Five secrets of successful serviced apartment operators

As more consumers become aware of the benefits of serviced apartments, the industry is going from strength the strength. The industry has doubled in size over the past eight years, and with this growth it is difficult but more essential than ever to stand out from the crowd. Here are five secrets of successful serviced apartment operators that will help you to attract customers and grow your business.

1.    Thinking creatively

It might go without saying, but thinking creatively can help you to stand out. Ascott’s new brand, Lyf, is aimed at attracting millennials to the use of serviced apartments, with fun and quirky interior design, and communal areas aiming to emphasise a sense of discovery and community. This shows not only creative thinking about attracting new customers, but also in the management of the limited space within apartment buildings.

2.    ASAP accreditation

Getting accredited by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers is something that will not only help build trust around your company; it will help build trust in the industry as a whole. 40% of corporates cite inconsistency as the number one barrier to the use of serviced apartments, and the ASAP stamp of approval can be the key to showing these customers that you’re amongst the providers that can be relied upon to provide a consistent level of quality.

3.    Embracing technology

The use of technology in the property industry has traditionally lagged behind other industries – but that’s all changing with solutions from a new wave of proptech companies. Companies like Ravti can help operators save money by using technology to analyse the performance of heating and air conditioning units, and Foyr uses technology to realise better interior design. VISIONAPARTMENTS now accept payments in Bitcoin, giving their customers more choice and more privacy.

 4.    Easy check-ins

Nothing is more likely to get a serviced apartment stay off to a bad start than a complicated check-in process. KeyNest Points and KeyNest PRO are fuss-free options used by award-winning serviced apartment providers to keep track of their keys and provide guests with more flexibility when checking in and out.

5.    Providing activities

Looking beyond accommodation towards providing leisure activities can boost your number of leisure customers as well as providing alternative revenue streams. Marriott has added the option for its customers to book onto one of over 100,000 activities worldwide when booking direct from their website. Not only does this generate additional revenue, but the data it provides can help you to tailor your guests’ stays.