The Rise of Aspirational Serviced Stays

Travellers are increasingly searching for homes away from home when visiting new locations. From craving extra privacy to seeking stylish properties with a calming ambience, architecture is now a hot topic in the world of serviced accommodation.

Worth around £1.7 billion within the UK, the serviced stay sector is now the go-to for many guests. In this article, we’ll highlight why aspirational styling is becoming increasingly popular within this sector and highlight what role architecture has to play in achieving more bookings.

What Role Does Architecture Have to Play in Improving the Appeal of Serviced Properties?

Architecture plays a crucial role in elevating the appeal of serviced properties, shaping the physical space and the overall experience for guests. As well as guests having higher expectations in terms of styling and amenities, serviced stays are also seen as an inspiration for many when it comes to selecting decor. This offers architects a way to shape styling trends in favour of their own services and preferences. Thoughtfully designed architecture also creates a sense of exclusivity, aligning with the aspirational lifestyle that many travellers seek. Instead of these style choices being saved exclusively for stays with high price tags, serviced accommodation has made way for affordable luxury.

Aspirational properties are also seen as a key method of operating competitively within the increasingly saturated buy-to-let market. Architecture, in this sense, is responsible for achieving a styled finish and combining the local area’s ambience into one space. Examples of achieving this include using local materials, culturally inspired aesthetics, and authentic layouts related to the property’s surroundings.

Additionally, the well-planned architectural design enhances comfort, privacy, and convenience, which are all seen as aspirational benefits due to their connection with well-being. By creating visually stunning and purposefully designed environments, architecture not only increases the appeal of serviced properties but also establishes them as destinations that resonate with discerning, experience-driven travellers.

Why Are Aspirational Properties Popular for Corporate Clients?

Aspirational serviced accommodation is not just popular amongst tourists but also with corporate travellers and other professionals. This is largely down to the fact that these properties combine the comforts of home with the luxury and convenience of a high-end hotel.

For professionals, staying in luxury properties like these instils a sense of satisfaction that their company is willing to spend enough on placing them in stunning stays. The elevated experience offered by aspirational serviced properties enhances employee satisfaction, making it an attractive choice for companies looking to provide their teams with exceptional accommodations that boost productivity and provide spaces that can be used for remote working as well as unwinding.

This trend has also led to an overall increase in corporate travel providers who focus on sourcing suitable stays for professional requirements. Although available across the entirety of the UK, hot spots, including Manchester and London, are proving to be the most popular for corporate housing.

Example of Aspirational Features Within Services Properties

Luxury Amenities

Touches such as fully equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and mood lighting all add to the overall appeal of serviced accommodation. When incorporated into permanent designs, the ultimate nod to aspirational living is provided.

Professional Architectural Finishes

Choosing to make changes which are beyond what guests are likely to have considered for their homes helps to make a serviced stay stand out for the right reasons. As architecture is closely linked with the perception of luxury, including even small finishes is enough to offer aspirational living.

Wellbeing Focused

The trend of creating homes that benefit physical and mental wellbeing is also becoming popular amongst serviced stays with features such as saunas, ambient lighting and multi-functional spaces being preferred.