Archive for » September, 2009 «

Short Term Rental Cheaper Than Hotels

When people travel to new areas for an extended period of time, one issue they have to consider is the how much they will have to pay for accommodations. Short term rentals are now becoming a popular choice for many people over staying at hotels. Short term rentals are designed to provide guests with a home like environment, but with all of the comforts of a hotel. One important benefit of staying in a short term rental over that of a hotel is that they are cheaper.

The cost of staying at a short term rental can be $20.00 or more a night cheaper than if you stayed at a hotel. If you are staying for a week, month, or three months, the savings will really add up. As well, with a short term rental, you will have a complete kitchen with all the modern appliances. You will save a lot of money eating from the rental than if you were to dine out in restaurants everyday. Short term rentals are located near all of the amenities including supermarkets. You will really notice the savings if you have family staying with you.

Along with the lower price, you will also get more features than you would with a hotel. Depending on what type of rental you choose, you can have such features as spacious rooms, multiple bedrooms, all of the utilities, laundry services, separate dining and living rooms, high speed internet, and phone services. Luxury and convenience comes with short term rentals while living in a homey environment. Depending on the rental, you may have access to saunas, pools, and recreational activities such as gymnasiums and tennis courts. As well, you have more of a choice of the type of accommodations and amenities than with a hotel.

There are short term rentals available in a wide variety of areas. You can stay in the heart of a city or in a more rural area near an urban area. As well, short term rentals are available as apartments, condominiums, studio apartments, and even houses. People have more of a choice than a hotel while paying less than a hotel.

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What is Short-Term Corporate Housing?

By Adriana Noton

Staying in a traditional hotel for more than a few days can end up being very expensive. Whether you are traveling to an area for business or personal purposes, if you are going to be staying for a period that could result in a high hotel expense, you may want to consider short-term housing. One popular form of rental accommodation is short-term corporate housing.

Short term corporate housing refers to furnished apartments, condominiums, and homes that provide short term accommodations for business executives and people who require temporary housing. Business travelers, people who are relocating, those on short-term temporary work assignments, corporate relocations, and vacationers are just a few of the types of people who can benefit from using short term corporate housing. When compared with other extended stay housing such as hotels and extended stay accommodations, the usual length of stay of short term corporate housing is 30 days, but can be longer.

Corporate apartments are large and spacious, and depending on the type of housing, can include many features such as fully modern furnishings such as luxury furniture, pots and pans, linens, and dishes. As well, they can also include multiple bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a washer and dryer or laundry services, all of the utilities, high speed internet and wireless capabilities, complete kitchens with modern appliances, separate dining and living rooms, and telephone services. Some corporate short term housing accommodations are located in urban areas that are close to all of essentials, while others are located in more private residential neighborhoods. Luxury and convenience are important aspects of short term corporate housing. Corporate apartments are much larger than regular and extended stay hotel rooms and provide a home-like atmosphere. Spouses and children can often accompany a business traveler staying at a corporate housing accommodation. Guests can store and cook their own food, eliminating the need for expensive outside dining. Professional guests can also entertain guests or hold private meetings away from the office.

High end extended stay hotels can average anywhere from 20% 30% higher than typical corporate apartments. This is because of the extra amenities and services provided by extended stay hotels.

Many short-term corporate housing clients can include Fortune 500 executives, small and large businesses, various industry executives, Government officials, senior citizens, leisure travelers, and people relocating to an area and are looking for a home. Minimum length of stay requirements vary by property. They can be as short as a week or up to 30 days or more.

The Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) has created industry accreditation for the corporate housing industry. The title, Certified Corporate Housing Professional (CCHP) sets objectives, standards, and guidelines for assessing the corporate housing renters’ knowledge about providing high quality employees and efficient corporate housing. When one receives the certification, it means that they follow the highest standard in the corporate housing industry that ensures clients will receive respect and be given courteuous service by trained and skilled staff

After a busy and productive day at work, guests can return to housing that is much like a home environment instead of small and impersonal hotel room. When looking for luxury temporary housing that provides luxury and convenience, short-term corporate housing may be the best choice.

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Peace of Mind is Priceless when you can Enjoy Your Travel

By: Amy Nutt
Traveling is a great way to escape the daily routines of work and other daily responsibilities. You can enjoy great food, new locations, and meet new people. Although traveling is suppose to be relaxing and fun, you can reduce the chances of having a great travel experience if you do not make the necessary preparations prior to leaving for your trip.

The following is a list of tips to help ensure that you have an enjoyable travel experience:

1. When you travel, especially to another country, you have to make sure you are protected. Acquiring travel insurance can give you peace of mind while you are on your trip. Travel insurance is insurance that will protect you against any event that may result in medical expenses, loss of belongings, financial loss, and much more. There are different types of travel insurance for such travel situations as cruises, business travel, vacations, international travel, adventure travel…etc. You can also be covered for such situations as theft, flight cancellations, flight delays, and baggage loss. Medical insurance is an essential part of traveling. It will cover such circumstances as your transportation to a hospital, hospital stay, treatment and medication costs, emergency medical evacuation, transportation home, and more.

2. Make sure that you provide a family member or neighbor with all of the appropriate contact information such as your cell phone number, email address, and phone number of the hotel.

3. As you are about to leave for your trip, make sure you have secured your home. This includes unplugging all of your appliances and electronic devices, and turning off the water. Turn the heat down and make sure the lamps are unplugged. Make sure your windows and doors are locked. If you have a security alarm system, make sure it is activated. You can give the pass code to a neighbor and change it when you return. Make sure your security lights and cameras are working properly. As well, have someone you trust check the house while you are away. Get rid of any perishables from the refrigerator. You should also take out the trash, water the plants, place lights on automatic timers, and close the curtains and blinds.

4. Proper packing is essential to having a relaxing travel experience. You should make a list of all items that you will need while you are traveling. This can include passports, travelers checks, appropriate clothing for the location and if you are going to be attending any formal activities, cell phone, camera, banking information and credit cards, medications and prescriptions…etc. Pack a day or two before the trip so you will not forget any important items. The really essential items should be kept in a carry bag and stay with you at all times.

5. Make sure that you take care of yourself physically. Be mindful of what you eat and take care that you are eating in quality restaurants that adhere to health regulations. You can keep headache medicines and antacids in your bag in case of a stomach ache. As well, proper sanitation practices such as using antibacterial hand gels are recommended.

Traveling is a terrific way to get a break from life’s stresses. In order to make the most out of your travel experience, it is important to make the proper preparations so that you can have peace of mind while enjoying your trip.

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