Best Place to Stay in Harwich for a Business Trip

Planning a business trip to Harwich is a little different from arranging a typical city break. Many people travelling to the area for work are here because of Harwich International Port, offshore energy projects, marine operations, engineering work or the wider logistics sector. For contractors and offshore workers in particular, a comfortable base can make a big difference when a project lasts for several days or weeks.

If you are comparing places to stay in Harwich, it is worth looking beyond a conventional hotel room. At Short Term Accommodation, we provide a range of one and two-bedroom apartments at The Royal Apartments in Harwich, offering business travellers considerably more space and independence during their stay.

With fast WiFi, private parking, comfortable living areas and your own fully equipped kitchen, our apartments are designed to work particularly well for professionals who need somewhere practical to return to after a long working day.

Why Do So Many People Travel to Harwich for Work?

Harwich has been associated with shipping and maritime industries for generations, and its location on the North Sea continues to make it an important centre for business.

Harwich International is one of the UK’s leading multi-purpose freight and passenger ports. Operated as part of Hutchison Ports, it handles freight, ferry, bulk and other port operations, with road and rail connections linking Harwich with London, the Midlands and the wider South East. [1]

The port also has regular connections with the Netherlands. Stena Line operates passenger services between Harwich and the Hook of Holland, while Harwich International’s freight operations support significant Ro-Ro traffic between the UK and continental Europe. [1]

That activity naturally brings people into the area for meetings, engineering work, maintenance, logistics, transport operations and longer-term contracts.

Harwich and the Offshore Wind Industry

One of the most important reasons for business travel to Harwich is the growing offshore energy sector.

Harwich International has previously been used as a construction base for major offshore wind developments including Gunfleet Sands, Greater Gabbard and London Array. The port provides infrastructure for activities including turbine and foundation storage, cable transfers, crew transfer vessels, dive support and accommodation vessel operations. [2]

Galloper Offshore Wind Farm also has its dedicated Operations and Maintenance facility at Harwich International Port. Galloper’s 56 turbines are supported by a team of around 60 people based at the Harwich facility, including turbine technicians, engineers and marine coordinators. Crew transfer vessels operate from the facility to take workers out to the wind farm. [3]

This makes Harwich particularly relevant for offshore workers, technicians, marine specialists and contractors who may need Harwich accommodation for more than just one or two nights.

Further Investment at Freeport East Harwich

Harwich’s role within the energy and maritime industries also looks set to remain important in the years ahead.

Freeport East describes its Harwich Bathside Bay site as a major development opportunity for offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and installation. The site is being positioned to support activities such as turbine component manufacturing, marshalling, foundations, substations and other elements of the offshore wind supply chain. [4]

Alongside the offshore sector, Harwich Haven itself supports an extensive maritime economy. Harwich Haven Authority oversees the harbour and provides services including pilotage, Vessel Traffic Services and other marine operations required to keep commercial shipping moving safely through the area. [5]

As a result, business visitors to Harwich can include people working in a wide range of roles:

• Offshore wind engineers, technicians and marine crews
• Port, ferry, freight and logistics personnel
• Construction and engineering contractors
• Surveying, dredging and marine services teams
• Project managers, consultants and visiting company representatives
• Professionals working with the wider Freeport East supply chain

What Should You Look for in Harwich Accommodation for a Business Trip?

Location matters, but for a multi-day business trip it should not be the only consideration.

After spending ten or twelve hours working on site, the difference between returning to a single hotel room and having your own apartment becomes much more noticeable. You may want somewhere to prepare dinner, catch up on emails, make a video call, wash work clothing and then relax somewhere other than the edge of a hotel bed.

Parking can be particularly important in Harwich too. Contractors and engineers often arrive in vans or company vehicles and may be carrying tools or equipment, so searching for street parking at the end of every shift is far from ideal.

This is where choosing the right Harwich apartment can make the working week considerably easier.

Why The Royal Apartments Work So Well for Business Travellers

Our Royal Apartments in Harwich are located on Main Road and were created through the conversion of the former Royal at Dovercourt Public House.

Today, the building provides modern one and two-bedroom apartments designed for short and extended stays. They are particularly well suited to contractors, offshore workers and other professionals who want more independence than they would normally have in a hotel.

Fast WiFi for Work and Video Calls

Reliable internet access has become essential for most business travellers. Even if your working day takes place entirely on site, there is often paperwork to complete, emails to answer or calls to join in the evening.

Our apartments offer fast WiFi suitable for remote working, streaming and video calls, helping you remain connected without having to rely on hotel lobby WiFi or mobile data.

A Large Private Car Park

One of the most useful features for contractors and professionals travelling by road is our large private car park for guests.

That means you do not have to spend every evening looking for an available parking space nearby. For teams travelling in company vehicles or people working irregular shifts, having convenient off-street parking at your accommodation can remove a surprisingly large amount of hassle from the working week.

Your Own Kitchen Can Reduce the Cost of a Longer Business Trip

Eating in restaurants or ordering a takeaway every evening might be enjoyable for a short trip, but it soon becomes expensive during a longer contract.

Our apartments include fully equipped kitchens, giving you the option to prepare breakfast before work, make your own evening meals and keep food in the fridge for the following day.

For somebody staying in Harwich for several weeks, being able to shop at a supermarket and cook normally can significantly reduce day-to-day expenses compared with relying on restaurants every night.

It also gives you more control over what and when you eat, which can be useful if you are working early starts, night shifts or changing offshore schedules.

More Privacy at the End of the Working Day

A business trip does not have to feel like you are permanently at work.

Rather than spending the evening in one room, our apartments give you a proper living space where you can sit down, watch television, prepare food or simply relax in private.

For colleagues sharing a two-bedroom apartment, separate bedrooms also provide personal space while allowing the cost and convenience of the accommodation to be shared.

Practical Facilities for Longer Stays

Business trips associated with engineering, construction and offshore industries do not always fit neatly into a Monday-to-Friday schedule. Projects can continue for several weeks, particularly when work is dependent on weather, vessels or site availability.

The Royal Apartments are equipped for this type of stay, with facilities including kitchens, washing machines, comfortable living areas and weekly housekeeping. It feels much closer to having your own temporary home than simply occupying a hotel room.

Places to Stay in Dovercourt for Contractors and Offshore Workers

Dovercourt forms part of the wider Harwich area, so people searching for places to stay in Dovercourt will also find The Royal Apartments particularly relevant.

The apartments are on Main Road in Harwich and are within easy reach of everyday amenities, shops and takeaways. Both Dovercourt and Harwich railway stations are also nearby, helping guests who are travelling without a car.

This location makes it possible to stay within the town rather than commuting into Harwich from much further afield every morning.

Harwich Apartment vs Hotel for a Longer Business Stay

Hotels still have their place, particularly for an overnight visit. However, the longer you are staying away for work, the more useful an apartment becomes.

A typical hotel gives you somewhere to sleep and perhaps a desk. A serviced apartment provides somewhere to actually live between shifts.

Having a kitchen means you are not forced to eat out. A separate lounge provides somewhere comfortable to unwind. Fast WiFi allows you to work when necessary, while private parking means your vehicle is close by. You also have considerably more privacy than you would normally experience when moving through hotel receptions, restaurants and other communal areas every day.

For a contractor completing a multi-week project, or an offshore worker whose schedule can change according to operational requirements, these practical advantages are often more valuable than traditional hotel services.

Travelling to Harwich as Part of a Team

The availability of both one and two-bedroom apartments also makes The Royal Apartments suitable for different types of corporate booking.

A one-bedroom apartment works well for an individual professional who wants their own private base. Our two-bedroom accommodation can be a practical option for colleagues working on the same project who are happy to share a living space while retaining separate bedrooms.

For businesses arranging accommodation for employees or contractors, this can make organising a project considerably simpler than booking different hotel rooms across the town.

Choosing the Best Place to Stay in Harwich for Your Business Trip

The best accommodation will ultimately depend on where you are working and how long you plan to stay. However, if your priorities include reliable WiFi, easy parking, privacy, somewhere to cook and enough space to properly relax, a serviced apartment is difficult to beat.

Harwich’s port, maritime and offshore energy industries mean that many people visiting the town are not simply staying overnight. They may be working locally for a week, several weeks or considerably longer.

We have designed our Harwich accommodation with exactly this type of guest in mind.

If you are planning a business trip, offshore assignment or contracting project in Harwich, view our one and two-bedroom apartments at The Royal Apartments and find the right option for your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best place to stay in Harwich for a business trip?

For longer business trips, a serviced apartment can be more practical than a traditional hotel. At Short Term Accommodation, our Royal Apartments provide fast WiFi, private parking, fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living areas, making them particularly suitable for contractors, offshore workers and other professionals.

Do you provide accommodation in Harwich for offshore workers?

Yes. Our Harwich apartments are well suited to offshore workers and other professionals working around Harwich International Port and the surrounding maritime and energy industries. Guests have their own kitchen, living space, fast WiFi and private parking.

Are there places to stay in Dovercourt for business travellers?

Yes. The Royal Apartments are located on Main Road in the Harwich and Dovercourt area and provide one and two-bedroom accommodation for business and leisure guests. They are also close to local amenities and transport connections.

Do the Harwich apartments have parking?

Yes. Our Royal Apartments provide private off-street parking for guests, including a large private guest car park. This is particularly useful for contractors and professionals travelling with their own vehicle.

Do the apartments have WiFi suitable for working remotely?

Yes. Fast WiFi is provided, making the apartments suitable for emails, remote working, video calls and streaming after work.

Can I cook my own meals during my stay?

Yes. Our apartments have fully equipped kitchens, so you can prepare your own meals rather than having to eat in restaurants or order takeaways every evening. This can be particularly useful for longer business stays.

Can colleagues share a Harwich apartment?

Yes. We have a range of one and two-bedroom apartments. A two-bedroom apartment can work particularly well for colleagues working on the same project who want to share accommodation while retaining separate sleeping spaces.

Where can I see the available Harwich apartments?

You can view our Harwich accommodation and The Royal Apartments here. The page includes the available one and two-bedroom options, property details and booking information.