Difference Between Serviced Apartments And Hotels

There has been a rise in people booking trips since restrictions ended. After two years of being unable to travel far, a lot of people are now going on trips and short breaks. The holiday market has seen a significant increase in the past year. In current times, there are now vast options when it comes to travelling. From deciding whether to travel in a car, train or plane to choosing a hotel abroad or in this country, the choices are endless. You also will find a lot more options when it comes to your accommodation. 

Rather than just staying in a hotel, you will find that a lot of people are now booking serviced apartments instead for their leisure or business travels. Whether you are looking for a weekend away or a week in a different location, these are now proving a viable option. But what makes a serviced apartment a good option and what is the difference from hotels? Our guide explains to you the main differences between serviced apartments and hotels.

What is a serviced apartment?

Before we start to discuss the main differences between the two, we should discuss exactly what a serviced apartment is first. After all, we all have a basic idea of what a hotel room is, but not many people have heard of serviced apartments. These apartments are available to rent for leisure or business purposes on a short or long-term basis. They offer the guest everything they need so that they feel like they are at home. 

The apartments are fully furnished with areas such as kitchens and living space so that there is plenty of room to relax and unwind. They often have extras such as access to a gym or restaurant in the building and a concierge service. A lot of these serviced apartments are now available on platforms and they are a great way to make a living from a separate apartment you own.

What are the main differences between hotel rooms and serviced apartments?

So while we have given you a brief insight into what serviced apartments are, here are some of the big differences.

Available for longer stays

When you book a hotel, a lot of people tend to place a booking for a night or two. After all, hotels mostly cater for a short break and their facilities mean longer stays aren’t possible unless you are heading to a large complex that offers half board or all-inclusive bookings. But when it comes to serviced apartments, they are designed to cater for longer stays. 

These types of places are available to book for stays of up to a month and, in some cases, even longer than that. You can also stay in these for shorter stays if you want to book for this period. With their facilities and ample space, they are designed for longer stays with you being able to live as you do at home while in a serviced apartment. They cater for all those necessities you need while offering comfort and security.

Cost 

A lot of people find a significant price difference between serviced apartments and hotel rooms. After all, hotels often charge on a nightly basis which is fine for a couple of nights but can get expensive if it’s for longer periods. However, serviced apartments tend to be designed for longer visits so the longer the stay, the better deal you will get. 

They want long-stay visitors so offer better rates for these longer stays. In fact, on average, serviced apartments tend to be up to 50% less than hotel rooms. Of course, it depends on the area and the time of year. So whether you want to stay for business purposes for a month or looking for a longer holiday of three weeks, serviced apartments tend to be cost-effective.

Kitchen facilities

While you may get a kettle and sometimes a fridge in your hotel room, it’s highly unlikely you will be able to cook a full meal in your hotel room. Therefore, you end up having to dine out or order room service when in hotels. But in serviced apartments, you have your own kitchen. This is fully equipped with all the essentials you need to cook up a meal. 

From an oven to a microwave, you will be able to cook up a storm while you stay. They will have everything you need, from saucepans to baking trays in your kitchen. This will not only save you a fortune but will ensure you eat healthier too. You can also store food while you are on your stay which is a lot more convenient too when you don’t want to eat out or need to eat something while on the move.

Living area

Hotel rooms don’t tend to have a lot of living space for you to enjoy during your stay. You might be able to have a sofa with a TV but that is the most you will get unless you pay a premium rate. Therefore, when you get a serviced apartment, you will get a lot more space with a living area available to you.

This is great to relax and unwind during your stay, especially if you have been busy during the day. If you are travelling with kids, this is great to give them more area to play. And if you are visiting for work purposes, this will allow you to do any necessary work. There might even be a desk in the apartment for you to use.

Facilities on-site

While you might have access to a pool or bar in a hotel, serviced apartments tend to have a lot on offer in the building. Depending on where you stay, you might have access to a gym, a pool and even laundry facilities. 

You will also have a concierge in some destinations, and Wi-Fi is often included now as an essential. You will find a lot of these are now becoming pet friendly so in some cases your furry friend can come too on your trip saving you a fortune on a pet sitter.

TrustedStays offers a range of serviced apartments and homes to the corporate world, making sure you or your employees are comfortable for any work related trips.