Actual Manilow Suites' apartment

Just as in any business, I have seen incredible changes within corporate housing. Often times I can equate the corporate housing world with “The Wild West,” where anything goes. Just look at some of the web sites. There are claims that companies have apartments all over the U.S. when in fact they do not have one of their own. Manilow Suites advertises that we partner with a select group of providers in a number of major cities.

When the internet really became available for small businesses, there were search engines that would not allow us to put in any keywords other than, as an example, “corporate housing Chicago.” They made companies prove to them that it actually had a physical location in any city it listed.There certainly is nothing wrong with partnering with other corporate housing companies; however, is it ethical to deceive potential customers? Do you view it as deceitful having people think the property belongs to your company, or does it really matter?

I’m certainly not going to change the world, but I would like to put this thought out there and hear what others may think about this.

http://manilowsuites.com/properties.html

~From the iPad of Francine Manilow~

Manilow Suites' Three Bedroom at North Harbor Tower

I was recently looking at the web sites of other corporate housing companies. Some of the claims are so exaggerated if not down-right untrue, so I would like to tell you what people should be aware of while looking for short-term housing. I’’ll mention a few every week.

One site stated that someone was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We called once on a week night and then on a weekend. The phone continued to ring and nobody answered.

Another company had a virual tour. Since so many have suggested I do the same, I thought I should take a look at it. Much to my amazement, the tour was of a model apartment in the building, not one of their short-term apartments. We all know that apartment models are strictly for show and are not functional.

While looking for corporate housing just check out some of the claims and ask what pictures actually show the type of the apartment they would have for you.

More to come next week!

~From the iPad of Francine Manilow~

I was looking at the web sites of other corporate housing companies today and I get so upset when I read copy or see pictures that I know are grossly exaggerated or not true. What seems like centuries ago, most print, radio and TV advertising had to be factual.

Today, on the web, anything goes. Rather than complain, with my 32 years of experience in this business, I will suggest several things to look for when choosing a short-term housing provider. I welcome anyone’s comments and let’s all expand on the theme.

When looking for corporate housing, the most popular key words are: corporate housing, temporary housing, and short-term housing.

Look at the pictures. Are they real pictures of their apartments, or are they pictures of model apartments? Does the web site only show pictures of the buildings and public spaces–such as the fitness room, pool, or lobby? If so, why aren’t they showing the interiors of  their own apartments?

Hopefully, much more will follow next week.

~From the Notepad of Francine Manilow~