Pre-pandemic, CBD hotels, inner-city restaurants and bars were frequented by corporate diners. Among these, many were business travellers staying in the city. After a long day in the office, many enjoyed being able to pop into a local eatery for an impromptu meal before returning to their serviced accommodation or hotel. Today, we have a slightly different world. Especially for those that have recommenced corporate travel.
What’s happened to eating out?
Following the devastating impact to the hospitality industry in 2020, residents plus leisure travellers and corporate travellers are itching to support local businesses. However, this does entail more planning and consideration.
Many restaurants now need to be pre-booked in order to dine. In addition, they’ve introduced set seating times and seating limits. Typically there are two sessions to choose from, one being early and the other late. These sessions are for a metered period of time.
For the restaurants where bookings are not required, they are limited by strict guidelines around maximum capacity. What this means is you could experience a line and waiting time. Or you may not be able to eat at all.
For the corporate travellers choosing to eat at their hotel instead of in the city, they may find themselves faced with limited menus and services available.
It can be said that eating out at this time is a little different.
A new luxury for corporate travel – eating in.
For all the reasons above, it’s no surprise that travellers are increasingly wanting the option to prepare meals at their accommodation. For those that have experienced corporate housing apartments before, you’ll be no stranger to the benefits of having a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal.
For many others, where their corporate travel accommodation has been limited to hotel stays, this is a new experience. In the current climate, it’s proving to be a real luxury that’s in high demand.
Corporate housing apartments are similar to serviced apartments. However, because they’re in residential buildings, they are much larger and more equipped like a home. Think full-sized fridges, good sized ovens, gas cook-tops and microwaves for quick heating.
Corporate apartments provide travellers with ample bench space for food preparation and a dining table where meals can be enjoyed. They come stocked with utensils, crockery, cutlery, pots and pans, with the idea of making the experience friction-free. All the things you would typically find in the kitchen at home, you’ll find in the kitchen of corporate apartment accommodation.
Minimise contact and corporate travel budget while maximising on health.
An added benefit of staying in a corporate apartment is that much of the allocated food budget for corporate travel can be redirected to stocking the fridge and cupboards with fresh groceries. A quick healthy breakfast can be prepared before leaving the building. Lunches can be pre-packed and dinners can be the creative outlet at the end of the day.
Although all corporate apartments have grocery stores nearby, corporate travellers can also reduce their exposure to others by using the reliable delivery services offered by some of the major grocery chains.
For the culinary challenged or shorter stays, having a microwave to simply heat a pre-prepared meal can also be a real treat.
Safe travelling.
By having access to a fully equipped kitchen in their serviced accommodation, corporate travellers can feel confident. That’s because they know they have sufficient choice for food that involves minimal contact with others. With some careful planning, they can then pre-arrange the nights to eat out and support the local restaurants and bars.
