If a business or some other project requires you to visit another city for several weeks or a couple of months, you may run into some challenges when it comes to short-term corporate housing. Most housing options are either based on nightly stays (like hotels) or long-term stays (like apartment leases), and it seems there are few options in between. Nevertheless, with a bit of homework, it’s possible to find short-term lodging to suit your needs. Let’s look at five tips to help you find what you’re looking for.
1. Research locations.
Every city has different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. If you’re coming to town on business, you naturally want to stay someplace that’s convenient to work — either within a short distance or at least along a convenient commute route. If you’re unfamiliar with the city, you’ll want to do a bit of research to target a few parts of town where you’d be comfortable staying.
2. Look at nearby amenities.
Another consideration when choosing short-term stay lodging is to look at what is nearby. You want to be in a place that’s convenient to amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, public transportation, etc. If you find temporary lodging that requires you to drive across town for all these things, it can be a drain on your time and energy. Your best bet is to stay someplace where amenities are either within walking distance or a short drive away.
3. Skip the hotels.
Hotels are convenient, and sometimes they offer lots of extras — but for stays lasting longer than a few days, they can get very expensive. Even extended stay hotels usually don’t feel much like home, and after a couple of weeks, it can start taking its toll on your psyche—and your wallet.
4. Be careful with online platforms like Airbnb.
Airbnb and similar platforms have become a popular alternative to hotel stays. You can often find fully furnished lodgings, complete with living, dining and kitchen, sometimes for less than a hotel. The downside is that many of these places are privately owned, so the quality may be inconsistent — and sometimes hosts are dishonest. If you go this route, be sure to look in Airbnb’s certified travel section or use Airbnb Plus to make sure you’re getting a reputable host.
5. Work with a local corporate housing company.
One of the best ways to choose short-term stay lodging in any community is to work with a local corporate lodging agency. Working with a local professional gives you the edge when it comes to finding the right neighborhoods and amenities, and these companies can help you get into a fully furnished apartment at a very reasonable rate.
If your short-term lodging needs bring you to Atlanta or Jacksonville, TP Corporate Lodging offers localized expertise as well as a selection of well-appointed, fully furnished apartments in some of the best complexes in town. Give us a call at 800.428.9997 to learn more.