Serviced apartment operators embrace growth, says HVS report
Growing competition within the branded serviced apartment sector has led to increasing diversification in the way that they operate, a new report by global hospitality consultancy HVS suggests.
12 July 2017
As the branded serviced apartment sector becomes increasingly crowded, some operators are moving away from the original extended-stay concept, by embracing short-stay guests and adding a variety of facilities to their offer, according to a new report published this week by global hotel consultancy HVS.Having surveyed the concepts and plans of 17 key serviced apartment providers, the report reveals there are 10,000 units currently in the pipeline across Europe, of which 37 per cent will open by the end of 2017.
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Livinghotel, for example, will have two apartments in Vienna and Vevey with communal kitchens rather than kitchens in the rooms. Bridgestreet has opened its first Stüdyo serviced apartment in London, with shared common spaces, including kitchens, and is about to open its first Stow-Away property consisting of 20 prefabricated modular microapartments. Ascott has just announced a new lifestyle brand called lyf, aimed at millenials, while Visionapartments is embracing the digital currency by accepting payment via Bitcoin.
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Embracing the short stay
While most established hotel groups now have an extended-stay product, with some expanding through franchising, the majority of operators manage, own or lease properties. Other more distribution-focused groups have increased their portfolio of managed properties.Report author Nicole Perreten, senior associate, HVS London commented, “The sector is steadily finding its place in the investors’ community with a development pipeline that’s larger than ever and increasingly includes secondary and tertiary markets.“As a result brands are having to fight for attention by being creative with the addition of facilities such as communal space or dining areas, often at the expense of kitchens in the rooms. This can also mean that space is used more efficiently, improving profit margins.”Related stories:
- ‘Record growth’ for UK serviced apartment sector in 2017
- Derag Livinghotel Frankfurt: serviced apartments on a new level
- Accommodating short-term business visitors
Livinghotel, for example, will have two apartments in Vienna and Vevey with communal kitchens rather than kitchens in the rooms. Bridgestreet has opened its first Stüdyo serviced apartment in London, with shared common spaces, including kitchens, and is about to open its first Stow-Away property consisting of 20 prefabricated modular microapartments. Ascott has just announced a new lifestyle brand called lyf, aimed at millenials, while Visionapartments is embracing the digital currency by accepting payment via Bitcoin.
UK in top spot for serviced apartment growth
According to the report, the majority of pipeline openings are in the UK (41 per cent), with Germany accounting for 32 per cent. In the UK, London remains in the top spot, with Manchester and Edinburgh also popular, along with Dublin in Ireland. “Our survey of operators confirms this product can be operated very efficiently with high GOP margins, as a result of low staffing levels and few additional services. However more hotel type services may become popular in the future as the sector continues to grow,” said Perreten.For related news and features, visit our Serviced Apartments section.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory Get access to our free Global Mobility Toolkit ©2024 Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.
