Serviced Apartment London: Corporate Housing Solutions in London UK

A Guide for HR Managers

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Relocating employees to London—whether for short-term projects or long-term international assignments—requires a well-thought-out approach to temporary housing, and there have never been more choices on the table than there are now.

As HR professionals and relocation specialists navigate increasingly global workforces, selecting the right corporate accommodation can be a challenge but it need not be so.

London is the business capital of the UK and stands as a major hub in Europe for business, culture, and international connections. So where better to find a solution that ticks all the right boxes?

In this guide, we explore the full spectrum of corporate housing solutions in London, with a spotlight on (you've guessed it) our own sector of serviced apartments—an increasingly popular choice for flexible, comfortable, and cost-effective business stays.

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What Is Corporate Housing?

First up, let's be clear about what we're discussing here - 'corporate housing' refers to temporary accommodation provided to employees who are relocating, working on extended projects, or in transitional periods.

This can include short-term apartments, serviced accommodation like ours in Soho, Waterloo and Fitzrovia), or simply extended hotel stays.

London serviced apartments are a popular property type for corporate housing, offering business travelers flexible short- or long-term stays with fully equipped kitchens, modern amenities, and tailored services.

Each property is designed to provide a comfortable and productive environment, making them ideal for professionals needing a home-like experience during their assignment.

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Challenges Faced by HR & Mobility Teams

Managing employee relocations to a dynamic city like London comes with unique challenges but also its opportunities:

• Short Lead Times: Many relocations are confirmed with minimal notice.
• Length of Stay Uncertainty: It’s often unclear how long an employee may need accommodation.
• Compliance & Duty of Care: HR teams must ensure safe, compliant housing in line with company policies.
• Cost Management: Balancing value with employee satisfaction and well-being.
• Employee Experience: Ensuring a seamless and positive arrival into a new city.
• Support from Experienced Agents: Working with knowledgeable agents can simplify booking and managing corporate housing, ensuring a smooth relocation process.

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Corporate Housing Options in London

The good news is that an increasingly wide range of accommodation types exist, each with their own strengths and limitations of course.

In particular, and again this is just our humble opinion, serviced apartments stand out because their rooms offer more space, comfort, and amenities compared to standard hotel rooms, including features like separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens.

Each room in a serviced apartment is designed to provide privacy and a home-like atmosphere, making them ideal for both short and long-term stays.

1. Hotels

• Pros: Immediate availability, full-service amenities.
• Cons: Unsuitable for long stays; limited privacy and space; high per-night costs.

2. Private Rentals

• Pros: Home-like environments; flexibility in décor and layout.
• Cons: Rigid lease terms; lack of professional management or included services.

3. Serviced Apartments

• Pros: Blends the best of hotels and homes—fully furnished, flexible terms, privacy, and services tailored to professionals.
• Ideal For: Relocations of 7+ nights to 6+ months, corporate teams, and professionals on project-based assignments.

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Why Serviced Apartments Are a Smart Choice

Serviced apartments have become a preferred model for modern corporate housing. They offer:

• Comfort and Privacy: Separate living, working, and sleeping areas.
• Flexible Stays: Bookings from a week to several months without committing to long leases.
• All-Inclusive Services: Weekly housekeeping, fully equipped kitchens, utilities, WiFi—all included.
  • Many serviced apartments include a dishwasher for added convenience.
  • Some serviced apartments offer complimentary breakfast as part of the guest experience.
• Amenities: Availability of a reception or front desk service for guest support.
• Strategic Locations: Conveniently located with easy access to transport hubs and business districts.
• Cost Efficiency: Significantly more cost-effective than hotels for longer durations.

Guests enjoy the flexibility to prepare dinner in a fully equipped kitchen or share a meal with colleagues, making their stay more comfortable and homely. Overall, serviced apartments provide a wonderful experience, combining comfort, convenience, and prime city access.

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Popular Areas to Stay in London

London boasts a vibrant range of neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique charm and advantages for business travellers and families. When considering serviced apartments in London, prime locations such as Soho, Waterloo, Marylebone and Fitzrovia stand out for their unbeatable access to the city’s world-famous museums, restaurants, and attractions.

Take the opportunity to explore London and discover its historic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant entertainment venues, all contributing to the city’s rich cultural and social offerings.

Staying in these areas means you’re never far from the heart of the action—whether you want to explore the historic streets around Westminster, enjoy the theatres and dining options in Covent Garden, or take advantage of the business and leisure opportunities in the city centre.

For those seeking a more contemporary vibe, neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Spitalfields offer a colourful mix of trendy cafes, markets, and creative spaces, perfect for guests looking to experience London’s modern culture.

Whether you’re booking a spacious apartment for a family or a luxury hotel-style suite for a solo business trip, London’s great range of serviced apartments ensures there’s an accommodation option to suit every preference.

With so many prime locations to choose from, visiting London becomes a seamless blend of work and leisure, allowing you to make the most of your stay in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

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What to Look for in a Corporate Housing Partner

To support smooth relocations, HR managers should look for:

• Flexible Booking Terms: Scalable packages for short or extended stays.
• Centralised Booking Tools: For managing multiple employees and invoices.
• Duty of Care Compliance: Safety, privacy, and employee wellbeing prioritised.
• Responsive Support: Local teams available for emergencies and service queries, with the option to speak directly with agents for immediate assistance.
• Transparent Pricing: Clear and competitive price structures with all-in-one rates that simplify expense reporting and policy alignment.

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Guest Experience: What Employees Value Most

For business travellers, the guest experience is at the heart of a successful corporate stay. Employees consistently value serviced apartments in London for their high standard of comfort, privacy, and flexibility.

Unlike a traditional hotel stay, a serviced apartment offers more space to relax and unwind after a long day, with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas that create a true home-from-home environment.

A fully equipped kitchen allows guests to prepare meals at their convenience, while additional facilities such as on-site gyms (something we are working on for our future Beyond aparthotels), coworking lounges (same deal), and dedicated workspaces cater to both leisure and productivity. The presence of a dedicated, remote team ensures that any requests or issues are handled promptly, making the booking process and day-to-day living stress-free.

Whether it’s a short stay for a quick project or an extended stay for a longer assignment, serviced apartments in London provide a great range of benefits that support both work and wellbeing. Employees can focus on their business objectives, knowing their accommodation needs are met to a high standard.

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Spotlight on Beyond Aparthotels

At Beyond Aparthotels, we specialise in fully serviced apartments designed for the modern corporate traveller. Our properties combine design-led interiors with the flexibility today’s workforce requires. Many of our properties are frequently booked by corporate clients, reflecting their popularity and high guest satisfaction.

Why work with Beyond?

• Sustainable Design: As the UK’s first truly sustainable serviced apartment brand, sustainability is central to our offering.
• Prime Locations: From central London to neighbourhoods near major business districts.
• Wellness-First Approach: Biophilic interiors, natural materials, and calming layouts support employee wellbeing.
• Tailored Services: Corporate packages, personalised check-ins, and area guides designed to unlock the insider magic of each location.

We understand that the details matter—especially when welcoming international staff into a new city.

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Booking and Management: Streamlining the Process for HR

For HR teams and businesses managing employee relocations or extended projects in London, the process of booking and overseeing serviced apartments can quickly become complex—especially when coordinating multiple arrivals, varying lengths of stay, and diverse employee needs. This is where partnering with a dedicated team of booking agents can make all the difference.

A reputable booking agent acts as your single point of contact, offering access to a great range of serviced accommodation options across central London and other prime locations. With their expertise, HR professionals can secure spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens, ensuring employees are placed close to offices, transport links, and the vibrant heart of the city.

This not only streamlines the booking process but also helps control costs, as agents can often negotiate better prices and secure additional facilities such as on-site gyms, concierge services, and even breakfast options.

For business travellers, the benefits are immediate: more space to relax after a long day, the flexibility to prepare dinner in a modern kitchen, and the comfort of a luxury apartment that feels like home.

Employees can enjoy easy access to London’s world-famous museums, Covent Garden, and the city’s renowned restaurants and cafes, all while being able to unwind in their own private space. Whether it’s a short stay for a quick project or an extended stay for a longer assignment, serviced apartments in London offer a high standard of living, with more space and amenities than traditional hotels.

Families and leisure visitors are equally well catered for, with a wide range of accommodation options available—from studio apartments to family-friendly properties equipped with dishwashers and washing machines. With city centre locations, River Thames views, and proximity to iconic attractions like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, guests can truly make the most of their time in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

Booking serviced apartments in London also means enjoying the convenience of black cabs, excellent public transport, and the support of UK-based agents who are always available to assist with enquiries or last-minute changes. This level of service allows HR teams to focus on other priorities, confident that their employees are well cared for in high-standard London serviced apartments.

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Tips for a Smooth Corporate Relocation to London

• Book Early: Particularly in Q1 or summer months when demand peaks.
• Prioritise Location: Ensure proximity to public transport, offices, and amenities. Consider accommodation near shops for added convenience during the stay.
• Account for Family Needs: School access, larger apartments, or family-friendly areas.
• Communicate Clearly: Ensure employees understand what’s included and who to contact.
• Track Satisfaction: Collect employee feedback to refine future housing strategies.
• Explore Local Landmarks: Encourage employees to take the opportunity to visit iconic sites such as the Tower of London during their relocation.

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What’s Next for Corporate Housing?

The workplace is evolving—and so are corporate accommodation needs. Key trends include:

• The Rise of Extended Business Stays: As hybrid work makes longer stays more viable.
• Sustainability Mandates: HR teams increasingly seek low-impact housing aligned with ESG goals.
• Wellbeing Integration: From sleep-friendly furnishings to natural light design, wellness is now a business imperative.

Serviced apartments will continue to play a central role in this new era of work and mobility.

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Conclusion

For HR managers and relocation specialists, choosing the right corporate housing solution is critical—not just for operational efficiency, but for employee experience and wellbeing. Serviced apartments offer a rare balance of flexibility, comfort, and value, making them an ideal choice for businesses relocating talent to London.

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Plan Your Next Corporate Stay with Confidence

Looking for a reliable partner to support your team’s move to London?

Contact Beyond Aparthotels today to learn more about our corporate accommodation packages, custom solutions, and employee-first approach.

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