Since the establishment of the European Union, The Netherlands has become known for its beneficial business climate which has led to many international companies establishing themselves here.Because of the scarcity in the labour market, increasing numbers of international employees are coming to the Netherlands. This is resulting in a boom in the serviced apartments market as explains Roger Wiersma, Commercial Manager at Htel Serviced Apartments.

How would you explain The Netherlands’ increasing popularity?

"The Netherlands is known for its beneficial business climate and many international companies are established here. Where companies used to own company residences, we notice that there is a need for alternatives. A few years ago, during an appointment with a customer, I ended up in a call with their London headquarters."The call was about whether or not to keep their company homes, because they were vacant almost the entire year. In addition, the HR officer and facility department had to take care of the apartments, which created a lot of extra work and stress. Serviced apartment providers can relieve companies of this burden. During the call I was asked to argue why serviced apartments could be the solution. So before I knew it I pitched our concept at decision making level."A few months later, the organization decided to sell some of their homes and chose Htel as a preferred partner. It also appealed to them that their employees have a contact person 24/7 at Htel and as an employer you won’t be called on Saturdays with questions about the heating system, the nearest supermarket or a lock that doesn’t work!"

And for the employees themselves?

"After a long day at work they can relax on the sofa and prepare their favourite dish from home in their private kitchen. And the apartments simply offer more space than a hotel room. Serviced apartments offer an alternative between staying in a small hotel room for a long time, renting an apartment for at least a year or purchasing and maintaining a company residence."

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"With fifteen years of experience, our personal approach is highly valued by our customers. Htel also leads when it comes to comfort and value for money."

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Where are the opportunities?

"In recent years, new players have entered the Dutch market. Investors and hotel chains see the potential. A big change is the size of the apartments of new providers. Many apartments are similar to a hotel room with kitchenette. We find space very important. At Htel a family can stay in a 90m² apartment with at least two bedrooms. Of course, Brexit also offers opportunities for us. A development that we keep a close eye on."

Another development is the tense housing market. This makes the challenge for companies even bigger. Do you see a role for serviced apartment providers here?

"Due to the shortage in the housing market, many international employees no longer find a (permanent) home within a few weeks. As an employer, you can of course choose to let employees stay in a hotel for some time, which still happens a lot. But it can lead to stress among employees. They have to eat out every day, there is a cleaner in their room every day and they don’t have a private space to receive guests."Serviced apartments do offer these advantages. A short or extended stay in a serviced apartment, with the services you expect from a five-star hotel, therefore offers a solution for the tight housing market. That shortage will not disappear in the coming years."

Htel Serviced Apartments: Your home away from home

Htel Serviced Apartments is one of the largest providers of serviced apartments in the Netherlands with fully furnished apartments for short and extended stay based on full service.The concept is unique because it offers the full service you normally expect in a five-star hotel. Both locations – Amsterdam and Amstelveen – are centrally located in quiet, safe residential areas. Nearby there are parks and forests, but the vibrant urban Amsterdam city life can be easily reached.The Zuidas business centre, the RAI-congress centre and Schiphol international airport can be reached in minutes by car or public transportation. For families with children there are countless opportunities for entertainment in the immediate surroundings and the city of Amsterdam. Htel is unique for business, corporate groups and expat stays.Would you like to know more about the possibilities? Visit htelapartments.com.For related news and features, visit our Serviced Apartments section.

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