Caroline Serviced Apartments is a boutique company providing first class accomodation in Melbourne’s premier locations. Alison Vosbergen leads the brilliant, caring & fun team- Anna, Alex, Agatha & Mike who all work hard for this company that started from small beginnings to becoming a well known brand in their industry.
Mei-Li and Ali "Cheers!"
The values of Caroline Serviced Apartments is what drives Alison and the team, and they aim to provide the best guest experience possible. The dedicated, efficient & friendly team is at the core of their success, and they pride themselves in being one of the leading providers of serviced accommodation in the Melbourne area.
View our welcome chat about our blog and the serviced apartments:
Below is a quick video on where our Brighton property is located. You can’t get more convenient than 50 metres from shops, restaurants and only 100m from Middle Brighton Railway Station. Check it out!
Alison has worked with Caroline Apartments since 2005. Starting out as South Yarra's Resident Assistant Manager, to becoming the opening Property Manager of the new Brighton property, and has recently taken on the role of General Manager of both South Yarra and Brighton. Her enthusiasm and fresh outlook has helped the company branch out through social media marketing to boost brand awareness and show off her fantastic team of staff.
What makes her tick? Ali loves discovering cool bars in Melbourne (due to a serious weakness for creative cocktails); she's also passionate about pole dancing (yep!); prefers pets over babies; and cannot imagine life without having a travel adventure to look forward to! 
Hi Guys!
I live too close to probably need to stay, but I’m so stoked you are now blogging
I’ve felt like I’ve really gotten to know you guys and would definitely recommend your apartments to those who are staying in Melbourne.
Let me know if I can ever help with anything. You guys are really inspiring.
- Jade
I remember when I travelled to Adelaide early this year with my dad. We stopped at the giant koala in Dadswell Bridge, and my favourite thing was reading the guest book. I felt like I got to learn a little more about the people that had travelled there over the years.
I think video testimonials are a great idea and something that makes you guys a lot more accessible. Top stuff.
- Jade
We totally agree Jade, and glad that others do too! We are so lucky that our guests are so supportive and take the time to let us know the experiences they had while staying with us, and so glad we are able to share with everyone else!
Its very sweet that you went on a trip with your Dad! : ) I’m inspired to ring mine up and ask him for a weekend away!
Mei-Li
It’s so great to get such positive response to our first attempts of connecting with people virtually! Thank you for your support Jade!
Mei-Li
Great ideas Ali! I fall into the tourist category most days here in Melbourne and am always looking for new activities to try! I am definitely going to have to check out the East Coast Kayak tours now that the weather is warming up!
Thanks for the tips – keep ‘em coming!
Hey guys,
You know, I was reading this and thought a cool blog post may be if you want to “show” people how far these restaurants are from the apartments. (I don’t know about you, but when I make up my “own” mind about something, I’m usually like “no one can stop me from having that 6 pattie, heart attack inducing burger with fries!” Even when I’m bursting at the seems. Ok. Too much info I know. )
I guess maybe the next time you head down for a bite to eat or to the beach, you may want to “accidently” take the “Mino” for a stroll. Maybe this is a good time to then tell us about your tips for the Melbourne Cup. Or something. (Oh wait. Did I just see how *far* it is to the cafes!?!? I’m in!!! lol)
What a great idea! I would love to be in your competition and win this incredible holiday away… Thankyou for this opportunity. With Love, Natasha
)
Thanks for the comment Natasha! Really looking forward to seeing your fancied-up coffee cup. Make sure you get all your friends to comment on your work of art too!!!!
Hi Cory, thanks a million for your suggestions. This is a great idea and something we did think about after we wrote the post. It’s good to know that it was on your mind also, so we know we are heading in the right direction. We will now commit to this. Mei-li and I are loving your creative mind. If you have any more suggestions on how we can really ramp up this space then we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks Cory. Ali
Hi Caroline Serviced Apartments,
I love what you guys are doing in this space. I think your guests will love and benefit from the Brighton lifestyle after all what a location! I look forward to your upcoming eBook. Watch this space people CSA are leading the way. Keep up the good work CSA.
cheers Rich.
Get in quick and upload your photo to our Facebook Page. Good luck! Also it’s up to the friends of each entrant to help get that photo across the finishing line to win. Each comment on the photo counts as a vote to win! Can’t wait to see your entry!
Thanks for those encouraging comments Rich! I really appreciate it. We’ve absolutely loved getting involved with social media and creating our blog – so it’s nice to know that some of the passion is showing through our efforts. Have you got any questions that you might like answered in our eBook with regards to our social media approach? Fire away!!
Ali, it’s great to hear you have ‘learned’ a lot about social media in the past few weeks AND you’re willing to share it with others! It doesn’t take much to realise the power of twitter in forging great communications with your clients!
Good luck for your promotion with the restaurant for breakfast!
I think hospitality and Price two most important things we have to aim in any service apartments.
Thanks for your comment! You are right – hospitality is very important, and price (I think) can sometimes not reflect the level of service and care provided at properties. There’s nothing worse than paying a lot for little/poor service. By looking at competitors products and comparing what they offer, a property can understand the correct pricing point for each of their room types – and more importantly, be confident in presenting their product and service to guests.
Thanks for the comments Andrew and Panchvati. I’m loving being able to engage with people around the world about any topic. On a more local level, Social Media has definitely increased our brand awareness, and is continuing to build trust and friendships amongst potential guests and/or business associates.
OMg I loved how you pulled out the blower thingies. That was hilarious. A great competition and shows how you guys are totally understanding and rocking it online.
Wow! Interesting and clever and human and fun. You ticked every box in the brand building book without losing your souls.
Congratulations on a really impressive initative. Caroline Serviced Apartments has gone from zero to front of mind in my mind! Best regards, P.
Really appreciate the supportive comments Paul! We plan to keep the initiative going and are already plotting our next campaigns, so keep in touch!
Thanks a mill Jade! My blower thingy was all silent though (very disappointing! perhaps I should have tested it before the big announcement hahaha). We’re loving the little community that we’re building through our Facebook and Twitter followers. It’s really proving that people appreciate feeling like they’re a part of something, and can connect with us – rather than just viewing a corporate website that shows what we provide. It’s so much more fun showing who we are!!!
Dear Team, I just cited you as a paragon of social media excellence at:
http://www.smartcompany.com.au/internet/20091119-australian-directors-drop-the-ball-on-social-media.html
I’m not sure if they’ll publish the link to your site, but I sure hope they do. Keep up the ace work! Best regards, P.
Wow! Thanks Paul for the kudos. I’m so chuffed to be included in your blog as a company who is “ticking every online brand building box in the book without selling (our) souls”!!! We plan to keep on trying to ‘keep it real’ and not claim to be anything we’re not
Hi,
I live around the corner from your apartments and think the development is fantastic. I agree with Cory about the map, try Google Maps and their business listings. I have a restaurant in Richmond and am Brighton local thus I can vouch for many other smaller restaurants / eateries in your local area Amano Pizza, Akiya Japanese, Bok Choi & Fish Tank to mention a few. Don’t forget your guests always require a variety of food and price point.
I made the Choc-Chunk Cookies yesterday and they are huge!! Oh so yummy too (I am a chocaholic though). Hubby took some to work today and shared them with the boys, they loved them too!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hi Ali
Great discussion topic! Having personally made the move to and from the northern hemisphere a couple of times, sharing the type of tips and tricks above is hugely valuable.
I really think that no matter how much you can plan and research a interstate or international move, the greatest challenge is what happens after you drag your bag in the front and put on the kettle!
Having support for you (and your family) once you arrive, even if its a smiley supportive face, can really make a big impact on how quickly you settle in. Accept any offers of support and local knowledge! Don’t pressure yourself to have everything sorted on day one! Take your time to enjoy your new location!
If you are lucky enough to be settling in Melbourne look up the team at Caroline Serviced Apartments. Each time I visit, I am delighted with how welcoming Ali and the team are.
Myself and my husband have only wonderful memories of our couple of visits to Brighton, and we can’t wait to get back there again soon.
Jayne Clow
I like the layout of your blog and I’m going to do the same thing for mine. Do you have any tips? Please PM ME on yahoo @ AmandaLovesYou702
thanks for that
Australian Grand Prix is always exiciting, unfortunately I have only seen it on the telly! Maybe another year… Take a look at Albert Park Circuit and prepare for the race.
Regards
Ken from Sweden
Maybe next year you can make the trip Down Under and get involved in the Grand Prix. Thanks for your input Ken!
Thanks so much for your input Jayne! You’re correct, the welcome you receive when you arrive in a new country can really make you at ease and give you the confidence to ask for help if you need it. We try to always offer that for our guests at Caroline Serviced Apartments, as we know how stressful it can be for people. I remember when I first moved overseas, I was so daunted by the fact that I had just landed in a country where I did not know anyone at all, and it made me realise that seeing a friendly (or familiar) face is something so easily taken for granted.
Well done Ali! I remember when you guys were little eggs in Twitter land and then started using FB. Terrific information and post, really enjoyed it. I am now off to suss it out as I have a “client” just about to start a “silver service” Great Ocean Road “adventure” tour. It might be helpful for him. Cheers
Wow,It must be delicious~:)
I am a F1 fan too,it is very exciting sport.
Good articles for Social Media Marketing learning!
What a wonderful blog post, Agatha! It’s almost enough to entice me out of my Abbotsford cave.
I do hope you enjoy your new role. From what I can gather, the people there are about as switched on as it’s possible to be.
Here’s to many more great posts from you. Best regards, P.
Fantastic blog, so incite-full, stay tuned for the next installment of Caroline Serviced Apartments: Fact or fiction!
I have been to your site before. The more I visit, the more I keep coming back!
Great timing Ali – just going through the process now with the big move this weekend – heading down Brighton way!..
im throwing literally everything out that i havent looked at or touched in a month – a great opportunity for a fresh start!!
Great tips – will use them for sho!
Yum! I have had the honour of trying this very lemon tart, made by Alex… amazing!!!
love love love this post!!
Waiting to check a booking, read the Tweet, my mouth watered and I remembered I had some in the fridge. Cant wait to get home !