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Expatriates and their sponsoring employers have a wide range of choices when it comes to accommodation. From hotels to privately leased condominium apartments, there is usually something to suit every taste and budget. In Singapore particularly the range extends beyond the typical offerings. With such a diverse expatriate population, it makes sense that there is also a diverse selection of options for both short and long term accommodation.
As HRM’s interviews with residents show, serviced apartments are popular for both short and long-term stays.
Just settling in
For new arrivals, serviced apartments can mean the best of both worlds: the relaxed comfort of a hotel and the personalised and attentive services of dedicated staff. That’s certainly how David Van Peurson, a senior manager at Deloitte & Touche and outgoing resident of the Great World City serviced apartments, sees it.
“This was the first time I resided in a serviced apartment but I found it very convenient,” he tells HRM. The facilities proved to be one of the biggest attractors for the Dutch expatriate and his family.
“I enjoyed full facilities including shuttle services and cleaning services three times a week. The shopping mall – which included a movie theatre, dinner outlets, etc – was right next door,” he says. “Furthermore, there were facilities for the kids, as well as a business centre.”
Anthony Fitzpatrick, a Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland and resident of Ascott Singapore Raffles Place, agrees. “My apartment comes with quality furnishings and is fully-equipped with a range of appliances from washer-dryer to hair-dryer, espresso machine to plasma screen,” he says.
But for most residents, facilities are only one part of the attraction. It is the “services” in serviced apartments that really makes them stand out. Both Fitzpatrick and Van Peurson have found the skills and helpful attitudes of their residential staff to be a definite plus for their accommodation choice.
“The dedicated staff make a point of looking out for your return each day, bringing you an umbrella when your taxi pulls up in the wet. (They) are quick to assist with luggage, even helping you carry shopping into your apartment,” says Fitzpatrick. “Nothing is too much trouble, and you feel safe and secure among a dedicated team of professionals you can rely on.”
More than a home
Serviced apartments aren’t just for those who are new to Singapore and looking to find their feet before moving into private accommodation. For Eileen Ferguson, a resident of more than 4 years at Frasier’s Suites on River Valley Road, there are significant advantages to settling in at a serviced apartment over the long term.
“It’s the community that sets it apart,” she says. “From the minute we walked in here, we had a great group of friends.” That spirit of friendship is an important factor, particularly for expatriate partners who would otherwise be home alone during the work day.
Ferguson, whose husband Bill helps manage a floating production systems maker, says the activities and camaraderie between residents is what has kept the couple in one place for so long. She commends the property management for the great lengths it goes to provide activities and facilitate interaction between guests.
“There is regular golf outings and shopping excursions,” she says. The facility even hosts pilates sessions for residents. Ferguson says guests add input on the types of activities preferred, with staff then working on the arrangements.
The community value proved so great that the Fergusons chose to continue living in the serviced apartment, even though it was more expensive than their employer allowance offered. The retiring couple topped up the rental from their own pocket.
Van Peurson agrees that serviced apartments are not necessarily just for the short term needs of arriving expatriates. “For longer stays, it is definitely the preferred choice over hotel accommodation,” he says.
He does, however, note that apartments tend to be smaller in serviced facilities. “I estimate that you can get a private apartment or condominium for more than twice the size at the same amount.”
Facilities and services
Name: David Van Peurson
Home country: Netherlands
Resident at: Great World City Serviced Apartments
Length of stay: Two months
“I enjoy full facilities including shuttle services and cleaning services three times a week. The shopping mall – which includes a movie theatre and dinner outlets – is right next door. Furthermore, there are facilities for the kids, as well as a business centre.”
The community counts
Name: Eileen Ferguson
Home country: United Kingdom
Resident at: Frasier Suites, River Valley Road
Length of stay: Four years
“It’s the community that sets it apart. From the minute we walked in here, we had a great group of friends.”