Cultural differences in rest to consider on corporate trips

August 25, 2025

3 minute read

Resting well doesn't mean the same thing everywhere in the world. While in Japan many find it more comfortable to sleep on a futon placed on a tatami mat, in Nordic countries, nighttime comfort involves opaque curtains that block out the midnight sunlight.

The idea of "sleeping well" is deeply linked to the culture, customs, and climate of each destination.

For business travelers, these nuances matter. Finding accommodation that respects their cultural preferences for rest (whether in Sydney, Riyadh, or New York) makes the difference between a productive work experience and one filled with friction.

The key is to offer alternatives that allow professionals to "feel at home" anywhere in the world. In this article, we'll explore how comfort essentials vary by country and how Apartool can help you find temporary housing that fits each culture.

Feeling at home anywhere in the world

Rest is not universal. Each culture has developed its own sleep ritual, adapted to the natural environment, climate, and local customs.

Understanding these differences allows companies to provide accommodation that feels as close to "home" as possible for relocated workers.

1. Japan and the traditional futon

In this Asian country, it's common to sleep on a thin futon placed on a tatami mat. And it's not just a tradition: many Japanese doctors emphasize that the firmness of the tatami helps keep the back straight and improves circulation.

During the day, the futon is stored in closets called oshiire, clearing the room to transform it into a multifunctional space.

For business travelers accustomed to Western mattresses, this experience may come as a surprise... That's why our corporate accommodations in Osaka, Tokyo, and other cities in Japan feature Western-style beds to ensure guests' rest isn't disturbed.

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2. South Korea and underfloor heating

The 'ondol' heating system has been used in Korea for centuries. It involves heating the floor and distributing heat from the bottom up.

Many Koreans, especially in rural areas, still sleep directly on the floor, with a thin mattress, enjoying the warmth beneath their bodies. However, at Apartool, we ensure that all of our corporate apartments in Korea have climate control systems that allow guests to sleep comfortably in a Western-style bed without feeling cold.

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3. Nordic countries and blackout curtains

In Norway, Sweden, or Finland, where the sun barely sets in summer, sleeping without blackout curtains is practically impossible. Total darkness has become a cultural standard for nighttime comfort.

Professionals traveling there from other regions quickly discover how important this (not only decorative) element is for ensuring restful sleep in Northern Europe. And, of course, Apartool apartments take this into account to provide proper light insulation.

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4. India and the importance of the fan

In India, the ceiling fan is almost a cultural symbol. It is present in almost every home, office, and accommodation, from large cities to the smallest villages.

Its importance lies in the fact that the Indian summer can easily exceed 40 degrees Celsius, and the fan becomes the most accessible and popular way to cool down the environment when it's time to sleep.

Many travelers arriving in India are surprised that, even in modern hotels or apartments with air conditioning, such as those from Apartool, the fan is always present.

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5. United States and cloud beds

In the U.S., comfort is measured in space. Most hotels and apartments feature king-size beds and an array of pillows to suit every preference. Comfort lies in abundance.

At Apartool, we also offer premium apartments with king-size beds, perfect for executives accustomed to these spacious rooms.

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Cultural sensitivity in corporate housing

Corporate housing cannot simply offer a bed and a desk. It must adapt to the traveler’s culture and the conditions of the destination. This is where Apartool comes in, a specialist in apartments for professionals, offering:

Account Managers who individually manage each booking and understand the needs of travelers.
A global selection of apartments in over 85 countries.
Local partners who help integrate region-specific details.

Our multicultural approach not only enhances traveler satisfaction but also reduces incidents and change requests.

Multicultural adaptation case: The Olympic Games

In 2024, Apartool managed accommodation for international delegations during the Paris Olympic Games. The challenge was not only to offer beds but to adapt the spaces for athletes, broadcasters, and staff from all over the world.

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1. Why does the concept of comfort vary so much between countries?

Because each society understands rest from its own reality. Factors such as climate, time habits, available space in homes, construction materials, and even beliefs about health influence how good sleep is perceived.

2. How important is cultural adaptation in business travel?

It is key to avoid friction, especially in accommodation. A professional who sleeps poorly due to discomfort may experience reduced productivity and satisfaction.

3. What are some practical examples of these cultural differences?

Some clear cases are: the Japanese futon, Korean underfloor heating, blackout curtains in Nordic countries, the fan in India, and king-size beds in the U.S.

4. How does Apartool ensure travelers feel comfortable in another culture?

Apartool listens to each traveler's preferences through a dedicated Account Manager. This way, they can propose culturally adapted accommodation options so that the professional feels at home, no matter which country they are traveling to.

5. What benefits does the company gain by choosing culturally sensitive accommodation?

As travelers feel more valued and supported, their motivation and commitment to the company increase. Additionally, by offering options adapted to their habits, logistical incidents and the need for last-minute accommodation changes are reduced. This translates into lower operational costs and greater efficiency for corporate mobility teams.

In summary: comfort is not universal, and adapting corporate housing to these differences is not a whim, but a business strategy that adds value to the traveler and efficiency to the company.

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Cultural differences in rest to consider on corporate trips

Table of contents

1. Why does the concept of comfort vary so much between countries?

2. How important is cultural adaptation in business travel?

3. What are some practical examples of these cultural differences?

4. How does Apartool ensure travelers feel comfortable in another culture?

5. What benefits does the company gain by choosing culturally sensitive accommodation?

Find the apartment you need in the easiest way.

Related articles

Unlock better business stays

Cultural differences in rest to consider on corporate trips

Table of contents

1. Why does the concept of comfort vary so much between countries?

2. How important is cultural adaptation in business travel?

3. What are some practical examples of these cultural differences?

4. How does Apartool ensure travelers feel comfortable in another culture?

5. What benefits does the company gain by choosing culturally sensitive accommodation?

Find the apartment you need in the easiest way.

Related articles

Unlock better business stays

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