It appears to be an apartment. No, it’s a hotel. No, it’s corporate housing. Corporate housing has gained traction over the last decade, yet some companies still don’t know much about it. The Corporate Housing Providers Association states that corporate housing produced $2.77 billion in the US in 2008. It supplied
approximately 73,385 units and had an occupancy rate of 88.5%.

Corporate Housing in Houston Explained

When it comes to corporate housing, Houston is lucky to have several companies you can choose from, including Choice Corporate Housing, Oakwood Worldwide, RXHousing and CorporateHousingcom, to name a few.

What will you get out of using corporate housing? That’s an simple question to answer. With corporate housing you’ve the advantage of convenience, you get twice the living space which means you are more comfortable, and you only have to pay about half the price you would expect.

While corporate housing is known to cater to business travelers, these services are also available for temporary living during relocation or short-term assignment by the military. For example, traveling theater groups have used corporate housing when they’re staying in an area for a while due to performances. Television/film actors and crews are also known to use it when they are shooting on location. Other instances of corporate housing use are individual vacations and by insurance companies needing to make accommodations for distressed policyholders.

When an emergency happens, corporate housing companies are known to move very fast to provide temporary housing. Everyone recalls hurricane Katrina which came ashore in 2005, creating havoc in southern Mississippi and wiping out New Orleans, Louisiana. Being relatively near, Houston was inundated with inquiries for corporate housing to sustain thousands of employees who had lost their living quarters.

Oakwood Worldwide was able to provide 1,500 apartments in various locales within three weeks. . According to Mobility Magazine in 2007, Oakwood Senior Vice President Gavan James stated, “Frankly, the only thing we were limited by was our furniture rental companies couldn’t take it on any faster than that,”

Some companies own their own furniture. “We own all the furniture in our units,” stated Paul Sternberg of Choice Corporate Housing, “which is advantageous because we don’t have to depend on other sources for furniture and housewares. We have the ability to ensure that the quality meets our specific needs, and we know our units are in top shape, allowing us to control every aspect of our business,” he added.

Advantages of Corporate Housing in Houston
For people traveling and staying for a short period of time, whether it is for special projects, relocations, or general business travel, Houston corporate housing is a source of convenience and savings you wouldn’t get from mid to high-end hotels. Many corporate apartments provide access to fitness centers, laundry facilities and business centers.

“We give excellent value with corporate housing in Houston, Sternberg said. “That’s because we are a small company, which gives us flexibility”. We have the ability to change accommodation swiftly, and we offer a discounted product.
“We can set clients up with a 700-950 sq ft elegantly furnished apartment in a Houston high-rise for as tiny as $60 a night, less than what you would pay for a 285 sq ft hotel room”, he added. When looking at the value of Houston corporate housing against hotels, you will see that you are provided with twice the living space at the same bargain rates. Plus, you are made to feel right at home. Another benefit of corporate housing in Houston is being able to get fully-equipped kitchens.

Companies can save money by reducing travel expenses. In lieu of room service, employees can cook their own meals which not only saves money, it is also healthier than eating out.
This allows companies to lower the expenses for food during business trips. Employees will be able to cook their favorite meals, and still have the extra to dine out for business entertainment when required.

While hotels have their own advantages, after a week or two, people miss the relaxed environment of home. The home-like atmosphere of temporary housing can mean more productive employees while on extended stays.

In Summary
Cost effectiveness is generally a top factor as companies select corporate housing, however an underlying benefit is the decrease in intangible costs of employee non-productivity and mental pressure. It is a natural human desire to want a relaxing home-like environment. This is exactly what Houston corporate housing provides. The privacy of a well-outfitted, furnished apartment in a convenient location will reduce employee tension when spending time out of town on business.

Finally, the amenities available top it off. On the next occasion that your firm has to seek employee accommodations for prolonged periods, explore what corporate housing in Houston has to offer.

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