Over the past few years, we’ve welcomed a growing number of American corporate and relocation guests to 20 The Barons. Some are here for projects, some for extended business travel, others while relocating to London.
They don’t always say it directly, but real patterns can be seen in what reassures them, what they value — and what ultimately makes them rebook. And there’s nothing we love more than a returning guest 😊
What’s been interesting is not how different their expectations are, but how aligned they are with the way professional serviced accommodation has quietly and confidently operated for years.
Clarity over quirks
American corporate guests value certainty. That means clear pricing, clear terms, clear check-in instructions and clear expectations.
They often expect contracts, policies and professional frameworks. Ambiguity creates friction. When accommodation feels ordered and well-organised from the outset, confidence follows — and then you have happier guests.
Certainty doesn’t mean rigid or unfriendly. It simply means everything is explained, nothing is hidden, and guests know exactly what to expect before they arrive.
Hotel standards, with the space to live
What American business travellers tend to look for is a blend:
- hotel-quality beds and linens
- consistent housekeeping
- reliable maintenance
- enough space to work, rest and reset
They’re often staying longer than a typical hotel guest, and they want accommodation that supports real life as well as work. A proper table to sit at, dependable Wi-Fi, good lighting and quiet surroundings matter far more than novelty.
Compliance isn’t bureaucracy — it’s reassurance
For corporate bookers, relocation agents and HR teams, legitimacy matters.
American guests are particularly attuned to whether a property feels professionally operated:
- is it legal and properly insured?
- are safety requirements clearly met?
- is there accountability if something goes wrong?
Compliance isn’t something they ask about directly — it’s something they expect and can sense. When accommodation feels well-run, safe and established, it removes an entire layer of uncertainty.
They’re often staying longer than a typical hotel guest, and they want accommodation that supports real life as well as work. A proper table to sit at, dependable Wi-Fi, good lighting and quiet surroundings matter far more than novelty.
Location explained simply
London geography isn’t always intuitive to overseas guests. What they appreciate most is clarity:
- how easy is it to get into central London?
- is the area calm and residential?
- can they walk to cafés, green space and transport?
Clear explanations beat meaningless labels every time. A well-connected, leafy neighbourhood often appeals more to corporate guests than somewhere hectic or over-hyped.
Human, but not improvised
American corporate travellers like knowing that someone is responsible — and reachable — without feeling managed or micromanaged.
They value:
- a clear point of contact
- prompt, calm responses if needed
- systems that work without fuss?
Professional hospitality doesn’t need to be loud or overly familiar. It just needs to be dependable.
Why this feels familiar
Much of what American corporate guests are looking for reflects a broader shift towards professionalism, transparency and trust in accommodation.
For professionally run serviced apartments, this isn’t a new trend — it’s simply good practice. Clear standards, thoughtful operations and quiet consistency tend to stand the test of time, regardless of where guests are travelling from. This has been at the core of The Barons for all 13 years we’ve been operating. It’s second nature to us.
