Introduction
Whether you are a freelancer, a nomadic employee, an entrepreneur, or a consultant, having access to a functional and on-demand shared workspace is a luxury that has become accessible... and often essential.
Imagine : you need a quiet and well-equipped place to prepare a presentation? Or perhaps you want to meet a client in a credible professional space, without having to go through a crowded café? On-demand rental allows you to do all this, without long-term commitment, and with disconcerting simplicity. In just a few clicks, you can book a hot desk, a meeting room, or even a private office, depending on your current needs.
Definition of on-demand rental
A day office is exactly what it sounds like: a workspace that can be booked for a very short duration, without commitment, often via an online platform. Unlike traditional leases, there is no need to commit to a year or even a month. You choose a daily rate, pay, and off you go.
This could be a simple workstation in an open-plan space, a private office, or a fully equipped meeting room. Some locations also offer flexible spaces that adapt to different uses: interviews, workshops, coaching, team meetings...
How does online booking work?
The magic of digital technology has made online booking of offices as simple as booking a hotel. In just a few clicks, you can choose :
- the location (city, district),
- the duration (hour, half-day, day),
- the type of space (private office, open plan, meeting room),
- the desired services (24/7 access, parking, professional equipment…).
Platforms like Imagina centralise the available offerings, display photos, prices, availability, and allow for online payment. Some even offer a mobile app to manage your bookings on the go.
The advantages of renting offices by the day
Flexibility and accessibility for all professionals
The primary strength of renting offices by the day is its flexibility. In a world where agility has become a necessity, being able to rent an office on demand, without a long-term commitment, is a real asset. Do you have an unexpected meeting in the city centre? A day of intensive work to prepare without interruption? Book, settle in, work.
This accessibility is enhanced by the variety of available locations: third places, coworking spaces, business centres, event spaces... all of which allow for easy booking, often even at the last minute. Thanks to mobile apps, it’s almost as simple as ordering a taxi.
A professional environment without commitment
Working from home has its limits. Lack of structure, constant distractions, isolation… The temporary day office breaks this routine by offering a structured environment conducive to concentration, but without the constraints of a traditional rental contract. A flexible office provides you with everything you need: a well-maintained setting, quality furniture, a reliable internet connection, and sometimes even unlimited coffee. You arrive, settle in, and get to work. There’s no need to set up a router or negotiate a subscription.
Reduction of fixed costs and budget optimisation
Commercial rents can weigh heavily on the cash flow of a business or a freelancer. With short-term rentals, there are no fixed monthly charges, no maintenance fees, and no surprise electricity bills. You only pay for what you use, when you need it. This is a valuable budget optimisation, particularly for small structures or those in the launch phase. The budget can thus be reallocated to what truly matters: development, communication, human resources…
The different types of spaces offered
Private office or open plan ?
When it comes to renting offices by the day, there is no one-size-fits-all format. Some will prefer the open plan for its collective atmosphere, flexibility, and networking opportunities. Others will opt for a private office, enclosed, quiet, ideal for confidential calls or maximum concentration.
The choice depends on the objective of your day. An intense production session ? A closed office is essential. A need for socialisation and dynamism ? The open collaborative space will do perfectly. Many venues even offer mixed options: an individual office for the morning, a spot in an open space in the afternoon, all customisable according to your desires.
Meeting rooms and conference rooms on demand
Whether you are self-employed or part of a team, there comes a time when a meeting room becomes indispensable: to present a project, lead a workshop, or simply to exchange ideas in a professional setting. The good news? These spaces are often available for the day or even by the hour.
Modern conference rooms are fully equipped : large screen, video conferencing, whiteboard, and sometimes even catering services. You can host your clients seriously, without having to rent an oversized venue for a simple meeting.
Third places, business centres, and collaborative spaces
The landscape of short-term rental is now rich and varied. You can find:
- Third places, often located outside urban centres, that blend work, culture, and local life.
- Business centres, very professional, often situated in strategic areas, with high-end services.
- Coworking spaces, more relaxed, focused on community and exchange.
Each type of space has its colour, atmosphere, and advantages. Some focus on friendliness, others on performance, and yet others on design and comfort. It’s up to you to choose according to your working style and your mission for the day.
Essential features to check
High-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, security
When booking a temporary office, it’s not for improvisation. You want a functional space, ready to use, with no unpleasant surprises. The first criterion: internet connection. A good rental space should offer a stable high-speed connection, or even dedicated Wi-Fi to avoid slowdowns or interruptions.
Next, consider the furniture. An ergonomic workstation, with a good chair, a spacious and well-lit desk, makes all the difference to your productivity. Some places even offer sit-stand desks or designer furniture to enhance concentration and well-being.
Finally, security should not be overlooked. Cameras, access badges, lockable lockers… You need to be able to leave your belongings with peace of mind, whether for a few hours or an entire day. A reliable professional space inspires confidence, both in you and in your clients.
Additional services : reception, printing, catering
It’s often the additional services that make all the difference between a good space and an ordinary one. A physical reception can be crucial, especially if you are hosting visitors. Smile, orientation, mail service… it changes the image you project.
Another important point : office services. The ability to print, scan, send an urgent document is a real plus. Most modern business centres or coworking spaces include these services in the daily package, or at a reasonable additional cost.
And of course, catering ! Cafés, snacks, shared fridges, vending machines, or even on-site dining or partnerships with local restaurants.
Who is this type of rental aimed at ?
Occasional office rental suits a multitude of profiles :
- Freelancers who need a temporary setting to concentrate.
- Remote workers tired of working from their living room.
- Salespeople on the move, needing a professional anchor point.
- Consultants organising training sessions or workshops.
- Small businesses wanting to meet clients in a polished environment.
- Startups in a testing or transitional phase, seeking a flexible solution.
In short, any professional needing a well-equipped temporary workspace.
When to rent an office by the day ?
Meeting with a client, need for quiet, day of remote work
Do you need to receive a client or partner in a professional and discreet setting? A day office is the ideal solution. Do you have an urgent project to finish and the atmosphere at home is not conducive ?
The calm of a temporary office will allow you to remain focused and productive. It is also an excellent solution for days when your internet connection at home is playing up! For employees working in a hybrid model, it’s a great way to vary your routine: a day a week in a collaborative space, to maintain social connections and change your surroundings.
Preparing a presentation, organising a workshop
Preparing a pitch, a client presentation, or a training session? A dedicated professional space, well-equipped and free from distractions, can make all the difference. You will find calm, comfort, a whiteboard, a projection screen, and sometimes even logistical support. Are you leading a collaborative workshop? Many third places or business centres offer modular spaces that are perfectly suited, with flexible furniture, brainstorming tools, and even additional services (coffee, snacks, participant reception…).
Testing a new neighbourhood or market
Occasional renting is also a scouting strategy. Are you considering relocating your business to a new neighbourhood or city? Before investing in a long-term lease, try out several addresses for a day. This allows you to experience the local atmosphere, test the surrounding clientele, and measure travel times and accessibility… A genuine field study at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Whether you are an entrepreneur, remote worker, salesperson, or executive, renting a desk by the day is a solution that is both practical and effective. It allows you to be mobile without sacrificing the quality of your working environment, to remain productive wherever you are, and to meet other professionals while maintaining your autonomy.
It is a modern response to a changing world. Flexible, economical, human. Try it, and you will see: your way of working will never be the same again.
Q&A
How much does a desk for the day cost ?
Prices vary depending on the city and services: from €10 for a half-day in an open-plan space to €50 or more for a premium private office.
Can you book a meeting room for a few hours ?
Yes, many spaces offer bookings by the hour or half-day for meeting rooms.
Is a subscription required, or is a daily pass sufficient ?
No subscription needed! You can book by the day without commitment. Some venues also offer multi-entry passes.
Can you use a desk for the day to meet clients ?
Absolutely ! This is even one of the main uses : to provide a professional and serious setting for your meetings.
What is the difference between a virtual office and a temporary office ?
The temporary office is physical, with a workstation and on-site services. The virtual office is mainly used for registering your business and receiving mail.
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