Business travellers prefer flats to hotels

FULLY furnished rental flats in Sandton are the preferred option for business executives working out of town, rather than booking into a five-star hotel, says Pamela Niemand-Bossert, MD of Hydro Executive Apartments.

She says you pay the same or less for an apartment outfitted with the same amenities as a luxury hotel room.

“It is actually quite simple. Instead of staying in a fully serviced room of about 40m² with an en-suite bathroom, you can stay in a fully serviced, 80m² apartment that has the en-suite bedroom plus a fully fitted kitchen, lounge, dining room and maybe even a second bedroom and bathroom,” says Niemand-Bossert.

The flats are especially popular with managers who need to stay longer than just a few days. She says many visiting executives seconded by international companies prefer the more natural, home-style accommodation offered by an apartment.

A luxury block of flats such as the Hydro offers different rates according to the length of stay, which can stretch from one day to several months, as well as apartments with either one or two bedrooms. It has more than 80 flats.

Niemand-Bossert says the Hydro offers amenities including cleaning, laundry and ironing, audiovisual entertainment with DStv, gym and pool access, braai facilities, secure parking and 24-hour security.