need, including kitchen appliances, bedding, and towels.

• Extended-stay hotels: Extended-stay hotels are another good option for business travelers with pets. Extended-stay hotels typically offer larger rooms or suites than traditional hotels, as well as amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities.

• Pet sitters: Pet-friendly accommodations often have in-house pet sitters that are there for your convenience. If you prefer not to leave your pet alone in your room, you can always take them to be cared for by the pet sitter while you are away.

MyResidence Africa can assist in finding the best serviced apartment for extended stay options for you and your pet. Our services are conducted in such a way that we give priority to your needs. Whether you choose to stay at one of our many serviced apartment options, or whether you choose to stay at our extended-stay hotels, we are committed to finding you the most favourable lodgings for you and your furry plus one. You’ll never have to choose between business and your pet again!

Let us help you Lodge with Love!

MyResidence Africa has numerous partners all over Africa and South Africa that provides pet-friendly accommodations of all types to suit the needs and preferences of business travelers. For options for your business traveler with pets please contact our team.

MyResidence Africa is dedicated to constant service improvement, and gaining new partners is a great way to do so. We are constantly liaising with property partners and seeking new opportunities to improve our service delivery. In all our years in the serviced accommodation industry, we have learned that every business traveler’s needs are different, and we devote ourselves to meeting those individual needs.

So, if you are tired of having to compromise between business travelling and your tiny tot, join the MyResidence family today!

Click here to read up more on our services, or email info@myresidence.africa to reap the benefits of our hard work!

Written by Saudika Hendricks 

The post Why Serviced Apartments Are the Best Choice for Family-Friendly Corporate Travel appeared first on My Residence Africa.

Business travel can be demanding and exhausting, especially when it involves an extended stay away from home. In such situations, serviced apartments have emerged as a popular accommodation choice for those long-term stay business travellers.  

These fully furnished apartments offer a range of advantages that cater specifically to the needs of professionals on extended assignments. In this blog post, we will explore the top benefits of choosing serviced apartments for long-term stays, highlighting why they are an ideal option for business travellers.  

Home-like Comfort and Privacy  

One of the primary advantages of serviced apartments is the sense of comfort and privacy that they provide. These apartments are designed to replicate a home-like environment, offering separate living, dining, and sleeping areas. 

Unlike hotel rooms, which can feel impersonal and confined, serviced apartments provide ample space to relax, work, socialise and unwind after a long day of work.  

The privacy they offer allows business travellers to maintain a healthy work-life balance during their extended stay.  

Fully Furnished and Equipped  

Serviced apartments come fully furnished with high-quality amenities, making them ideal for long-term stays. They typically include a fully equipped kitchen, enabling travellers to prepare their meals according to their dietary preferences or specific requirements.  

Having a kitchen also helps in reducing food expenses, as eating out for every meal during an extended stay can become costly.  

Additionally, amenities such as laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems are usually provided, ensuring a comfortable and convenient living experience. 

Cost-Effective Solution  

Compared to traditional hotel stays, serviced apartments offer cost savings for long-term business travellers. When staying in a hotel for an extended period, expenses can quickly accumulate due to daily dining out, laundry services, and additional charges for amenities. In contrast, serviced apartments provide a more affordable option, as they offer flexible pricing packages and inclusive rates.  

The ability to cook meals in the apartment’s kitchen further contributes to reducing expenses, making it an economical choice for extended stays.  

Flexibility and Customisation  

Another significant advantage of serviced apartments is the flexibility and customisation that they offer. They are available in various sizes and configurations, allowing travellers to choose an apartment that suits their unique needs. Whether travelling alone or with a team, serviced apartments can accommodate individuals or groups comfortably.  

Furthermore, many serviced apartment providers offer flexible lease terms, allowing business travellers to extend or shorten their stay based on changing requirements.  

On-Site Facilities and Services  

Serviced apartments often come with a range of on-site facilities and services that enhance the overall experience for business travellers. These may include gyms, swimming pools, business centres, conference rooms, restuarants on-site and concierge services.  

The presence of such amenities within the apartment complex saves time and effort, as travellers can access them conveniently without leaving the premises. 

Additionally, dedicated housekeeping and maintenance services ensure that the apartment is well-maintained throughout the stay.  

Conclusion  

It is clear to see why serviced apartments have become the preferred choice for long-term business travellers due to their numerous benefits. From providing comfortable and private living spaces to offering cost savings, flexibility, and customization, these apartments cater specifically to the needs of professionals on extended assignments.  

By combining the comforts of home with the convenience of hotel-like services and amenities, serviced apartments offer an ideal accommodation solution for business travellers who are seeking a long-term stay that balances comfort, productivity, and value for money.     

If your travel agent has not got in contact with MyResidence.Africa to review a wide portfolio of serviced options we encourage relationships with travel managers to ensure all your needs for business travel are catered for in Africa.   

Contact our team on info@myresidence.africa for us to set up a call with your travel teams. 

The post Benefits of Serviced Apartments for Long-Term Stay Business Travellers  appeared first on My Residence Africa.

According to the latest research by South African property management groups, there has been an outpouring in the popularity of serviced apartments across the African continent.

The data revealed that serviced apartments are outperforming the long-term rental rate on a net basis of over 50%.

Before we get into the detail, let’s have a quick look at what serviced apartments are.

What are Serviced Apartments?

Serviced apartments are apartments that are fully serviced similar to the hotel services, they are also referred to as “aparthotels” in some cases. This type of travel accommodation is a type of longer-term stay, which exceeds the usual duration of a hotel stay, meaning anything more than 7 days.

The idea is to provide serviced accommodation that is different from that of hotels. Serviced apartments aim to provide the guest with more flexibility and privacy in a bigger space.

Business travellers are slowly growing tired of staying in hotels, especially if it is for long periods where they require more privacy, and a home away from home experience.

This accommodation is a type of service where a company provides extended stay accommodation for employees, contractors, or clients who are on a long-term assignment or project, typically for a period of 7 days or more.

Serviced apartments or “aparthotel” is your typical furnished apartments or houses which include basic hotel amenities such as:

• 24 hr reception
• Housekeeping
• Internet
• Utilities
• Own kitchen or kitchenette
• Dining room
• Lounge area
• As well as other unique needs based on the individual’s requirements.

The major benefit of staying in a serviced apartment is that it is much bigger than your average hotel room. You also have the benefit of having guests over as there are bigger dining room settings, lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

The whole idea behind aparthotels is to provide a home-like environment for those who are away from their own homes for extended periods. These packages are often uniquely designed for business travellers and extended stay leisure travellers.

Growing Demand for High-Quality Accommodation

The increasing demand for high-quality “home-away-from-home” options, in both local and global industries, has given rise to a type of long-term stay service that blends the features of a hotel with the comfort of low-maintenance apartments.

Individuals who travel are seeking accommodation that not only furnishes exceptional workspaces but also presents opportunities for leisure.

Whether one requires a temporary residence or a more prolonged stay, serviced apartment options are tailored to meet the needs of each unique individual.

The Growing Popularity

The growing popularity of serviced apartments is mainly due to the fact that guests can enjoy their stay in a private space, without the formality of a hotel.

The above is just one of the reasons for the growing popularity of this sector, below are a few other brilliant benefits that guests can enjoy:

• Entertaining in your own apartment
• Cooking your own meals whenever you want to
• Effortless check-ins
• Cleaning services
• High-quality new bed linen daily
• Flexibility to stay for longer if need be.

A few of the premium aparthotels often provide exceptional shared spaces, such as swimming pools, co-working areas, fitness centres, coffee houses, or elevated decks, where guests can socialize with other travellers as well.

A New Target Market

Another interesting fact that came up was that serviced apartments (aparthotels) appeared to be the preferred choice for digital nomads due to them being lower in costs compared to hotels.

If you would like to read more on the trend surrounding business travellers wanting to become nomads, then please click on this link.

The trend of working from anywhere has now resulted in there being 35 000 000 known digital nomads worldwide, which is expected to grow in 2023 and beyond, making this a lucrative market to target.

Data According to the Stats

In terms of aparthotel research in South Africa, the domestic market continues to dominate occupancy, with 22% of guests coming from within the country.

However, statistics also show that international guests are on the rise, with travellers from Germany, the Netherlands, the US, and the UK becoming more prominent in Cape Town.

Business Traveller Trends

It is also important to note that aparthotels are trending for “bleisure” travellers.

Their business trips are lately being converted into a family stay, simply by adding a few days in the end and having the rest of the family join.

In Conclusion

Generally, business travel durations have slightly increased, and staying in a serviced apartment provides added convenience during the stay.

Aparthotels are increasingly attracting modern business travellers who are looking for good quality and value, without the extra frills that hotels have.

Research shows that having a fully equipped kitchen featuring high-end appliances and convenient access to hotel amenities in prime locations, results in an effortless extended stay experience for the business traveller.

The trend that followed post-COVID and well into 2023 is that extended stays of blended work and leisure are now a constant and not a passing trend.

This is relevant to both international and local markets. These services are dynamic enough to have someone stay for a few nights, a few weeks, or even a couple of months.

“Business travellers are actively seeking the freedom of DIY travel.”

At My/Residence we aim to offer this exclusive experience for business travellers. If you would like to find out more on how our team can help you, please click on the link below:

Contact us

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