Five Secrets Of Successful Serviced Apartment Operators

The serviced apartment industry is thriving, with demand skyrocketing as more travelers recognize the benefits of flexibility, comfort, and cost savings. Over the past eight years, the market has doubled in size, creating both exciting opportunities and intense competition for operators. With so many options available, standing out requires more than just offering a well-furnished space—it demands innovation, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of guest expectations. The most successful serviced apartment operators have mastered the art of creating memorable guest experiences while maximizing efficiency. They embrace technology, build trust through accreditation, and develop creative ways to differentiate their offerings. By staying ahead of industry trends, these operators position themselves as leaders in an evolving marketplace.

From seamless check-in solutions to unique interior designs that appeal to modern travelers, they implement strategies that drive both bookings and guest satisfaction. The ability to provide a hassle-free stay, coupled with value-added services, keeps guests coming back and boosts brand loyalty. Many top players are also leveraging partnerships and additional services to increase their revenue streams beyond accommodation. With changing consumer expectations, flexibility and convenience have become key differentiators. Operators who fail to innovate risk falling behind as the industry continues to evolve. Whether you’re looking to improve occupancy rates or enhance guest satisfaction, learning from the best can give you a competitive edge.

In this article, we uncover five secrets that set successful serviced apartment operators apart from the rest. By adopting these strategies, you can strengthen your business, attract more guests, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Let’s dive in.

Five Secrets Of Successful Serviced Apartment Operators

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.

Final Thoughts

The serviced apartment industry is evolving rapidly, and standing out requires a combination of innovation, credibility, and convenience. Successful operators think creatively to attract new demographics, leverage industry accreditation to build trust, and embrace technology to streamline operations. Simplifying check-ins with solutions like KeyNest enhances the guest experience, while offering additional activities can create new revenue streams and boost customer satisfaction.

By adopting these five key strategies, serviced apartment operators can not only keep up with industry growth but also position themselves as leaders in an increasingly competitive market.

About Us

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 7,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property. 

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point or KeyNest Locker  which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times. By leveraging technology and a global network of locations, KeyNest continues to redefine property management, offering solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the rental market..

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more you can contact us.  

Marc Figueras 27 February 2025