A review of the top aparthotel brands in the UK
Here we look at some of the leading aparthotel and serviced apartment brands in the UK at the moment, covering their interior design, any ESG or sustainability features, and their residential features as well as hospitality offer.
Room2 Aparthotel UK
Room2 hometels serviced apartments
Room2 is an aparthotel and serviced apartments brand that focuses heavily on sustainability, reflecting its B Corp certification and Gold rating from Green Tourism green hotel standard, awarded explicitly to its Chiswick location.
These recognitions convey a sense of Room2's deep-rooted commitment to environmental and social responsibility, setting what is an undeniably high standard in the UK hospitality industry, right now this is the brand to beat!
Room2 Chiswick proudly stands as the brand's (and the world’s) first Net Zero hometel, setting a precedent for future properties. Its parent company, Lamington Group, aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across all properties by 2030.
This commitment involves innovative strategies such as utilizing low-carbon cement alternatives like ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS).
Supply Chain
One of the highlights of Room2's sustainability efforts is their adherence to a comprehensive procurement policy, ensuring that suppliers actively contribute to environmental conservation and uphold ethical standards.
This policy encompasses various criteria, from reducing ecological footprints and promoting circular economy practices to endorsing ethical solid policies such as fair wages and prohibiting slavery and human trafficking in supply chains.
By prioritizing suppliers with certifications like B Corporation, Cradle to Cradle, and FSC, Room2 supports businesses committed to sustainable practices while minimizing their environmental impact.
At their restaurants, the brand also prioritizes healthy, plant-based menu options sourced locally, supporting guest well-being and local farmers.
Biodiversity
The brand actively contributes to environmental conservation efforts, from plant propagation and green roofs to plenty of live plants in reception and beekeeping.
Waste management
To reduce pollution, Room2 is committed to minimizing single-use plastics, like refillable cleaning products and toiletries (made from organic, vegan ingredients).
They are serious regarding recycling, with in-room recycling bins and food waste converted into energy or fertilizer.
Furniture & Fittings
Furniture at the Chiswick location is crafted within a 10-mile radius using natural, recycled, or reclaimed materials, with thousands of trees planted to offset carbon emissions.
Other fun ways this aparthotel has been mindful of its furniture selections is by procuring carpet made with a portion of upcycled fishing net plastic, a welcome desk upcycled from old soap bottles, lampshades made from orange waste and mycelium, as well as two sofa bed cushions made of biodegradable plant material.
Local Community
Beyond environmental initiatives, Room2 demonstrates a commitment to social sustainability by providing fair wages, offering attractive employee benefits, and implementing programs that reward employees' sustainable behavior.
Room2 takes their efforts beyond the walls of their own property by engaging with the local community through events like showcasing art galleries featuring works by talented local artists. They have also partnered with SPEAK, a local charity, to provide food and stays at their hotel to the homeless.
Green energy
All of their energy comes from onsite solar cells or offsite wind and hydro stations. Technical innovations, such as lab rooms monitoring energy usage and A-rated electrical appliances, further contribute to Room2's energy efficiency efforts.
Wellbeing
Room2's dedication to well-being is evident in its amenities, including their own holistic and biophilic coworking space called Missionworks nearby to the Chiswick site, an onsite gym, and accessibility guides.
The availability of electric bikes and scooters nearby through Forest shows the brand's dedication to promoting eco-conscious transportation among guests.
Beyond Apartments & Aparthotels, UK
Beyond Apartments & Aparthotels
Beyond is a relatively new UK aparthotel and serviced apartments brand, pushing itself to redefine sustainability within the UK hospitality market. With a clear focus on environmental responsibility and guest well-being, this brand has received well-deserved attention for its conscientious approach to operations.
Green cleaning
One aspect of Beyond Aparthotel’s sustainability efforts is its supplier vetting process. By partnering with eco-conscious companies such as Oxwash carbon neutral commercial laundry services, the hotel ensures its operations align with its sustainability goals.
Oxwash utilizes ozone technology for chemical-free laundry cleaning, contributing to reduced environmental impact.
Zero Waste
Beyond Aparthotel has also implemented initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote circularity. With policies like zero single-use plastic and zero waste to landfill, the hotel offers refillable cosmetic and cleaning products, minimizing packaging waste.
Additionally, efforts extend to the kitchen, where plant-based, PFOA-free pans and recycled glassware are provided.
Supply Chain
Every detail is meticulously taken care of to minimize environmental impact, from the table and chairs upholstered in eco-leather to the high-quality, natural materials used throughout the space.
Being aware of the effects of indoor materials on air quality, Beyond uses breathable limewash paints by UK brand COAT with zero VOCs.
Another point for air quality would be the breathable 100% cotton sheets and hypo-allergenic bedding in all Beyond aparthotel rooms.
Through these thoughtful design choices, the hotel ensures a comfortable stay for its guests while prioritizing natural materials and eco-friendly alternatives.
Social Policy
Beyond Aparthotel’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its physical spaces to include staff welfare and community engagement. Employees receive fair compensation and training opportunities, contributing to a positive work environment.
Energy
Beyond Aparthotel collaborates with Treepoints to monitor and report on energy usage in its pursuit of sustainability excellence. Utilizing low-energy A+++ appliances and sourcing 100% renewable energy from Green Energy UK further solidifies its commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Beyond apartments also reduce their energy use with features like double-glazed acoustic windows and equipped with modern heating and cooling technologies.
As Beyond Aparthotels continue to evolve, we'll be watching this brand for further enhancements to its sustainable wellness strategy going forward.
native aparthotels serviced apartments uk
Native serviced apartments
Native Places is a UK aparthotel company admirably committed to the sustainability cause. It has already earned recognition for its eco-friendly practices and community engagement.
The company has been awarded ECOsmart accreditation and a BREEAM rating of 'excellent' at one of its locations, demonstrating its dedication to green building standards.
Eco cleaning & waste reduction
One way their environmental stewardship is demonstrated is through eco-cleaning protocols, utilizing toxin-free cleaning products, and implementing house cleaning on request to minimize ecological impact.
The brand is also committed to zero waste, eliminating single-use plastic to be replaced by refillable products like biodegradable Nespresso capsules.
Furniture purchases in the supply chain
Regarding furnishings, Native Places prioritizes natural materials and circular economy practices, utilizing recycled furniture and vintage pieces that are sourced locally. As for bedding, a special Mitre Eco Filling is stuffed into the pillows, which are made from recycled plastic bottles.
Energy efficiency
Native Places takes a lot of measures concerning energy efficiency, like the use of A-rated electrical appliances, LED lights, motion sensors, heating timers, glazed windows, and keycard-activated electricity within the rooms. These initiatives reduce environmental impact, contribute to cost savings, and enhance guest comfort.
They state on their sustainability page that they produce green energy, but further details are yet to be provided.
Community
Native Places fosters family and community connections by promoting interaction between guests and local communities through resident events. Another way the brand supports local economies is by sourcing pantry items and coffee from nearby stores and collaborating with eco-friendly suppliers.
Furthermore, Native Group engages in charity work, partnering with organizations like the Michael Carrick Foundation and Room to Reward in Manchester to create opportunities for children and recognize top charity volunteers in the city centre.
Staff wellbeing in a serviced apartments brand
Native Places encourages staff to bike to work through their Cycle Scheme program, which reduces carbon emissions and promotes employee well-being.
The brand's commitment to employee well-being is also evident through initiatives like their support for Hospitality Action, offering mental support for hospitality industry employees.
Locke Aparthotel UK
Locke aparthotels UK
Locke Living is a leading UK aparthotel brand committed to environmental responsibility and community engagement with a young, fresh brand. The company earned a BREEAM 'excellent' rating for their Turing Locke Cambridge location.
Starting in 2022, Locke has targeted at least BREEAM ‘Very Good’ or LEED 'Silver' certification at all their developments (new-builds and refurbishments).
Energy efficiency
Regular energy audits, heat-recovery air-conditioning systems, and initiatives such as purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and installing solar panels all create a solid energy efficiency plan.
Another way they aim to indirectly reduce carbon emissions is by supporting sustainable transportation options, such as providing 200 cycle parking spaces and 20 electrical vehicle parking spaces.
Water management in a serviced apartment
Key features here include rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and sustainable drainage strategies for their landscaping.
Green supply chain and sustainable procurement
In its procurement practices, Locke Living partners with climate-positive consultancy Dodds & Shute to source timber, furniture, and lighting from responsible suppliers.
The brand also prioritizes circular economy furniture by working with B Corporations and utilizing upcycled, recycled, and vintage pieces throughout its properties.
Locke is also planning a project that seeks out sustainable materials for employee uniforms, intending to repurpose dead stock from popular clothing brands with the help of local creative talent.
Waste management
To reach zero waste and eliminate single-use plastics, all bathrooms feature full-sized refillable toiletries, and the brand uses biodegradable or reusable packaging wherever possible.
Additionally, Locke operates a food waste program and provides recycling bins throughout its properties.
Local Community
Locke acts as a community hub to promote social responsibility. Though their communal spaces are typically designed as co-working areas, they are also used for cultural experiences such as sustainability discussions and pop-up events on textile reuse and recycling.
They have hosted over 2,200 cultural events at its properties. Additionally, the brand has created two new food and drink destinations, contributing to the local culinary scene.
Locke encourages a healthy lifestyle among its guests by providing onsite gyms and occasional events such as yoga sessions and running clubs. They also offer a relaxing courtyard, which doubles as a wildlife habitat.
Staff wellbeing
Locke Living ensures that all staff are actively involved in social and environmental initiatives or fundraising efforts, fostering a collective action and responsibility culture.
Locke also promotes well-being amongst its staff, offering webinars for mental health support and employee engagement programs. On top of it all, they have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Stay City UK aparthotels
Stay City is an aparthotel with a vision of lowering its carbon footprint. While they may have yet to reach their ultimate sustainability goals, they claim to be dedicated to progress.
Single use plastics & waste management
One area where Stay City is making strides is in reducing single-use plastics. They aim to replace 95% of single-use plastics, excluding food and beverage items. Additionally, Stay City has implemented on-premise waste sorting at all their properties, ensuring that recyclable materials are properly separated and disposed of.
Staff wellbeing
Stay City also prioritizes the well-being of its team members. With access to mental wellness resources and plans to implement a team health and well-being program, they're investing in the health and happiness of their staff.
Carbon emissions
Stay City takes accountability seriously when measuring and addressing its environmental impact. Their completion of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 2022 submission demonstrates their commitment to transparency and their willingness to take action to reduce their carbon footprint.
Stay City's efforts toward sustainability may still be a work in progress. Still, their dedication and commitment to making a difference are commendable.
stowaway aparthotel uk
Stow Away apartment hotels UK
Stow Away is an eco-friendly aparthotel in London, leading the way towards a greener future, from its eco-friendly amenities to its commitment to renewable energy.
Fundamentally, they deploy a stacked shipping container model so the whole building is essentially recyclable, they claim.
Using sustainable materials in their construction, Stow Away minimizes its carbon footprint and embraces a more environmentally conscious approach to hospitality.
Waste management
Stow Away has a unique approach to getting rid of single-use plastics. With no minibars, they eradicate wasteful products wrapped in plastic. In the bathrooms, Stow Away provides refillable bottles for shampoo and shower gel, ensuring that guests have everything they need without harming the environment.
In addition to reducing plastic waste, Stow Away works with First Mile, a waste management service, to recycle as much waste as possible from the hotel to the restaurant, with recycling bins placed throughout the property.
Energy consumption
When it comes to energy consumption, Stow Away is leading by example. Ecotricity, a British energy supplier, gets all of their energy from 100% renewable sources, ensuring that every aspect of the hotel operates in an eco-friendly manner.
Solar panels fitted on the roof power the building and transfer any excess electricity back into the national grid, further reducing Stow Away's reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The hotel's Samsung air conditioning and hydro units recycle and recirculate energy between the heating and hot water systems. At night at the same time, low-energy LED lighting illuminates the space.
To encourage guests to do their part, Stow Away includes notes reminding them to turn off electricity when they leave for the day, promoting a culture of sustainability and conservation.
Hybrid Resi serviced apartments
Hybrid Resi is a UK aparthotel brand that offers sustainable hospitality to guests trying to find the perfect place to 'work from home.'
Sustainable transport
One feature of Hybrid Resi's dedication to being eco-friendly is its promotion of sustainable transportation options. Guests can take advantage of charging stations for electric vehicles and convenient bike parking.
Waste management
Regarding waste, they offer E-waste recycling days to demonstrate their commitment to responsible waste management and resource conservation.
Sustainable sourcing
Hybrid Resi prioritizes sustainable sourcing practices, working exclusively with suppliers who use sustainable raw materials and comply with environmental regulations.
One example is they chose a laundry supplier that utilizes cycling instead of diesel vans for delivery, uses special water-saving machines, and uses PlanetCare filters, which remove 90% of the microplastic from synthetic clothing fibers, stopping them from entering the environment.
This commitment ensures that products and services meet high ecological standards while supporting responsible manufacturing practices.
Social Responsibility
Hybrid Resi also strongly emphasizes social responsibility, offering competitive compensation and benefits to all regular full-time employees.
They work with suppliers who share similar values and adhere to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and modern slavery policies, ensuring ethical business practices throughout their supply chain.
Energy efficiency
The aparthotel brand also invests in energy efficiency measures such as energy retrofits, management system upgrades, and equipment upgrades. These initiatives reduce energy consumption and contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Water conservation
Additionally, Hybrid Resi implements water consumption initiatives, including water-efficient fixtures, irrigation controls, and drought-resistant landscaping. They minimize their environmental impact by prioritizing water conservation while promoting sustainable water management practices.