Over the years, serviced apartments have gained immense popularity among both short-term and long-term tenants. These unique rental units offer a combination of comfort and convenience that you would typically find in a traditional hotel. If you're curious about what a serviced apartment entails and what you can expect from your stay, read on.
Unveiling the Concept of Serviced Apartments
A serviced apartment is a furnished rental unit that caters to both short-term and long-term stays. With amenities similar to those found in hotels, such as housekeeping, concierge services, gyms, laundry facilities, and even room service, these apartments offer a comfortable and homely experience. Additionally, most serviced apartments come equipped with Wi-Fi, fully stocked kitchens, and washers and dryers, providing you with the convenience and privacy you desire.
Staying in a serviced apartment is not only cost-effective compared to a hotel room, but it also offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. By opting for a serviced apartment in an exotic destination, you can gain a deeper understanding of the area while enjoying the comforts of a home away from home.
Serviced apartments have long been available as an alternative to hotel rooms, primarily for business travelers. However, they are now gaining recognition among leisure travelers, especially for longer stays and family/group travels.
The Basics of a Serviced Apartment
Serviced apartments can be managed either on-site or off-site. On-site managed apartments typically have a property manager and a reception, providing you with immediate assistance when needed. Off-site managed apartments, on the other hand, offer more privacy and freedom, with keys available for collection from a safety deposit box.
Let's take a closer look at the various rooms you can expect to find in a serviced apartment:
Living Room
The living room in serviced apartments is typically more spacious than that of a hotel room. Furnished with electronics such as a TV, stereo, home theater, and DVD player, it also features sofas, coffee tables, end tables, bookshelves, desks, and chairs. You'll find amenities like a telephone, an answering machine, blinds, window curtains, and lamps, creating a comfortable space to relax and unwind.
Dining Room
Serviced apartments often have dining rooms that can accommodate guests or serve as a meeting space. These rooms are furnished with dining tables, chairs, table mats, and decorative elements like ornamental plants and wall artwork.
Kitchen
One of the major advantages of staying in a serviced apartment is the fully equipped kitchen. You'll find appliances such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, oven, stove, coffee maker, and toaster. The kitchen is also stocked with pots and pans, utensils, glassware, dishes, and other essential cookware, making it easy to prepare your own meals.
Bedrooms
For group travelers or those with families, serviced apartments with multiple bedrooms are an excellent choice. Bedrooms typically include beds, mattresses, pillows, blankets, sheets, dressers, nightstands, lamps, and closet storage. Some apartments may also offer desks, chairs, and alarm clocks for added convenience.
Bathrooms
Serviced apartments feature bathrooms equipped with bath mats, shower curtains, toilet brushes, soap dishes, towels, hair dryers, and toothbrush holders.
Additional Facilities
Many serviced apartments offer additional amenities such as housekeeping services, utilities (electricity, water, internet, gas, and telephone), general supplies (paper towels, light bulbs, toilet paper, etc.), and access to gyms, restaurants, meeting spaces, and nearby stores.
Variations in Serviced Apartments
Apart from on-site and off-site managed apartments, other variations you may come across include:
- Aparthotel: These establishments combine on-site management elements with concierge services, a bar, a gym, and a communal lounge.
- Residential Serviced Apartment: These apartments are located primarily in residential properties and are ideal for long-term stays or relocation.
- Single Property: Situated within a single property, these serviced apartments offer maximum privacy, and some even provide entire houses for temporary stays.
Advantages of Staying in a Serviced Apartment
Staying in a serviced apartment comes with numerous advantages, making it a popular choice among travelers:
Space
Serviced apartments offer approximately 30% more space than standard hotel rooms. With a separate living room, kitchen, and bedrooms, these apartments are perfect for families or large groups.
A Homey Feel
Unlike traditional guesthouses and hotels, serviced apartments provide a home-like ambiance, offering more privacy and freedom. You can host business meetings in your living room without the need for a conference room reservation.
Cost-Effective
Staying in a serviced apartment is generally more affordable than a hotel room, especially for extended stays. With no hidden costs like mini-bars or room service, and the ability to share the apartment with friends, you can save a significant amount of money.
A Local Experience
Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying in a serviced apartment. They offer a more authentic experience compared to staying in a standardized hotel room.
Utilities and Services
Depending on the type of serviced apartment, you may enjoy services like around-the-clock concierge assistance and housekeeping. In addition, utilities such as Wi-Fi provided in these apartments make your stay more comfortable.
Savings on Meals
Serviced apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own meals and save on dining out expenses. Buying groceries and cooking your own food is a cost-effective alternative to eating in restaurants daily.
Convenient Location
Similar to hotels, serviced apartments are usually located in convenient areas, catering to both tourists and business travelers.
Considerations When Choosing a Serviced Apartment
While serviced apartments offer a range of benefits, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:
Frequency of Cleaning
Serviced apartments typically provide weekly housekeeping services, which may be less frequent than daily cleaning in hotels. This might pose an inconvenience for those who prefer daily cleaning.
Assistance in Off-Site Managed Apartments
Off-site managed apartments lack a reception or onsite property manager, which can be problematic in case of emergencies requiring immediate assistance.
Varied Facilities
The facilities and services offered in serviced apartments vary based on location, type, and size. Some apartments may not have all the state-of-the-art amenities you might expect.
Final Thoughts
When considering a switch from hotels to serviced apartments, it's essential to conduct thorough research. Take the time to visit and inspect available apartments to ensure they meet your standards. Additionally, negotiating on the price may result in a favorable deal. Staying in a serviced apartment can be a great alternative for frequent travelers who want a comfortable and affordable experience away from home.