Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa August 2018 | Page 25

Gillis continues, “The Residency doesn’t work according to a nightly yield, as with Airbnb and hotels - it is focussed more on long-term gains through long-term contracts and is consequently able to undercut the market in terms of rates,” Gillis explains. As a consequence the strategic model of The Residency keeps its overheads lower than hotels of executive calibre, while providing a larger and more exclusive living environ- ment for greater productivity and luxury comfort. All apart- ments and premises are designed for high-flow occupancy with a variety of leases on offer, ranging from a few days to months-long stays. In addition there are a number of spa- cious apartment options available, ranging from one-bed- room balcony apartments, to three-bedroom garden apart- ments that enable travellers to bring partners and children along for the ride. “We have three unique properties within a 10km radius of one another, so clients needn’t worry about availability. So often with hotels, accommodation comes at a premium when there is a big conference in town; prices skyrocket and travellers are often forced to stay long distances from where they need to be,” Gillis states. “We take the stress and anxiety out of that. All of our properties are centrally located in the key business hubs of Sandhurst, Sandton, Rosebank and Hurlingham. Our rates stay consistent with the guarantee of the same high-end luxury stay, time and time again.” “There’s no question that corporate companies have a re- sponsibility to their employees in terms of health and safety, insurance and indemnity when providing accommodation. A services apartment run by a professional management company will ensure that all these requirements are met,” says Gillis. “When issues such as these arise with bookings in dis- ruptor accommodation options, things can become very complicated with little recourse available to clients when things go wrong, including compensation, remuneration and even alternative accommodation,” Gillis cautions. Having a constant contact point in safe, secure sur- roundings is a particularly appealing option for individuals travelling alone. Gillis says that, through the attentive ser- vice provided by its ground staff, the The Residency aims to counteract feeling of tedium and monotony that many business travellers experience. “At The Residency, the last thing we want is for travelling to become a lonely and mundane, obligatory task associated with a job. We appeal to our ground team to keep things fresh, helpful and friendly with our clients,” continues Gil- lis. “At The Residency there are solid, professional systems in place to accommodate any changes of plan or dissatisfac- tion, with a contact person available on the premises as well as additional numbers to call to give our clients confidence and complete peace of mind during their stay,” Gillis adds. Gillis says that The Residency aims to cultivate relation- ships with its clients by engaging with them directly. He emphasises that personal interaction and elite service are what separate The Residency from its competitors. “Long-term contracts are extremely personal and we treat them as such. Every company has different needs, conditions and requirements for their staff. We provide the highest standards of personalised service to ensure the most comfortable and productive stay possible,” Gillis concludes. Gillis predicts this form of accommodation will continue to see increased growth within the next few years. A digital campaign for every pocket Reach out to potential investors today Contact us now: [email protected] [phone] SA Real Estate Investor Magazine AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 23