“How much does a corporate apartment really cost, and how can I optimize the budget I’ve been given?” This is a common question asked by many travel managers, agency coordinators, and mobility experts when booking apartments for employees. To help you find the answer, today we’ll break down the key factors that influence the final price of corporate accommodation.
Apartments provide employees with a kitchen and generally more spacious areas to work, making them feel more at home while traveling. This is one of the main reasons they have become so popular among companies. Moreover, they are often a more competitive option compared to alternatives like hotels, especially for medium and long-term stays.
There are many types of corporate accommodation, ranging from basic, functional options to apartments that could be considered luxury. That’s why corporate housing rates can vary significantly . Prices are determined by factors such as the size of the apartment, its features, location, length of stay, and included services. The good news? If you understand these factors, you’ll be able to optimize your budget.
Keep reading to discover the practical tips that Apartool’s Booking team has prepared for you to help reduce the cost of your corporate accommodation . Let’s dive in!
Factors that influence the price of a corporate apartment The nightly price of a corporate apartment depends on a combination of geographic, seasonal, operational, and contractual factors .
Geographic location: city center vs. outskirts Location is one of the most decisive elements when it comes to pricing. An apartment located in the city center is in higher demand and therefore comes with a higher price tag.
Central areas: +20% to +50% compared to the outskirts.Premium neighborhoods: Significantly higher price per square meter.Proximity to business hubs, train stations, or airports also affects the price of corporate accommodation. Apartments located near business districts are in greater demand because they save guests significant time and transportation costs. For these advantages, they usually have higher rates.
Expert tip 💡
Expert tip 💡
Looking for options near public transport, within 10–15 minutes of the city center, can reduce the price by up to 30% without sacrificing good connectivity.
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms The more bedrooms and bathrooms a property has, the higher its price will be. However, sharing accommodation can be the key to saving.
One-bedroom apartment : Ideal for individual stays. For example, an IT consultant relocating to Berlin for a 6-week project.Two or three-bedroom apartment : Cost-effective if shared among employees. For example, three engineers sent to work on a project in Milan for 3 months.When deciding on the number of bedrooms, it is not necessary to add an extra room just to have a workspace. All Apartool accommodations come with comfortable workspaces in the living area or bedrooms, so unless a very spacious area is required, there’s no need to request an additional room for that reason.
Expert tip 💡
Expert tip 💡
If several employees are traveling to the same destination around the same dates, consider grouping them in a two or three-bedroom apartment. Always check the available workspace features in the apartment before requesting an extra room.
Apartment extras Some accommodations are located in buildings that offer shared facilities or include additional perks.
Gym or Pool: When traveling for work, leisure and relaxation are also important. Apartments with access to a communal pool or sports facilities offer added value, which can increase the price by €100 to €300 per month.Parking: Having a car can be essential if the guest needs to travel across a wide area. In this case, a parking space will save time and eliminate the need to search for parking each day. Expect an additional €100 to €200 per month, though this varies by city. In dense urban areas like Paris , London , or Rome, prices can be significantly higher.
Expert tip 💡
Expert tip 💡
Consider carefully when to request extra facilities with the apartment. They add value, but sometimes they are not necessary or there isn’t enough time to actually use them.
Length of stay For stays over 30 days, corporate accommodation prices become even more competitive. Property owners prefer long-term stays as they reduce guest turnover, lower operational costs (such as cleaning and check-in), and ensure continuous occupancy. That’s why they often offer more attractive rates. For example, if you need accommodation from Monday to Friday for four weeks, it may be more cost-effective to book for the entire month.
Additionally, in many European countries, stays longer than 30 or 90 days may benefit from tax advantages , such as VAT exemption or the removal of tourist taxes. This also allows providers to offer a more competitive final price to the client.
Below is an indicative price comparison for one-bedroom apartments in some European cities, showing both short-term and long-term rates. See the savings for yourself:
Ciudad
Precio por noche para estancias largas (€/mes)
Precio por noche para estancias breves (€/noche)
Ahorro por noche (€/noche)
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 💡
Expert tip 💡
Consider requesting long-term stays - 30 days or more - when you need accommodation on a recurring basis. Avoid vacating the apartment for just a few days if you know you’ll need it again shortly after.
Seasonality and local events Events such as trade shows or conferences often cause sharp seasonal price increases. In certain cities, rates can multiply by up to five times the usual price.
For example, during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, prices can soar between 300% and 500%. Similarly, school holidays , national celebrations , or the summer season in tourist hotspots can significantly reduce the availability of options. This is particularly common in coastal areas and on islands. When demand spikes, apartments with the most competitive rates tend to sell out quickly. As a result, travelers may have to pay considerably higher nightly rates, even in peripheral areas.
Expert tip 💡
Expert tip 💡
If possible, adjust your check-in or check-out dates to avoid peak periods such as major events or trade fairs in your destination city. If changing dates isn’t an option, book your apartment well in advance to secure better rates.
Traveling with pets For many of us, pets are part of the family. However, they can sometimes cause additional wear and tear to the accommodation. That’s why pet-friendly apartments often apply extra charges. For example, some apartments require a “pet-friendly fee,” additional cleaning costs, or a higher security deposit.
Expert tip 💡
Expert tip 💡
If the stay is short, consider leaving your pet with a family member, friend, or a specialized pet care service. This option can help you completely avoid the extra costs of pet-friendly accommodation. If it’s a long-term stay, make sure to check the exact additional charges applied by pet-friendly apartments.
Cleaning services The final price also depends on additional services offered by the accommodation, such as cleaning:
Weekly cleaning service : Adds up to €100 per service, depending on the size of the apartment. If you’re booking accommodation in Spain, keep in mind that when the apartment includes hotel-like services, you may benefit from a lower VAT rate. For this reason, this service is common in Spain. However, in other destinations, you can evaluate whether you really need it.Final cleaning : Even if you don’t request weekly cleaning, a final cleaning service is always mandatory, adding an extra cost of around €70 to €120 per stay.Laundry services : Most apartments include one free linen and towel change per week for long stays. You can arrange more frequent service if needed for an additional cost.
Expert tip 💡
Expert tip 💡
Prioritize only the essential services in your request and ask if you can deactivate the ones you don’t plan to use.
Find the perfect apartment with Apartool As you’ve seen, the price of a corporate apartment depends on numerous factors : from location and length of stay to included services and seasonal demand. In this article, we’ve covered the most important elements, and we hope that the tips and examples provided will help you make the most of your accommodation budget.
And whenever you have doubts, the best option is to contact the experts at Apartool. They will provide you with all the information you need and offer competitive options tailored to meet your guests' expectations.
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.
