“Our commendation in the “Best Serviced Apartment Provider” category is a huge boost to the team. It recognises quality and professionalism in the provision of serviced apartments and I’m delighted that our small Newcastle business has been acknowledged as a driving force on such a prestigious world-wide platform”
Founded 20 years ago, Week 2 Week Serviced Apartments is now run by Claire Parry who took over the company from her mother Janet in 2013. As an alternative to hotels, the firm provides serviced flats for both long and short stays across the North East. As well as bookings from contractors, UK holidaymakers and corporate clients, the company has seen a marked increase in bookings from overseas visitors.
During the current situation, the company has supported key health workers, those in the construction industry carrying on essential works and people stranded due to the lockdown and the lack of available hotel rooms.
Claire’s passion for her home town has been one of the key drivers for Week 2 Week’s success.
“We have a fantastic region and everyone who visits falls in love with our people, culture and landmarks. We are providing so much more than simply somewhere to sleep. We invest heavily in our properties and in our guests so that they get the best possible visitor experience which leads to repeat bookings and a buzz about the region which is then echoed all over the world.”
With help from the Department of International Trade, the company’s website is available in five languages. In addition, Claire provides a “Culture Shop’ where essential groceries from their guest’s country are supplied wherever possible to make them feel at home, and tailored information is offered about visitor attractions, transport links, shopping and local amenities.
Claire has also seen a trend for multiple occupancy in her apartments, providing an ideal solution for corporate clients wanting to travel and stay in groups so that a real home from home atmosphere can be created that is hard to find in a hotel bedroom. This also enables guests to travel together to work from the same location and share cooking, meals and leisure activities together.
The attention to detail taken by Claire and her team of four to making visitors welcome in the region has been recognised globally by Relocate Magazine who have awarded Week 2 Week a “highly commended” award despite fierce competition from major players in the serviced accommodation field, particularly from the United States.
Because of the flu, Claire’s apartments in Newcastle, Jesmond, Gosforth, Gateshead and Tynemouth are now subject to new, even more stringent cleaning regimes including an innovative misting service which involves generating a fine mist of sanitiser using a portable atomiser and depositing it onto hard and soft surfaces. This service takes place after the property has had a general clean by her cleaning team, who all wear face masks, overalls and gloves.
Little touches like providing hand sanitiser and a 24/7 emergency reception service enhance the visitor experience, coupled with having more space and comfort than a traditional hotel room at a cost effective price.
Claire is already planning for her business emerging from the lockdown crisis by sourcing new properties throughout the region and building on the success of her global award.
