Property developer Pellicano is looking to capitalise on demand for short-stay accommodation with the launch of a new brand, Rambla.
An extension of its residential offering Pellicano Living, Rambla is a serviced apartment offering that will sit within its build-to-rent projects, designed to offer greater flexibility and convenience.
The first Rambla project will launch at the completion of Pellicano’s Perry House in Bowen Hills, Queensland, in late February.
Pellicano Managing Director Nando Pellicano told HM exclusively that there was a noticeable appetite for a short-stay offering.
“We’ve seen a share of our customers are looking for shorter, more convenient stays – those that are not wishing to sign up for six or 12 months,” he said.
Pellicano expects the offering will be popular with corporate travellers, remote workers and those that are relocating or buying a new property.
“We think 70% might be corporate stays, and the remainder might be people who are relocating – that need a place for a month or two before they buy their house or apartment – or people that are travelling for family reasons,” he explained.
Pellicano believes this residential offering with hotel-style amenities on site, such as communal rooftop spaces, lap pools, gyms, breakout spaces and co-working areas, will appeal to young professionals.
As well as having the opportunity to utilise facilities on site, guests will also be able to participate in any regular events Pellicano Living runs for its residents.
“We want the Rambla customer to feel like they’re living in a home away from home with a connection to the local community, still with a high level of comfort and style – but in a more laid-back and accessible way,” Pellicano said.
Rambla will have a strong focus on technology, offering a contactless, digital check-in system for swift entry and departure at all hours. Rambla Group Manager – Accommodation, Andrew Hewitt, told HM that today’s guests value a hassle-free check-in experience.
“Once payment has gone through, guests will be given access to a key card on their phone,” Hewitt explained.
“When their room is ready, the key card will be activated and they will be able to drive straight into the carpark, enter the lift and access their room without having to go through the a [traditional check-in] process.”
After years of operating in the build-to-rent space, Pellicano is confident in the serviced apartment model, particularly as travel spend rises.
“One of the big advantages of launching a product like this through Pellicano Living is that we know the demand is there, we know the areas in which these projects sit, and we know our target audience very well – we are confident that Rambla will cater to a range of traveller types, and we feel these customers may average a one-month stay with us,” Pellicano said.
Following the launch of the Bowen Hills property this month, Pellicano plans to introduce Rambla to more locations in Brisbane and Melbourne.