When K. Vinodh Kumar (52) of Thiruvananthapuram decided to extend his construction business to the Temple City of Madurai, he realised it would be a long haul, and hence he chose to book a serviced apartment near Anna Nagar through a website. Now, he is content that his requirement for a homely lodging with a serene ambience has been met.
“A room in a star hotel would easily cost me around Rs.2,500 to Rs.3,000 per day, whereas a serviced apartment would offer more facilities along with quality food at an affordable price,” said Mr.Vinodh, who is an engineering consultant.
With the increasing need for homely and quality accommodation, the concept of serviced apartments is gradually catching on in the city. Such properties have mushroomed in Madurai in the past couple of months.
The idea has received encouraging response from corporates, students and even city-based families seeking temporary accommodation for guests and relatives, say those having such properties.
The tariff ranges from Rs.1,700 to Rs.6,000 per day, inclusive of taxes depending on the size of the accommodation and the number of guests.
“Such apartments are cost-effective than hotels. They offer the comfort of living in a home where families can cook, relax and stay under one roof, for a reasonable price,” says N. Mohammed Milhan, a resident of S.S. Colony.
Serviced apartments are furnished apartments with kitchen along with induction cookers, utensils, microwave oven, and refrigerators besides living rooms with television and furniture, and air-conditioned bedrooms. Vehicle parking and back-up generators are the other facilities available.
They come in different sizes – single/double occupancy, two and three BHK apartments – to meet the requirements of various types of guests.
Apart from visitors to the city, who use the apartments for short stays, there have been guests who seek the accommodation for extended periods of a month or two. “For such customers, we offer discounts in tariff,” says S. Raja Pandy, proprietor, Royal Stay Villas on the Sivaganga Road. “It works for Tier-II cities where star hotels are overcharging,” he adds.
The concept that is popular world over and well established even in Bangalore is yet to take shape in Madurai, say some industry insiders.
“Many in the city are unaware of the concept. They need to understand the comfort and convenience it provides at a cheaper price than the hotels,” says Zafar Salim, owner of Urban Spice Serviced Apartments in K.K. Nagar.
