Hurricane highlights benefits of serviced apartments
Monday, October 29, 2012
While the world of commerce rarely slows, let alone stops, certain events remind the world of the sovereignty of nature. The threat posed by Hurricane Sandy has impacted millions of people across the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S., and thousands of flights have been canceled amid safety concerns. The fact that many chain hotels in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and New York have reached capacity is another effect of the looming storm system, highlighting the benefits of staying in serviced apartments and corporate housing for business travelers.
The domino effect
As Hurricane Sandy edged up the East Coast of the U.S., it quickly became apparent that travel to and from the region would be severely disrupted. As a result, occupancy in many hotels in major metropolitan areas throughout the Eastern Seaboard has surged, leaving some business travelers stranded in areas at risk of flooding.
While this will be little more than an inconvenience for some, it places many people in direct danger as a result of the storm system. However, individuals planning to stay in serviced apartments or corporate housing on business trips do not have to worry about scrambling to find an available room in such situations, nor concern themselves with the additional expense that such measures often incur.
Prolonged disruption
According to Reuters, dozens of hotels in New York City, one of the areas predicted to suffer extensive damage as a result of the storm, were frantically trying to accommodate extended stays from guests unable to leave the area. In addition, thousands of individuals were forced to abandon their original plans to stay in the city when flights were canceled. The availability of emergency backup generators at many hotels has further fueled demand and competition for rooms - something else that individuals choosing to stay in serviced apartments need not worry about.
USA Today reports that the storm has caused chaos for many major hotel chains in New York City, as the stability of communication and public transportation networks are threatened by the storm system. Some rooms will not be cleaned as per usual procedures, as cleaning staff may be unable to safely travel to and from work. This, in turn, may have an impact on room availability for both business and recreational travelers to New York.