BridgeStreet Global Hospitality Announces Long-Term Affiliate Agreement with Short Stay Group Amsterdam

-- Leading European Hospitality Company Becomes Preferred Provider with 10-year Partnership

HERNDON, Virginia, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- BridgeStreet Global Hospitality – the leading international solution for serviced apartments – proudly announces a 10-year agreement with Short Stay Group in Amsterdam, one of the largest serviced apartment companies in Europe, uniting as the preferred provider under the BridgeStreet® affiliate program in key European growth markets including Amsterdam, Barcelona and Paris.

On the heels of the company's launch of BridgeStreet Global Hospitality, unveiling an industry-leading family of brands ranging from six- to two-star experiences, the company introduces its new affiliate membership program. Regional serviced apartment companies benefit from BridgeStreet's international brand awareness and world-class systems, along with preferred booking status in allocated market and brand tiers. BridgeStreet affiliate program members gain the expertise and knowledge needed to succeed within the sector, creating a brand halo effect that puts a best-in-class stamp of approval on new projects.

Selected Short Stay Group locations will be repositioned under BridgeStreet's ApartHotels, Living, Places and Studyo brands. The collaboration drives the brand's goal to actively affiliate with leading serviced apartment providers to create the ultimate hospitality experience, with intuitive operational standards, co-branded collateral and, eventually, a joint booking portal.

"Affiliating with the Short Stay Group complements BridgeStreet's long-term strategic plan to expand in growing European markets," said Sean Worker, chief executive officer of BridgeStreet Global Hospitality. "Short Stay Group is a well-respected and recognized leader with an established, profitable presence in the region."

The relationship is mutually beneficial, with BridgeStreet acting as the springboard for Short Stay Group to attract corporate business. Leveraging BridgeStreet's global Fortune 500 client base and offsetting the current four-day average length of stay and leisure guest focus, the affiliate model minimizes the risk of tourism fluctuation by building consistent, longer-term bookings. Additionally, the partnership adds to BridgeStreet's increasing international footprint with a full suite of co-branded offerings for clients and guests.

"With a strong management team, excellent financial position and proven performance, BridgeStreet Global Hospitality is a leading brand in serviced apartments with the dynamic corporate share we need," said Peter Heule, managing director of Short Stay Group. "We conducted a high level of diligence into this search and identified BridgeStreet as a prominent international player in corporate travel and are incredibly pleased with our synergies." 

"This agreement is a great example of BridgeStreet's flexibility when it comes to our growth plans," said Paul Rands, director of international development of BridgeStreet Global Hospitality. "The announcement of this deal demonstrates our versatility, now offering an affiliate program alongside existing lease, management agreement and franchise options."

With more than 50,000 apartments in 60 countries, BridgeStreet Global Hospitality meets every need, whether guests plan to stay three days, three weeks or three years. BridgeStreet's family of brands includes six-star Exclusive, five-star Residences, four-star ApartHotels and Living, three-star Places and two-star Studyo offering the convenience of apartment living with a variety of service packages to offer each guest options based on location, price point and individual needs.

For more information on BridgeStreet Global Hospitality, visit www.bridgestreet.com or call 1(800) 278 7338 / +44 (0) 20 7792 2222. For more information on affiliate membership opportunities and BridgeStreet branded properties, please contact Paul Rands, director of international development at 44 (0) 207 313 2807 or paul.rands@bridgestreet.com.

About BridgeStreet Global Hospitality
With more than 50,000 apartments in over 60 countries, BridgeStreet Global Hospitality – comprised of six unique brands – is the leading hospitality solution offering serviced apartment experiences for travelers seeking an alternative to typical hotel accommodations. BridgeStreet's family of brands includes six-star Exclusive, five-star Residences, four-star ApartHotels and Living, three-star Places and two-star Studyo offering the convenience of apartment living with a variety of service packages to offer each guest options based on location, price point and individual needs. Widely recognized for uncompromising standards of quality, comfort and service, BridgeStreet Global Hospitality is a renowned award winner in both the Americas and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa). For more information on BridgeStreet Global Hospitality, please visit www.bridgestreet.com or call 800 278 7338.

About Short Stay Group
Short Stay Group is a privately owned company, with its headquarters in Amsterdam. Short Stay Group is one of the biggest short stay companies in Europe and exclusively manages a total of around 400 short stay apartments in three cities: Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona.