Short-stays seek a long life
0 
|
|
|
The bedroom of one of the apartments. Photo: Courtesy of Pepijn Meyer zu Schlochtern |
Hotels versus short-stay
As the global account manager for a Dutch bank, Van Doornmalen has stayed in his fair share of hotels. At least once a month his work requires him to stay in Europe or the US, usually in a hotel prearranged by his company.
But on holiday, he prefers the more personal touch when it comes to his choice of accommodation.
"Somehow a short-stay apartment feels more like home - maybe that's an overstatement, but it's certainly more private and cosy."
Short-stay apartment prices are usually between 25 and 50 percent cheaper than four and five-star hotels. A room for two people at a five-star hotel downtown can cost between 1,550 yuan ($228) and 2,800 yuan a night. Downtown four-star hotels offer rooms for around 900 yuan. This is compared to a two-bedroom short-stay apartment for up to five people that costs between 1,000 and 1,200 yuan per night. Discounts are also offered for stays longer than 10 days and, more again, for stays longer than a month.
Although serviced apartments already exist in Shanghai for longer-term stays, Meyer zu Schlochtern said they often lack the "personal touch" because of inferior decoration.
"There is a lack of decently furnished apartments in Shanghai. Ninety-nine percent is not my style and I believe there are a lot of other people who feel the same way. It's not livable in terms of somewhere that I see as a home-from-home," he said.
The amenities
The use of amenities in a hotel - such as wireless internet - can also push up the cost of a night in a hotel.
It was the all-in cost for amenities, including the fully-equipped kitchen and complementary wireless internet that won over Van Doornmalen in the first place.
"The service is very good. We had a cleaning lady who was also prepared to do laundry if needed. And if you needed anything like a chauffeur to go sightseeing, that was all very easy to arrange. It really gives you the feeling of being on holiday," he said.
Go to Forum >>0 Comments