What is a Serviced Apartment?

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished apartment available for both short-term and long-term stays, providing all the hotel-like amenities such as having 24/7 access to customer service and regular housekeeping included in the price. These apartments are especially designed for travelers who are planning for an extended stay and want to live in a home-like environment with more flexibility when compared to traditional hotel accommodations.

Overview

Typically, serviced apartments include soft furnishings and cooking utensils so that long-term tenants need not bring their own, and have all the services like WiFi, TV, housekeeping, and a fully fitted kitchen. They may also offer additional services like laundry, grocery deliveries, or a concierge to enhance the living experience.

These apartments are usually centrally located in city centers, close to business districts, which makes them attractive to business travelers. Serviced apartments have gained popularity in recent years for their combination of comfort, practicality, and value for money, especially for extended-stay travelers.

Types of Serviced Apartments

There are several types of serviced apartments that vary in size and the amenities they offer:

1. Studio Apartment: A small, one-room apartment that incorporates the bedroom, living room, and kitchen in one space, although the bathroom is usually separate.
2. One-bedroom Apartment: This type of serviced apartment has a separate bedroom and living space, providing a little more privacy and space to entertain guests.
3. Two-bedroom or Larger Apartments: These apartments provide multiple bedrooms and often multiple bathrooms as well, and are ideal for families or business groups traveling together.

Benefits of Serviced Apartments

The benefits of staying in a serviced apartment over a hotel room are numerous. Key benefits include:

1. Space: Serviced apartments are typically much larger than a hotel room. On average, they can provide 30% more space than an equivalent standard hotel.
2. Cost-effective: Given the additional amenities and space, serviced apartments often offer more value for the price compared to hotels, particularly for longer stays.
3. Flexibility: Serviced apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen allowing for the flexibility of self-catering, and often also have separate living and sleeping spaces.
4. Privacy: Serviced apartments offer a greater degree of privacy. Housekeeping services are usually less frequent than in a hotel, which can be less disruptive to the guest.

What amenities are in a serviced apartment?

Serviced apartments typically offer a wide range of amenities that are designed to provide a comfortable and convenient living experience. Here are some of the most common amenities that you can expect to find in a serviced apartment:

1. Fully Equipped Kitchen: A key feature that sets serviced apartments apart from traditional hotel rooms is a fully equipped kitchen. This usually includes a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, pots and pans, cutlery, dishes, and other cooking essentials. This allows guests to prepare their own meals if they choose to, which can be a significant cost-saver for long-term stays.
2. Furniture and Appliances: Serviced apartments are fully furnished and usually come equipped with a dining area, living area with comfortable seating and a TV, bedroom(s) with bed(s), wardrobe, and sometimes even a desk for work.
3. Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is typically included, which is essential for business travelers and increasingly expected by all kinds of guests.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance Services: Regular cleaning or housekeeping services are commonly provided, often on a weekly basis, though the frequency may vary. Maintenance services for any issues with the apartment or appliances are also usually included.
5. Laundry: Many serviced apartments include a washing machine and dryer in the unit. In some cases, there may be communal laundry facilities in the building, or laundry and dry cleaning services might be offered.
6. Bathroom Essentials: Like in a hotel, you can expect to find basic bathroom supplies such as towels, soap, shampoo, and toilet paper.
7. Air Conditioning and Heating: Depending on the local climate, serviced apartments should have appropriate climate control systems.
8. Security: This can include features like secure entry to the building, a safe for valuables in the apartment, CCTV surveillance, and sometimes even 24/7 security personnel.
9. Additional Services: Depending on the serviced apartment, additional services may be available, sometimes for an extra fee. These can include services like a concierge, grocery delivery, airport transfers, gym facilities, business centers, and sometimes even facilities like a pool or a spa.

Remember that the exact amenities can vary between different serviced apartments and companies, so it’s always a good idea to check exactly what’s included before booking.

Comparison with Alternatives

When choosing accommodation for travel, it’s essential to understand how serviced apartments compare to alternatives such as traditional hotel rooms or home rental services like Airbnb. Key factors to consider include cost, space, amenities, and the type of travel experience you are looking for.

Serviced Apartments vs. Hotel Rooms

Hotel rooms are often favored for their convenience and array of services, including room service, daily housekeeping, and access to amenities such as a swimming pool or fitness center. Hotels also often offer concierge services, providing guests with information and assistance to make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

However, serviced apartments offer advantages that hotels may not. Serviced apartments typically provide more space than a standard hotel room, as most serviced apartments include separate living and sleeping areas, and a fully equipped kitchen. This can make serviced apartments feel more like a home away from home, and is especially beneficial for business travellers or those on longer stays who might appreciate the additional comfort and flexibility.

While amenities such as a swimming pool or room service may not be standard in all serviced apartments, many do offer such facilities. Even in cases where these aren’t provided within the property, concierge services can often guide guests to local facilities or arrange for services such as food delivery.

When it comes to cost, serviced apartment rates can be more economical for long-term stays, as they often offer discounts for extended bookings. They also allow guests to save money by cooking their own meals, which isn’t typically possible in a hotel room.

Serviced Apartments vs. Airbnb

Airbnb and similar home rental services provide another alternative to traditional hotels and serviced apartments. These often offer a more personalized and unique travel experience, allowing guests to stay in residential areas and live like locals. However, the level of service and quality of properties can vary greatly.

In contrast, serviced apartments offer a consistent standard of quality, similar to hotels. They combine the best features of hotels, like cleanliness standards, concierge services, and often added amenities, with the space and homely feel of an Airbnb.

Serviced apartments have emerged as a preferable choice for many travelers due to their ability to provide home-like comfort and hotel-like services in a single package. With the growing trend of remote work and longer-term travel, the demand for serviced apartments is expected to increase in the coming years.

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