The Difference Between Serviced Accommodation And Furnished Holiday Lets

When you travel the world, or even just domestically, you’ve probably experienced many different types of places you can stay. Hotels, Airbnbs, spare rooms, and more. But two prominent options now on the market are serviced accommodation and furnished holiday lets. 

However, many people get confused between the two and believe that they are pretty much the same thing. Unfortunately, they would be wrong. While there are a few similarities, they do differ considerably.

So, if you’re looking for your next place to stay when travelling, you can choose between serviced accommodation and furnished holiday lets after going through this guide. 

What is serviced accommodation?

Serviced accommodations are typically fully furnished apartments you can choose to stay in for a short-term or long-term stay. Their selling point is that they offer a home-away-from-home experience, giving you all the amenities of living in a house while also adding the convenience of a hotel.

Here are the main features of what serviced accommodation offers:

• Fully furnished living spaces: These include living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms that are equipped with necessary amenities.
• Housekeeping services: Regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure a comfortable stay.
• Utilities included: Electric, water, and internet bills are typically covered in the rental price.
• 24/7 customer support: Assistance is available anytime for any issues or inquiries.
• Flexible stay durations: Options for both short-term and long-term stays to cater to various needs.
• Additional amenities: Gyms, swimming pools, and parking spaces are often available.
• Privacy and security: Enhanced privacy compared to hotels, often with secure access and on-site security.

What are furnished holiday lets?

Furnished holiday lets are very similar to serviced accommodation, however they are more like short-term rentals and exclusive to tourists and vacationers. Like serviced accommodation, they also focus on offering a home-like experience, being completely furnished and making guests feel as comfortable as possible. 

Here are the main features of what furnished holiday lets offer:

• Fully furnished properties: Includes bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms with all necessary furniture and appliances.
• Self-catering facilities: Fully equipped kitchens allowing guests to prepare their own meals.
• Utilities included: Bills for electricity, water, and often internet are included in the rental price.
• Flexible booking options: Typically available for short-term stays ranging from a few days to several weeks.
• Local character: Often located in residential areas, providing an authentic experience of the local culture and lifestyle.
• Privacy: More private than hotels, offering a secluded environment for relaxation.
• Variety of property types: Options range from apartments and cottages to villas and houses, catering to different preferences and group sizes.

Serviced accommodation vs furnished holiday lets: Which should you choose?

Both serviced accommodation and furnished holiday lets are great options to stay in when you’re travelling, but they do have their differences. Here are the main benefits of each one for you to consider:

Benefits of serviced accommodation

• Hotel-like services: Housekeeping, 24/7 customer support, and concierge services provide a hassle-free experience.
• Fully furnished and equipped: Includes everything from kitchen appliances to entertainment systems, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• All-inclusive utilities: No need to worry about additional electricity, water, or internet costs.
• Amenities: Access to gyms, swimming pools, and business centres enhances the living experience.
• Flexible stay durations: Suitable for short-term and extended stays, accommodating various travel needs.
• Enhanced privacy and security: Provides a safe and private environment crucial for business travellers.

Benefits of furnished holiday lets

• Self-catering facilities: Fully equipped kitchens allow guests to prepare their own meals, offering a more personal and flexible dining experience.
• Local character and charm: Often located in residential areas, providing an authentic experience of the local culture and lifestyle.
• Variety of property types: From cosy cottages to spacious villas, options suit different preferences and group sizes.
• Cost-effective for groups: Ideal for families or groups of friends, offering more space and shared living areas at a lower cost per person.

Why serviced accommodation is the better option for corporate/business travellers

If you’re travelling for business, then you’re most likely going to want to go for serviced accommodation over furnished holiday lets. This is because they have everything you need to feel comfortable while you’re away from home, from housekeeping and 24/7 customer support to workstations and business facilities. 

You also have a higher level of privacy that is often much appreciated when you’re away for corporate reasons. It blends professionalism with convenience, providing you with the ultimate solution.

Choose TrustedStays for your serviced accommodation

For your next corporate trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch with TrustedStays to find the perfect serviced accommodation for you. Not only can you go through our website and refine your search based on your needs, but you can also talk to one of our experts so we can match you up with the perfect space. Contact us today to begin planning your perfect stay away from home.