Where do you like to stay when you’re in London? Many business travellers might assume the only place they can stay if they’re in the capital is central London. However increasingly those on short lets and extended stays are seeking accommodation in London’s leafy suburbs.
Tourists, corporate travellers along with relocatees are increasingly looking to London’s suburbs, outside the hustle and bustle of central London because it provides them with all the amenities they need while still having easy access to the capital itself.
A survey compiled by AirBnB showed that tourists increasingly prefer to stay in the city’s outer boroughs. There’s been an increase by a fifth of people looking for places to stay outside central London. Even the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has acknowledged the trend showing it suggests tourists are looking for more idiosyncratic and local experiences when they come to the city.
London’s leafy suburbs, like Richmond and Kew, have increasingly grown an infrastructure for visitors and tourists. Cafes, restaurants, parks, gardens, attractions, independent shops; this “village” feel is attractive to those who want to have a real “home from home” when they either relocate or look to the capital as somewhere to base themselves for an extended stay. The growth in international schools in London’s suburbs, in providing more facilities for families is attractive for those relocating and looking for somewhere to stay while they find a more permanent address. The sheer busyness, wealth of people and traffic along with all the issues that brings can make staying in central London overwhelming. The suburbs instead provide a slightly slower pace that’s more welcoming and entertaining.
This growing trend is good for local business. This growth in visitors is encouraging more start-ups to look to the suburbs, where rent is cheaper and they can expand and reach more customers. Starting a business, or expanding an existing brand, is much easier in a place where there is less competition, a growing customer base and with potentially low overheads.
For Clarendon, opening the scope of serviced apartments to the leafy suburbs has long been part of our strategy. With development in Kew, Richmond and at Wraysbury Hall, Clarendon offers larger serviced apartments, ideal for those on extended stays with families or looking simply for more living space. There’s also car parking, local amenities attractions and easy transport to London and the wider surrounding areas. The quaint boutique village set ups are perfect for those with both families and pets. It’s helps them create a homely environment; many of the apartments on offer have gardens too, for even more space. Major business hubs are nearby, like Stockley Park and Causeway as increasingly businesses look to benefit from a proximity to London but don’t want to be too near the heart of the capital. International schools, like American Community College, are also nearby, ideal for those moving continents and needing a extended stay family home.
Central London often feels like it’s the only draw for those looking for extended stay or serviced apartment accommodation in the capital. However the suburbs offer variety, a smaller village with larger living space that’s greener and less busy. It creates both a home from home and a relaxing environment that’s the ideal base for those moving to London.