"How much does a corporate apartment really cost, and how can I make the most of the budget I've been given?" It's a common question among travel managers, agency managers and mobility experts when they book apartments for employees. To help you answer it, we look at the factors that most affect the final price of corporate accommodation.
In an apartment, employees have a kitchen and usually more space to work, which helps them feel more at home while travelling. That's one of the main reasons they have become so popular with companies. They are also often more competitive than alternatives such as hotels, especially for medium and long stays.
Corporate accommodation comes in many forms, from simple, functional units to apartments that could be called luxury. That's why rates vary so much: they depend on size, features, location, length of stay and the services included. The good news is that once you understand these factors, you can optimise your budget.
Read on for the practical tips Apartool's Booking team has put together on how to reduce the cost of your corporate accommodation .
Factors that affect the price of a corporate apartment The nightly price of a corporate apartment is a combination of geographical, seasonal, operational and contractual factors.
Location: city centre vs. outskirts Location is one of the biggest drivers of price. An apartment in the city centre is in higher demand and therefore costs more.
Central areas : 20% to 50% more than the outskirts.Premium neighbourhoods : a noticeably higher price per square metre.Proximity to business districts, stations or airports also affects price. Accommodation near business hubs is in higher demand because it saves guests travel time and costs, which can be significant. For these reasons, rates tend to be higher.
Expert tip 💡
Looking for options near public transport, 10-15 minutes from the centre, can cut the price by up to 30% without losing good connections.
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms The more bedrooms and bathrooms a property has, the higher its price. But sharing can be the key to saving.
One bedroom : ideal for individual stays. For example, an IT consultant relocating to Berlin for a 6-week project.Two or three bedrooms : cost-effective when shared by colleagues. For example, three engineers sent to a project in Milan for 3 months.When deciding how many bedrooms you need, there's no need to add one just to have a workspace. Apartool's apartments have comfortable work areas in the living room or bedrooms, so unless you need a very large space, an extra bedroom isn't necessary for that reason.
Expert tip 💡
If several employees are travelling to the same destination on similar dates, consider grouping them in a two- or three-bedroom apartment. Check the workspace details before asking for an extra bedroom.
Apartment extras Some apartments are in buildings with shared facilities or come with extras.
Gym or pool : when you travel for work, you also need time to relax. Apartments with access to a shared pool or sports facilities have an added appeal that can raise the price by €100 to €300 a month.Parking : having a car is essential if the guest needs to cover a wide area. A parking space saves time looking for somewhere to park. Allow €100 to €200 extra a month, depending on the city. In dense urban areas such as Paris , London or Rome, it can be much more.Expert tip 💡
Think carefully about when to ask for extras. They add value, but sometimes they aren't needed or there's no time to use them.
Length of stay From 30 days on, corporate accommodation becomes even more competitive. Owners prefer long stays: guest turnover drops, operating costs such as cleaning and check-in go down, and occupancy is guaranteed. That's why they usually offer better rates. For example, if you'll be staying Monday to Friday for four weeks, booking the full month may work out cheaper.
In many European countries, stays of more than 30 or 90 days can also benefit from tax advantages, such as VAT exemption or no tourist tax. This also allows providers to offer a more competitive final price.
Here is an indicative price table for one-bedroom apartments in several European cities, for short and long stays. Can you see the saving?
City Long stay (€/night) Short stay (€/night) Saving (€/night) London €160 €240 €80 Paris €150 €220 €70 Barcelona €125 €185 €60 Madrid €120 €180 €60 Rome €120 €165 €45 Berlin €115 €160 €45 Milan €115 €160 €45 Lisbon €105 €150 €45
Expert tip 💡
If you need accommodation on a recurring basis, consider booking long stays of 30 days or more. Avoid giving up the apartment for a few days if you'll need it again shortly afterwards.
Season and local events Events such as trade fairs or conferences push prices up seasonally. In some cities, the usual rate can multiply by five.
For example, during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, prices soar by 300% to 500%. Similarly, school holidays, public holidays or summer in tourist areas can limit availability, especially on the coast and on islands. When that happens, the most competitively priced apartments sell out quickly, and once only the most expensive options are left, you'll need to be ready to pay more per night, even on the outskirts.
Expert tip 💡
If possible, be flexible by a few days on your arrival or departure date to avoid peak dates for fairs or events at your destination. If you can't avoid them, book well in advance to get better prices.
Travelling with pets For many of us, pets are part of the family. But they can also add wear and tear to the accommodation. That's why pet-friendly apartments often charge extra, such as a pet fee, additional cleaning or a higher deposit.
Expert tip 💡
For short stays, consider leaving your pet with family, a friend or a specialist service to avoid the extra costs altogether. For long stays, ask about the exact costs of pet-friendly apartments.
Cleaning services The final price also depends on the accommodation's additional services , such as cleaning:
Weekly cleaning : adds up to €100 per service, depending on the size of the apartment. If you book in Spain, bear in mind that when the apartment includes hotel-type services, a lower VAT rate may apply, which is why this service is common there. In other destinations, you can decide whether you need it.Final cleaning : even if you don't book weekly cleaning, a final clean is usually mandatory and adds €70 to €120 per apartment.Laundry : most apartments include one free change of bed linen and towels a week on long stays. You can arrange more frequent changes at an extra cost.Expert tip 💡
Prioritise essential services in your request and ask whether you can drop the ones you won't use.
Find the perfect apartment with Apartool As you've seen, the price of a corporate apartment depends on many factors, from location and length of stay to included services and seasonality. We hope these tips and examples help you get more out of your budget. And if you have any questions, get in touch with the experts at Apartool : they'll give you all the information you need and suggest competitive options that match what your guests expect.
Frequently asked questions about corporate apartment pricing What factors influence the price of a corporate apartment? Location, length of stay, included services, and apartment size are the main factors, with longer stays and less central locations typically lowering the nightly rate.
Is housekeeping included in the price of a corporate apartment? Standard packages usually include weekly cleaning, while more frequent housekeeping is available as an add-on depending on the property and the company's requirements.
How do corporate housing rates compare to hotel rates? For stays beyond a week, corporate apartments are generally more cost-effective than hotels, since they include kitchen facilities and avoid nightly service charges.
How can companies optimize their corporate apartment budget? Booking further in advance, opting for monthly over weekly rates, and negotiating corporate pricing for recurring stays are effective ways to reduce overall accommodation costs.
Does booking directly with Apartool affect pricing? Yes, Apartool's Booking team negotiates rates directly with property owners, often securing better pricing and terms than booking independently through general listing sites.
