What is Corporate Housing? [Types, Services, Pros & Cons and More]
Put your hand up if you love the idea of living out of a hotel room for an extended period. Is your hand still down? It might be. Most of us probably don’t like the idea of living out of a hotel room for more than a few days. Just think of all the expenses that will pile up for dining out costs alone! Plus, there’s a lack of space to store your clothes and you don’t expect cozy, home-like amenities.
But what if you had to travel for a few weeks or months? Where would you stay? When you’re away for a business trip or something work-related, you want to feel comfortable so you can be at your best and most productive.
This is where corporate housing comes in. Read on to find out what it is, the pros, cons, and more.
What is Corporate Housing?
Basically, corporate housing is a home away from home. Originally, it was meant to grant business people the chance to stay somewhere comfortable while on a work trip, but now more and more people are using it for short-term rentals (more on this shortly).
Haven’t heard of corporate housing before? Well, some people may refer to it as corporate apartments, serviced apartments, executive apartments, or temporary housing. Bottom line—they all mean the same thing!
When you rent a corporate house, your amenities are included. And it will be fully furnished. The place should be like any typical apartment and provide you with the necessities to live comfortably.
On average, most corporate housing options allow you to rent out an apartment for two to three months. However, some might only allow you to rent for a minimum of 14 days to a month. If you’re only relocated for a short period, you’ll likely find yourself living in a hotel room. But hey! At least you can order room service, right?
Are There Different Types of Corporate Housing?
More often than not, corporate houses are either fully furnished apartments, extended stay hotels, or condominiums, but it may also be possible to find a family-sized home, depending on the location.
Which Services Do Corporate Housing Offer?
Just think of the amenities you love in a hotel: a clean room every day, fresh sheets, access to a gym, high-speed WiFi, proximity to the city center and public transportation.
Drum roll, please… 🥁
Most corporate housing options include these undeniably wonderful services. Oh yes.
But it gets better.
You’ll get a place with a full kitchen, which usually includes a microwave, stove, utensils, pots, pans, oven, fridge, and all the other necessities.
That’s right. With you get your own space with similar luxuries of a hotel, at a much lower cost.
Who Should Consider Corporate Housing?
Corporate housing used to be just for business folks such as healthcare workers, stage performers, film crews, consultants, auditors, and contract programmers, but that’s not the case anymore.
While this kind of housing still targets and attracts those traveling for business, it also is a terrific choice for interns, someone who wants to try out a new city, and even some digital nomads and intrepid explorers may find it beneficial to rent a corporate apartment over a hotel, especially if they plan on staying somewhere for 30 days or more.
Of course, digital nomads would also benefit from co-living, but it all depends on if they want to live alone with full amenities or among other like-minded individuals..
Honestly, corporate housing will suit anyone who wants/needs to stay somewhere for a short-term period. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros to Corporate Housing
It’s better to start with the good, and end with the bad, right? Anyways, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of benefits.
Comfort
Expect comfortable existence. Just imagine a home away from home, where you can relax at the end of the workday, on either the couch or at a kitchen table with a glass of wine.
Spacious and private
Most corporate apartments will grant you more space than a hotel room. And, you’ll have a private place to dwell, work and take phone calls.
Kitchen Access
Full kitchen! I’ve mentioned this benefit a few times, and for good reason. You need to be able to whip up your favorite dishes when you’re away from home.
House Cleaning
Who doesn’t love a clean room every day? I would think nobody—well, except maybe this guy.
Central Location
You’ll usually find a location near the business hub of the city, so it will be easy to get around.
Fully Furnished
The best part? You get a fully furnished place. It’s not like a regular rental where you have to buy couches, a fridge, a bed, and the list goes on. Plus, you’ll have to stock your kitchen with utensils, and pots and pans. Corporate housing provides everything.
Cons to Corporate Housing
Thankfully, corporate housing doesn’t have too many cons.
Less Choices
You may not have as much choice when it comes to a location like hotels, but you’ll likely find a spot in a business-centric part of town.
Cost
The cost can either be a pro or a con. When you compare it to the cost of staying in an unfurnished apartment, corporate housing is a con. A regular, long-term apartment rental will probably cost less, but it’s vital to remember that these apartments don’t have furniture, beds, or the amenities of a fully furnished place.
But, with corporate housing, you also won’t have to sign a long lease, which gives you the freedom to come and go as your business sees fit.
Where Do You Find Corporate Housing Rentals?
All of the apartments, co-living spaces, and extended stay hotels offered on Anyplace are fit for corporate housing needs. Every unit is fully furnished with utilities and WiFi set up, and included in one payment. Most have weekly or daily housecleaning. There are options for different price points too, so you can go with cost-effective housing or quite luxurious—whatever your preference.
Have you ever tried corporate housing before? If so, what did you think? Feel free to share some advice in the comments below.
Where to next? Find flexible month-to-month rentals across the globe on Anyplace.