Corporate Housing vs. Hotels: What’s The Difference?

When it comes to accommodating business travelers, corporate housing has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional hotels. Corporate housing offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness that makes it an attractive option for companies and their employees.

What is a corporate accommodation?

A corporate accommodation is a type of furnished housing intended for business travelers or employees relocating for work, offering a more homely and comfortable alternative to traditional hotel stays. These accommodations typically include apartments or houses that come fully equipped with all the necessities for living, such as furniture, kitchen appliances, and sometimes even utilities and internet service, aimed at longer-term stays.

6 Differences Between Corporate Housing and Hotels

1. Space & Comfort

One of the primary advantages of corporate housing is the ample space it provides compared to traditional hotel rooms. Corporate housing units are typically fully furnished apartments or houses, offering separate living areas, bedrooms, and fully equipped kitchens.

This extra space allows business travelers to have a comfortable and homely environment, making their stay more enjoyable and productive. Unlike hotel rooms, corporate housing units often include amenities such as laundry facilities, parking spaces, and access to fitness centers or swimming pools, further enhancing the overall comfort and convenience.

2. Price Corporate housing offers significant cost savings compared to traditional hotels, especially for extended stays. While hotel rates can quickly add up, corporate housing units are typically priced per month or per week, making them more affordable for companies and their employees. Additionally, corporate housing units often include utilities, internet access, and other amenities in the rental price, eliminating the need for additional expenses. Companies can also save on meal costs by utilizing fully equipped kitchens in corporate housing units, allowing employees to cook their meals instead of relying on expensive hotel dining options.

3. Privacy & Security

Privacy and security are crucial considerations for business travelers, and corporate housing excels in this aspect. Unlike hotels where guests come and go frequently, corporate housing units are typically located in residential neighborhoods or dedicated complexes, providing a more secure and private environment.

Business travelers can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that they have a dedicated space for themselves, away from the hustle and bustle of hotel lobbies and hallways. Corporate housing units also often have secure access systems and 24/7 on-site management, further enhancing the safety and security of the guests.

4. Flexibility & Customization Corporate housing offers a high level of flexibility and customization, catering to the specific needs of business travelers. Unlike hotels with standard room layouts, corporate housing units come in various sizes from studios to single-family homes, allowing companies to choose accommodations that best suit their employees’ requirements. Whether it’s a single executive or a team of employees, corporate housing can provide the right amount of space and amenities. Corporate housing companies also often offer flexible lease terms, allowing companies to adjust the duration of stay based on their business needs.

5. Home Away From Home

6. Pets

A significant challenge for pet owners is finding accommodations that welcome their furry friends. Many hotels have strict no-pet policies, making it difficult for business travelers to bring along their pets.

However, corporate housing often offers a more pet-friendly option. Unlike hotels, many corporate housing providers understand the importance of keeping families, including pets, together during travel or relocation. Not only does this make corporate housing a more appealing choice for pet owners, but it also helps to alleviate the stress and worry associated with leaving pets behind or finding pet care.

Is corporate housing the same as Airbnb?

No, corporate housing is not the same as Airbnb. Corporate housing typically offers fully furnished apartments or houses for longer-term stays, whereas Airbnb can range from short-term to long-term rentals and includes a wide variety of accommodation types, from shared rooms to entire homes.

Corporate housing is specifically designed to meet the needs of business travelers or individuals in need of temporary, longer-term accommodations, often providing amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and sometimes services tailored for business needs like high-speed internet and workspaces. These accommodations are usually available on a monthly or weekly basis, aiming to offer a comfortable and homely environment for guests who are staying for several weeks or months.

On the other hand, Airbnb is a platform that connects hosts with guests looking for accommodations for varying lengths of stay. It includes a diverse range of properties, including short-term vacation rentals, making it suitable for tourists as well as business travelers. Airbnb accommodations might not always offer the consistent amenities and services that corporate housing does, as they are dependent on the individual host’s offerings.

About The Author

Brianna Correia

Hey, guys! It’s Brianna, the Senior Marketing Specialist at Compass. Find me here on LinkedIn and we’ll connect!