What's the Difference Between Serviced Apartments and Hotel Stays?

Travelers face numerous choices when planning a trip, and one important decision is where to stay. Gone are the days when a hotel was the only option. Nowadays, both leisure and business travelers have the choice to book a serviced apartment instead of a hotel. So what exactly is the difference between these two types of accommodations? Let's explore the key distinctions to help you make the right choice for your upcoming travel.

Living Space

Hotel rooms, especially in crowded cities like New York, can be quite small. While larger suites may be available, they often come at a premium price. On the other hand, serviced apartments offer a normal-sized studio, one, two, or three-bedroom apartment, typically providing 30-50% more space than a typical hotel room. This extra room allows you to work, relax, and live comfortably during your stay.

Kitchen

It's not common for a hotel room to include a kitchen, and even when they do, it's usually a small one that lacks cooking essentials. However, a serviced apartment is equipped with a full-sized, fully equipped kitchen. This enables you to prepare homemade meals and store food and beverages in the refrigerator. By opting for a serviced apartment, you can eat healthier and save money on dining out too!

Furniture and Equipment

While many hotel rooms provide only a bed and bath, serviced apartments come fully furnished with all the typical furniture you'd find in a home. They also come equipped with everything you need to work, cook, and live comfortably, from a desk to pots and pans to laundry baskets. Some serviced apartments even offer an in-unit washer/dryer, making laundry a breeze.

Typical Length of Stay

Hotels are primarily designed for shorter stays, except for extended-stay hotels. On the other hand, serviced apartments are specifically geared toward stays of a month or longer. Depending on local laws and regulations, shorter stays of a week or more may also be available. Trying to stay in a hotel for an extended period of time can be challenging, especially without a kitchen, convenient laundry facilities, or adequate space. Serviced apartments offer all the comforts and essentials of home, making them an ideal choice for longer stays.

Cost Differences

When considering the length of stay, the price differences between serviced apartments and hotels become apparent. Staying in a hotel for weeks on end can be exorbitantly expensive, especially when relying on dining out or room service. On the other hand, serviced apartments can help you save serious money, particularly for long-term stays. On average, rates for serviced apartments are 30-50% lower than those of typical hotels. Additionally, depending on your expected length of stay and the municipality, staying in a serviced apartment for an extended period may also lead to tax savings.

Amenities

The amenities provided at hotels and serviced apartments can vary. Hotels often offer amenities such as room service, a mini bar, an on-site restaurant and/or bar, a spa, and continental breakfast. On the other hand, serviced apartments may come with amenities like a pool, fitness center, terrace, roof deck, attended lobby, laundry facilities, and resident lounges. Many serviced apartments are also pet-friendly. Additionally, WiFi is almost always included in the cost of a serviced apartment, while hotels may still charge extra for it.

Typical Locations

Hotels tend to be located in centralized and convenient areas, such as near major attractions or airports. On the contrary, serviced apartments can be found in nearly any residential area within a city. They can also be found almost anywhere in the world where there are apartments, providing travelers with a wide range of options when it comes to location.

In conclusion, when deciding between a serviced apartment and a hotel stay, consider factors like living space, kitchen facilities, furniture and equipment, length of stay, cost differences, amenities, and typical locations. By keeping these differences in mind, you can make an informed decision that suits your preferences and needs for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Serviced apartments offer more living space compared to traditional hotel rooms.

Serviced apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own meals.

Serviced apartments are fully furnished with all the necessary furniture and equipment.

Serviced apartments offer a range of amenities, including pools, fitness centers, and laundry facilities.

Serviced apartments can be found in various residential areas within cities, providing more location options.