Here’s Why a Christmas Getaway is Ideal

It’s that time of year again! You may have noticed the amount of festive stock suddenly making an appearance at the shops, or your workplace has started discussing the office Christmas party – either way, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate it this year! Here’s how you should enjoy a Christmas getaway:

You get to explore a different city

Many cities around the country are perfect weekend trips at any time of the year, but for Christmas, they are even more magical! Around the festive season, Nairobi is a hub of cheer – many places in the city offer a Christmas experience that’s perfect for all the family.

More time to spend time with loved ones

Christmas is all about spending time together as a family and there’s no better way to do this than changing the scene and taking time away from your busy life. By staying away, you can discover a new city or re-explore one you’ve visited before – but this time, with a festive twist! There are a variety of different places you can go to where you don’t need to worry about the stresses of hosting at Christmas, which means you can focus 100% of your attention on the people who matter the most.

Saves you money

Whilst going away may seem like a costly venture, it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re staying away for just a couple of days or a week, it doesn’t have to cost a lot – it’s the memories that are the most important thing to focus on! Maybe instead of buying gifts for everyone, you can treat them to a short getaway over the holidays. Not only that, but you can also avoid the rush of the Christmas shoppers!

It’s easier to relax

Imagine this – you wake up on Christmas morning, exchange gifts with your loved ones and then instead of worrying about preparing your Christmas dinner, you walk down to a restaurant where a Christmas dinner will be waiting for you! Hosting your family and friends around the festive season can cause stress, especially if you are the one who cooks the dinner. Staying away means that you don’t need to stress about making sure the vegetables are ready in time for the turkey – food can be provided so you can relax and focus on catching up with your family and friends.

You don’t have to cook the Christmas dinner

As much as we all love a good Christmas dinner, having to cook it is one of the more stressful parts of Christmas – especially if you’re cooking for a lot of people! When you plan a getaway for Christmas Day, you have the opportunity to put your feet up and enjoy the day without the looming thought of having to cook. You can also spend the day visiting the area, as you’re not spending hours in the kitchen – it gives you plenty of time to make some memories with family and friends, especially if you have young children.

CONCLUSION

Take the pressure off and stay with us this Christmas! Even if you have enjoyed a cosy Christmas at home in the past, it’s never too late to try something new. You can trust that we have everything you need to have the ultimate relaxing experience for a Christmas getaway! Book with us today to avoid disappointment – you can contact us to find out more about our availability and what we have to offer when you stay with us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serviced Apartments – Your Questions Answered

What is a serviced apartment?

A serviced apartment is just that; a fully furnished apartment available for both short and long-term stays. Housekeeping services are available, and the apartment is well-equipped with all hotel-like amenities.

Are serviced apartments staffed?

Our serviced apartments have staff on-hand to assist you during your stay. All of our apartments have a 24-hour guest services team, who can be contacted in case of emergency, or if you have a query regarding your accommodation.

Are they secure?

Yes, guests will have private access to their apartment, and many of our apartments have secure entry systems.

What is included in the rate?

The rates on our website are per person per night, and include all utilities and local taxes. Rates also include internet access and car parking, however this varies from property to property. Extras may include additional beds and additional cleaning services.  Serviced apartments are typically more cost effective than hotels.

What facilities are available in the apartment?

All of our apartments are fully furnished and have a kitchen/kitchenette, and a private bathroom. Facilities vary between apartments, and details can be found on each apartment listing.

Are the photos on the website of the actual apartment I will stay in?

The photos on our website are provided by our trusted apartment operators, and are a representation of the apartment you will stay in.

What’s the difference between a studio and a one-bedroom apartment?

A studio apartment has combined living and sleeping space. Unlike a hotel room, it features a kitchen or kitchenette and separate bathroom. A one-bedroom apartment has a separate bedroom, and a kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

Is there a minimum or maximum period for a booking?

Most of our apartments do not have a minimum or maximum period for a booking. If you send a booking enquiry with the dates you require accommodation, one of our specialists will advise you with the best options available.

If I want to book a serviced apartment for several months, will I have to pay for the whole stay when my reservation is confirmed?

For extended stays and bookings for several months’ accommodation, we can arrange monthly invoices. For corporate clients, we tailor invoices to suit your organization’s requirements and procedures.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

The terms and conditions vary between apartments, but some form of security deposit, or credit/debit card details, are required prior to or on check-in. If you have a query regarding a security deposit, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Details of the payment procedure, security deposit, and cancellation policy for each apartment are included on every booking confirmation.

How is housekeeping and linen change arranged?

Our apartments provide a daily or weekly housekeeping service, which includes fresh linens and towels. We also offer an additional cleaning service, which may be chargeable.

What happens if I have a problem during my stay?

All of our serviced apartments have a 24-hour emergency contact, and a guest services team who can be reached at any time. Additionally, our team of accommodation specialists will be on hand to help for the duration of your stay.

CONCLUSION

Serviced apartments are an ideal hotel alternative. As well as offering more space, privacy, and flexibility than a hotel, they are typically more cost-effective. You can enjoy the freedom of a home away from home, with the added convenience and luxury of serviced accommodation. Contact Us Today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Self-Catering Apartments Redefine Travel

Choosing a place to stay when on a trip, whether for business or pleasure, is a big decision. The type of accommodation you choose can help to define the quality of your stay. In recent years, self-catering trips have seen a surge in popularity, with serviced self catering apartments among one of the most popular options. As their popularity continues to rise, self-catering apartments are helping to redefine travel. Here’s how:

They offer greater flexibility

In today’s world, our requirements and needs are constantly changing, and with that comes a need for flexibility. Our technology-driven lives are fast paced, and no longer operate within normal working hours. Self catering apartments appeal to our need for flexibility. Hotels can often restrict guests, dictating the hours during which they should dine and by what hour they should be back in their room. Self-catered apartments allow guests to come, go and dine as they please, on their terms. Little wonder then that figures show serviced apartments have outperformed the hotel industry by 40%.

A greater adaptability

Self-catered apartments are often more adaptable to the modern family’s needs. They have the potential to offer more accommodation options than the traditional room set ups offered by hotels. For example, a self-catering apartment may be more suitable for a family travelling with an elderly relative who they want to keep close, for example, or for an extended family travelling together. They also offer a ‘home from home’ experience, including pleasant surroundings and facilities, which is a key driver in their popularity today.

They offer a ‘home from home’

Since the Covid 19 pandemic, travel habits have changed significantly. Once the world reopened again, serviced self catering apartments were seen as a great solution for travelers, offering a clean, hygienic and contained space for an individual or group. This then became the catalyst for people to realize the many benefits of self-catering apartments and continue to use them in the post-pandemic world. One of the key benefits is the ‘home from home’ experience they offer with not only the ability to come and go as guests please but also the addition of a more relaxed form of accommodation, complete with home comforts such as hairdryers, towels and TVs.

They are cost-competitive

Self-catering apartments are often a more cost-effective choice than hotels. As disposable incomes tighten and the cost-of-living crisis continues to take hold, they are a more attractive option not only for families or individuals but for businesses too. Self-catering apartments are helping to redefine travel not just for holidaymakers but for business travelers. Increasingly, businesses are opting for self-catering apartments for workers on extended business stays due to the flexibility they offer, the mod cons they bring (for example, super-fast Wi-Fi or free parking) and, of course, the opportunity they offer to minimize business travel expenses.

CONCLUSION

If you are looking for a self-catering serviced apartment in Nairobi, we offer a range of luxury apartments in the city, ideal for business travelers or holidaymakers. All our apartments offer a high quality, fully equipped kitchen, parking, Wi-Fi, toiletries, bed linen and housekeeping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Benefits of a Serviced Apartment This Holiday Season

The perfect vacation or getaway has to be affordable and comfortable space to unwind. Nobody ever wants somewhere stuffy and tiny. We all want space, tranquility and privacy. And that is the reason why serviced apartments exist; to give you a break from traditional accommodation options.

Below are the benefits of a serviced apartment:

  1. Spacious

Regular accommodation providers are smaller compared to a serviced apartment. A typical one bedroom service apartment is around twice the size of the average hotel room. In case you are travelling with family or a group of friends, everyone gets to have their own space and privacy. Even on a solo getaway, you are guaranteed a comfortable stay in a spacious apartment with modern amenities.

 

2. Amenities

Serviced apartments offer a private and fully equipped kitchen to prepare special delicacies at your own time and pace. They also sport extra amenities like gyms, pools, concierge, restaurants or bars.

3. Cost effective

The rental price for serviced apartments is lower on average than that for a typical hotel. Saving money also comes in because there are no restaurant bills, bar tabs or room service charges. Guests get to come with their own foodstuffs enabling them to save a lot of money eating in rather than eating out.

4. Privacy

Serviced apartments generally offer a greater degree of privacy and luxury. They allow you to bypass the formalities and in many cases you simply can let yourself in and make yourself at home! A customized housekeeping service means your apartment can be kept clean but you can retain privacy without constant interruptions.

5. Flexibility

In a serviced apartment, you are in control of your time; you can eat whenever you want, whatever you want and you can have it any time you want. You can also come and go as you wish. Everything is per your schedule.

CONCLUSION

It is almost that time of the year when everybody seems to be looking forward to new adventures with their loved ones. Compared with a hostel, Airbnb, or hotel, a serviced apartment is a hybrid model between an apartment and a hotel. It offers the comforts of an apartment – a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, ensuite facilities and parking – while ensuring hotel-like services such as reception, gym, concierge and housekeeping.

Are you scouting for places to stay for the holidays? Try a fully furnished luxury apartment this time round!

Staycations 101

A staycation is exactly what it sounds like; a vacation where you stay at or around your home. Many people choose to stay overnight in their own homes during a staycation. Others specifically stay overnight at a hotel to get away from home, but still stay within close driving distance.

Why Staycation?

  • Save Money – A staycation can save a family money. For the most part, travel is minimal, so expenses such as fuel for the car, or airplane tickets, are mostly non-existent.
  • Bring Revenue to the Local Economy – Local shops, restaurants and hotels reap the benefits of their citizens visiting them rather than traveling out of town.
  • No Need to Take Time off from Work – A staycation can often be done over a weekend, as travel is minimal. Many parents can affordably go away for Saturday and Sunday with only the expense of a hotel room and babysitter.
  • Easier to Plan – Since most people know the area in which they live, planning a staycation can be a great deal less stress and take a lot less time than a vacation that is far away.
  • More Time to Actually Relax – Many vacations require a great deal of traveling, whether it be by car of plane. During a staycation, that time is basically cut down to zero, leaving people more time to actually relax during their time off.

How To Staycation – Get the most out of your vacation:

  • Turn off your electronic devices. – Of course most of us will need to check our phones periodically, as we would do on any vacation, but checking email, Facebook and such should be kept to a minimum. Remember you are trying to unwind and not think about work and your daily life. A great way to do this is to spend some time disconnected from your everyday life.
  • Pack light – Since many staycations are kept short, there is little need to pack too many things. It is often reported that people who have fewer possessions feel freer and less stressed, so try it while on your staycation. Only bring the necessities, and remember if you absolutely need something you forgot, you are still close to home!
  • Plan, but don’t over-plan – Don’t overwhelm yourself with an itinerary. Choose a few local places to visit, or maybe even a spa day. But keep some time open to do what you feel in the moment. Whether that be taking a nap, or reading a book, time to just be can be extremely rewarding.

Staycation Ideas:

  • Go to a local festival or free concert. Many cities and towns have events going on every weekend, so check online for them. Often they are free and don’t require time constraints; you can stay for as long or as short a time as you like.
  • Rent bikes and go for a ride. If you have a river, canal or beach near you, there are often places to rent bikes and tour the area (that is if you don’t already have your own). If you enjoy being active, this can be a great way to sight see in your own town and burn some calories.
  • Take a nap. With the stress of most people’s lives, naps are a rarity. If you like them take advantage and get one or two in while you can.
  • Go to the drive in theater. Maybe your town has a drive in and you’ve never been. This can be the perfect time to try something new, and check out a good movie.
  • Go shopping. This may seem like a funny idea, but if you are parents and try to shop with kids, you know how hard it can be. Book a sitter and a hotel near a mall or local outlet and spend time specifically to shop.
  • Go to the beach or pool. This is a great way to relax, get some sun and even read. Many people live near the ocean or a lake where they can take advantage of the beach for free. If you don’t, try finding a local pool that you can visit. They are often low cost and you won’t have to travel far.
  • Read a book. If you are an avid reader and find it hard to fit it in during the week, this is a good time to catch up. Bring something that has good reviews, maybe even two!
  • Visit the local zoo. Especially for a family staycation, the zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon that is affordable, fun and educational.
  • Play sports. Go bowling, play tennis or any other sport your family enjoys.

CONCLUSIONS

Staycations are a great way to not only save money, but also discover new places in your own town. Ask your friends for local recommendations and search the web. Many people are surprised by the hidden places right in their own home towns.

 

Tips to Staying in a Clean Serviced Apartment

It is an unfortunate reality that some business travelers encounter unclean accommodation. While the brochures and online advertisements might make apartments look pristine, they can often be disguising the fact that their accommodation suffers from unclean bedding, germs, stains and unidentified odors. If you have experienced this before, you will know just how unsettling it can be to encounter this after a long day’s work or travelling.

A large part of the accommodation market is now catered to with serviced apartments, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your stay fending off germs and potential bed bugs. Below are a few tips you can use to ensure you find a clean serviced apartment that is everything its brochure and online advertising claims it to be:

Research the venue – make sure you read a variety of reviews on sites, such as Trip Advisor, both positive and reviews offering constructive criticism so you can see what has been written about them. Give the serviced apartments a call to ask them questions regarding their sanitizing practices. If they are happy to answer your questions and readily have answers, they are probably more true to their word than those who skirt around the issue.

Make an assessment on arrival – if the entrance of the building is unclean and messy, chances are your room will be too. When you enter your room, quickly scan for cleanliness. You can also pull back the sheets and check for red and black spots on the linen which can be indicative of bed bugs.

Be vocal about your unhappiness – if your room is not up to the cleanliness standards you had in mind, speak to management about it and ensure they send a cleaner to rectify the issue. It is more productive to make your complaints known to the serviced apartments on arrival than to just write poor reviews about it once you have left. This will help them to make the necessary improvements.

Be proactive about cleanliness – there will always be areas where dirt can collect or be missed during regular cleaning routines of the cleaners. Pack some disinfectant wipes or sprays and simply give your room a spray to stop the spread of potential germs.

What is a serviced apartment and how are they rated?

A serviced apartment, as termed by the ASAP (Association of Serviced Apartment Providers), is a term used to describe a type of furnished accommodation available for short to long-term bookings, which provides amenities, housekeeping and a range of services for guests. A type of accommodation where most taxes and utilities are included within the booking fees.

Hotel bookings are frequently made based on star ratings of quality standards, but serviced apartments aren’t graded in the same way. So how do you decide whether to make a booking with a certain serviced apartment provider? One option is to search customer or guest reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor, Booking.com, eBookers.com or a serviced apartment provider’s reviews on their own website. Based on feedback you can make an informed choice.

How to celebrate Christmas in a serviced apartment

Home is that special place you want to celebrate Christmas, but there may be times when you need travel to be with friends or family. Decorations, colorfully wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree, the smell of mulled wine on the stove and plates of home-made nibbles in special Christmas bowls are what we love about home in December.

Wanting to be with friends or family is often limited by the availability of space to bed down over night, but that should never be the reason for you all not to be together. A hotel stay is one option, but would there be space to put up a Christmas tree and decorate the room? The other choice is a serviced apartment. If your travels mean a trip to Kenya, then let us tell you about home-style short-stay accommodation with all the space available to celebrate Christmas just the way you and your family want to – including the spicy aroma of mulled wine on the stove and mince pies in the oven.

A serviced apartment is a type of self-catering accommodation generally located in major towns and cities. They can be for stays of a night to a week, a month or more. The rates are per apartment unlike a hotel stay where you pay per person sharing. If there are more than two of you, this often means booking more than two separate hotel rooms.

Serviced apartments are furnished and inclusive of linen and towels plus a fully equipped kitchen with all you need to cook a Christmas roast plus all the trimmings.

Serviced apartments offer a perfect alternative to a hotel for you, your family and friends wanting a break to the vibrant city of Nairobi. Here are a few reasons to help celebrate Christmas in a serviced apartment:

Space

Visiting friends or relatives in Nairobi for Christmas, and perhaps they don’t have the extra space to accommodate you and your children? A serviced apartment offers you a great option with space to put up a Christmas tree, hide the gifts until the 25th December, have a few friends over for drinks, put the children to bed before relaxing in front of TV to catch-up on the movie channel. You could even spend the evening playing board games at the dining-room table.

Convenience

A serviced apartment could also be perfect for a Christmas get-away to treat the family. The city central location means you are with-in a short walk to the Theatre to watch a play, or to go shopping at the city centre. Take in a movie or head out for a meal at anyone of the many restaurants or pubs.

Cooking facilities

You can cook your own Christmas feast just the way you like it in the fully equipped, modern kitchen. You will find everything you need to cook a delicious roast with all the trimmings.

CONCLUSION

A smart hotel alternative with your own bedroom(s), living area, bathroom and fitted kitchen to spread out in, offering 3-5 times more space than a hotel room. Put up a Christmas tree, decorations and lights and make it look as festive as you wish.

With all the basic conveniences of home such as broadband, Wi-Fi , parking and a fully equipped kitchen, a serviced apartment also provides that extra space that may be needed to have all the family together at Christmas – and a place for entertaining a couple of friends or family.

 

5 Things Serviced Apartments Offer, That Hotels Can’t

Serviced apartments have become an ever-growing popular choice for business travelers over the last few years. There are many benefits of a serviced apartment versus a standard hotel room, but not everyone is aware of them. Here are the top 5 things serviced apartments offer, that hotels can’t:

Self-Catered Kitchens

When staying in a serviced apartment, you’ll have access to your own fully equipped, self-catered kitchen. This is perfect for a flexible stay, eliminating the strict mealtimes of hotels, bars and restaurants for any early starts or late finishes. Not only do you have added flexibility, you also make a huge saving on the cost of dining out.

Washing & Drying Facilities

A serviced apartment is your home away from home, an attractive offering for professionals whose business trip extends over a longer period of time. Being able to wash, dry and iron your clothes is convenient for both your personal and business schedules. Most serviced apartments provide full laundry facilities for each individual apartment, eliminating the need to venture to a launderette or use a hotel facilities. This helps you to feel fully at home during your stay.

Separate Living & Sleeping Space

The average serviced apartment provides you with 30% more space than a hotel room. When on a long trip, having that extra space is important, and the additional luxury of living areas is extremely beneficial, compared to a hotel room with only a bed and basic amenities. A serviced apartment really makes a difference when staying away from home – having a separate space to relax, and another to sleep. Just what you need after a busy day.

Inclusive Rates

As well as being cheaper than hotels of a similar standard, serviced apartment rates are fully inclusive with no extra costs for things like parking and unlimited Wi-Fi. Fitted with either basic kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, serviced apartments allow you to cook at your convenience without the expense of going out to eat every night.

Longer stay discounts & Reduced VAT

Often, nightly rates in a serviced apartment are cheaper than hotels, and with many people booking a serviced apartment for a long stay, there are often additional discounts. For bookings longer than 28 days, the VAT rate also reduces.

CONCLUSION

All our serviced apartments offer all the amazing benefits above. Supported by a friendly, efficient team, we pride ourselves on first class customer service and a home away from home for everyone.

 

Save Money On Travel With a Serviced Apartment

A serviced apartment is self-contained, fully furnished temporary accommodation, offering all the comforts of a home. Bookable on a night-by-night basis, they are a complete accommodation solution. With one or more bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living area and at least one bathroom, serviced apartments provide everything guests could need during their stay.

With budgets tighter than ever, saving money on your travel spend can be easily achieved if you a book a serviced apartment instead of a hotel. Here’s why:

Meals

Serviced apartments come with a self-contained kitchen or kitchenette meaning you can dine in at home, cutting costs on hotel restaurant bills, eating out or room service.

Space

Offering separate living, sleeping and cooking areas, a serviced apartment is far more spacious than a hotel room. 2 & 3 bedroom apartments allow a family or colleagues to save on the cost of additional rooms. Prices are per apartment, not per person, offering massive savings, especially if there are twin bed options too.

Complimentary Extras

TV channels, parking and Wi-Fi are included with a serviced apartment at no extra cost. Hotels usually charge for these services or charge a higher room rate for their inclusion.

Laundry

Washing, drying and ironing facilities are also provided in a serviced apartment free of charge, so you can do your own laundry whenever you feel like it. This eliminates the hassle and expense of arranging hotel dry cleaning and ironing services.

Long stay discounts

Serviced apartments are considerably cheaper when compared with hotels of a similar standard and offer so much more. Prices also decrease the longer you stay, saving you even more money. Seasonal increases are also unlikely, so you can be assured of stable rates all year round.

Flexible

Serviced apartments are easy to book or cancel if your plans change, especially in the event of a global health issue with strict guidelines.

CONCLUSION

From extra levels of comfort, convenience and a true home-from-home experience, and often better value than a hotel, serviced apartments are a favorite accommodation choice for business travelers, families and tourists.

Our serviced apartments in Nairobi offer all of these money-saving benefits, complemented by quality facilities and first-class customer service.

Types of People Who Really Need Serviced Apartments

There are many types and sizes of serviced apartments available. If you are travelling alone you will probably find a studio or 1 bedroom apartment is sufficient for your needs – offering a living area with separate bathroom and fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette.

2 or 3-bedroomed apartments and penthouses offer more living space, usually with an additional second bathroom and often a sofa bed in the lounge area. These are a great option for families without having to have separate adjoined hotel rooms.

Colleagues or friends sharing can enjoy their own bedrooms and bathrooms whilst sharing the living spaces, this offers great value as apartments have a set nightly rate and are not charged on a per person basis.

Serviced apartments are an ideal solution for many needs:

Groups – A group of workers travelling for a project will find apartment accommodation a home from home for stays of more than week. The convenience of being able to cook your own meals saves extra costs and hassle on eating out as well as providing washing and ironing facilities. There are big financial savings on travel spend when compared with booking individual hotel rooms and extras.

Travelling families – A family with children and even pets will be better accommodated at a serviced apartment than a hotel. Washing and ironing facilities are a handy addition, not to mention the home living an apartment offers. High chairs and travel cots are usually available free of charge, saving you additional luggage hassles.

Corporate travelers – Corporate organizations will find serviced apartments an ideal accommodation option for employees who frequently travel for short to longer-term stays. As well as offering flexible terms, the convenience of a fully inclusive nightly fee often with discounts for longer stays, offers big cost savings. Having no deposits or contacts also means less ‘red tape’ and avoids you having to set up leases and utility bills.

Relocation – A serviced apartment is your best option if you are relocating and you need a base to settle while you search for your longer term home. Flexible terms with serviced apartments mean you can shorten or extend your stay as per your needs, even at short notice.

Temporary Accommodation – if you are moving home and need somewhere as a temporary stop-gap, serviced apartments have flexible terms with no deposits or contacts, similar to booking a Hotel but offer you much more space.

Business travelers – a serviced apartment allows a business person the privacy to relax and carry out their work in comfort. Dining tables double up as a great work space whilst the home from home feel and amenities means you can relax and unwind after a hard days work.

CONCLUSION

If you are looking for a serviced apartment in Nairobi, then your search has led you to the right place. Our Serviced Apartments provide the ideal base for all types of accommodation requirements.