Ra Residence | The Reasons to Choose Serviced Apartment

Have you just discovered the all time worst kept secrets of the hospitality industry? Not only is staying in a serviced apartment less expensive, it provides you with more space, more privacy, and more freedom than staying in a hotel room! But what is it - “a serviced apartment”?

Indeed the name varies between different countries, between different languages and even within the same language, moreover,  the services provided also vary, blurring product descriptions and concepts. This lack of clarity is challenging for the industry because clients might be misled in their expectations of the level of services.

The present article aims at bringing clarity and at conveying to clients what they have as a right to expect from serviced apartments in comparison to hotel rooms. The term ‘serviced apartment’ is traditionally used to describe an apartment alternative to hotel stamping accommodation  for short/long stay leisure or business travelers.

Ra Residence | Serviced Apartment Trend for 2016

Visit www.raresidence.com for your option to stay in Jakarta! 

 

With the last 12 months being an exceptional year of growth, Piers Brown looks at his top 6 serviced apartment trends for 2016.

1. Step up from insularity

A major travel buyer recently said the sector is "very good at talking to each other, but not so good at talking to the people who want to use its services" - a worrying reflection on how serviced apartments are perceived in some important parts of the distribution chain.

With the UK serviced apartment sector predicted to double in size within two years by Savills, expect growth in new entrants, company takeovers, an influx of media coverage, fresh accreditation schemes, new trade association attention, and industry awards to recognise best practice and achievement. With the inevitable increase in competition from new incumbents, expect to see a more transparent, broad - minded and unbiased approach from sector stalwarts (at risk of being left behind) to drive the industry forward.

Ra Residence | Useful Tips: Do's and Don'ts in Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. As Indonesia's main gateway, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as an ever- present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.

Ra Residence | Business Traveler Info: Health and Safety in Jakarta

Dehydration and Sunburn
The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against sunburn must be constantly taken. Dehydration and loss of salt through perspiration are two other common problems for the unprepared traveller. Drink plenty of fluids and replace your salt loss and remember that alcoholic drinks make dehydration worse, not better. Make sure you pack suitable clothes for a warm humid climate.

Mosquitoes
Due to the constant humid climate, mosquitoes tend to be present throughout the year. The three most significant diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is Dengue Fever. To repel mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropods, apply an insect repellent containing DEET to your skin or clothing.

Demand for Serviced Apartments Outstripping Supply, Says New Report

4th edition of Global Serviced Apartments Industry Report published

Demand for serviced apartments is growing faster than new supply is coming on-stream, as an increasingly-mobile global workforce drives business travel and relocation activity. But whilst global apartment brands are expanding into new and emerging economies and new sub-brands are launched, the industry is no nearer the levels of standardisation in product and distribution required by corporates.

These are just two of the findings in the fourth edition of the Global Serviced Apartments Industry Report, published by Travel Intelligence Network for The Apartment Service, which includes the findings of a new survey conducted amongst corporates, TMCs and apartment operators, as well as an overview of global supply and demand trends and individual regional reports.

10 Reasons To Stay in Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are fast becoming a popular choice for leisure and business travellers in London and major cities around the UK. If you're looking for a place to live rather than just sleep, they're the ideal accommodation solution. But what does a serviced apartment stay include and what are the benefits?

24-hour concierge

Service by name, service by nature... and most serviced apartments provide 24-hour concierge service. Assisting guests with individual travel and social arrangements, each concierge is a master of organisation. Armed with inside knowledge of the local area and its transport links, delivery services, theatre showings and restaurants, these stress-busting wizards help make your stay something really special.

Ra Residence | Useful Info: New Work Permit Regulations in Indonesia

Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta is glad to share useful tips and information regarding regulation and other related issues for expatriates who are living in Jakarta.

Indosight.com | To work legally in Indonesia, you must have a work permit (IMTA). Based on the work permit (IMTA), the Indonesian Immigration will issue your limited stay permit (VITAS) and the limited stay permit card (KITAS). 

In this article, I should explain what it will take to obtain a work permit (IMTA), what can be expected during the process of getting one, and other necessary details. The information I am going to share will be based on two legal instruments: the Work Permit Regulation (No. 16/2015) and its October 2015 update (No. 35/2015). We will keep visible here the details which the newer regulation has changed. Many agents are unaware of these changes, and may provide you with incorrect information. Should you need further assistance on securing your work permit in Indonesia, feel free to contact us!

Ra Residence | Why Staying in Serviced Apartment?

Here are some reasons why discerning executives and travellers preferrably stay in serviced apartments rather than in hotels! It has become more popular to stay in serviced apartments instead of hotels among expatriates who expect more personal services, and family travellers who prefer to stay in a two or three-bedroom apartment with a kitchen rather than connecting rooms. Serviced apartments are furnished apartments with amenities such as kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedrooms that are rented out for either short-term or long-term stays.

Cost effectiveness of Serviced Apartments

Serviced Apartments offer competitive rates that generally reduce according to the length of your stay. Hotels charge for single or double occupancy, whereas serviced apartments charge per apartment. For example if you booked a one-bedroom apartment which can accommodate up to 2 people, you pay the same whether it is for 1 person or 2 persons. In addition, you can avoid pricy hotel breakfasts and room services by cooking for yourself using the apartment's kitchen and dining facilities. The cost effectiveness of serviced apartments is making them second home for expatriates and business executives on the move.

Ra Residence | Expat Guide: Working in the Capital City

Are you thinking of working in Jakarta, also known as the “Big Durian” or “Big Apple”? Indonesia’s capital and largest city, as well as its economic and political center, has plenty of job opportunities. Our guide on working in Jakarta provides info on the economy, visas and health.

As is common for many megacities, Jakarta encompasses all walks of life from wealth to poverty. Although most people employed in Jakarta’s center and its skyscrapers are well off, the other side of the coin is a wide strip of slum landscape surrounding the city. When living and working in Jakarta, you need to be able to deal with such extremes. Working in Jakarta will, like any move to a foreign city, have its ups and downs.

Jakarta: Economic Overview

Much of the economy in Indonesia is dependent on government funding. Expatriates looking for a job in Jakarta will have more luck in the service sector, or the financial, banking and trading sectors. Jakarta is home to the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), which has a significant influence on global markets.

Ra Residence | CITOS Cilandak Town Square

Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta is located in strategic area with easy access and surrounded by commercial buildings and shopping mal. Cilandak Town Square is the nearest shopping center to be reached from our apartment. This mal becomes one of Jakarta's many landmarks to discover. Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta provides vehicle for our guests who will visit Cilandak Town Square and it takes 1 minutes only to be reched. 

Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta is located in South Jakarta’s Cilandak Barat area, a 45 minute drive from Soekarno Hatta International Airport. Warm and cozy, this serviced-apartment offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta enjoys easy access to Cilandak Commercial Estate and Pondok Indah Shopping Mall. Overlooking the surrounding greenery, rooms at Ra Residence are equipped with flat-screen cable TV and air conditioning. Private bathrooms come with standing shower facilities. 

Ra Residence | A Foreign Investor’s View: Will Indonesia’s Economy Recover?

By James Castle | After five years of steadily deteriorating economic performance, the Indonesian economy may be in the process of turning around. After reaching a 21st-century high of 6.4 percent in 2010, the country’s GDP growth rate has been lower every year since. It is unlikely to be higher than 4.7 percent this year, the lowest level since the 2009 global crisis.

There are now some signs that the slump may be ending, however, and 2016 growth may exceed five percent. What caused the last five years of decline? What is causing the fledgling recovery and what are its prospects for success?

Living in Jakarta

As an expat living in Jakarta, you will be living in Indonesia’s largest city. With its 9.8 million inhabitants, Jakarta is a metropolis with international flair. Read the InterNations Guide on Jakarta for more information on Southeast Asia’s “Big Apple,” from culture to healthcare.

Although Indonesia is perhaps not the highest ranking among expat destinations, life in Jakarta can be thrilling. Due to Indonesia’s long and turbulent colonial history, the influence of the Dutch and Portuguese are still prevalent. There are many traces from colonial times in Jakarta, from the buildings to the way the city itself is structured.

As the metropolis of Indonesia, Jakarta attracts many new residents from other parts of Indonesia. Not only are the residents of Jakarta relatively open-minded in respect to foreigners, but the mix of nationalities brings a unique flair to the city.

With quite a few cultural offerings to attract tourists, Jakarta successfully lures expats to its city center. The restoration of the Jakarta Arts Center, for example, along with a number of other buildings, means that the city can now boast some of the country’s best concerts and exhibitions.

Ra Residence, the Serviced Apartment with a New Approach

How many residential properties in Jakarta have been recently developed with high-tech while taking an eco-friendly approach in keeping with a green environment? You won't find many. Most buildings today seem to be built with some of the most high-tech facilities and equipment only. 

It is a great challenge indeed to balance efficiency with cost effectiveness in this day and age. Just imagine the difficulties of trying to balance a successful project taking energy saving technologies, i.e. water and electricity. The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from the daily elements of weather, yet they also affect our health and environment in countless ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, there has been a shift taking these factors into consideration. Developing buildings that will be not only run more efficiently but also more effective for a healthily life as well!

This brings us to Cilandak area and a visit to Ra Residence, a brand new building catering to expatriates and  world business travelers, not to mention discerning residents of Jakarta and beyond. This new property represents a rare opportunity to balance prestigious urban living with established high tech go-green concepts!

Moving to Jakarta

Moving to Jakarta will take you to a bustling city, complete with skyscrapers and traffic jams. Indeed, Jakarta is often considered to be the “Big Apple” of Southeast Asia. Our guide on moving to Jakarta will help you with your move by providing you with advice on housing, education, visas and more.

The Big Apple (Big Durian) of Southeast Asia is the economic, political and cultural hub of the Indonesian archipelago. With almost 10 million inhabitants, it is the largest city in Indonesia. Jakarta is a fascinating place, even though it is fighting against the negative image of being a terrorist stronghold. This prejudice arose in the wake of violent terrorist incidents across Indonesia in the past decade. Actually, most expats in Jakarta are pleased with their decision to move to Jakarta and enjoy the city’s flair.