What Is a Serviced Apartment?
Are you looking for somewhere to stay while away on business? Or would you prefer to avoid busy hotel spaces and have your own space to relax while on vacation? Serviced apartments might be the answer for you.
A popular choice of accommodation for many years in the UK, both for business and pleasure, serviced apartments are affordable, provide you flexibility and the space to do what you like. Many now opt for a serviced apartment over hotels and hostels as they provide just as much luxury (and many more benefits).
What Are Serviced Apartments?
A serviced apartment offers the best of both worlds; it is a fully furnished accommodation option with apartment-like facilities, yet also offering several services that you might find in a hotel and for a fraction of the price. When starting up in business, if you need to travel, a serviced apartment can be an ideal option. If you have received funding for your business for example, you may only need to use around £200 to stay in a serviced apartment elsewhere in the country for a couple of days.
Serviced apartments typically offer a bedroom, a fully-equipped kitchen area, living space and bathroom facilities.
The majority of serviced apartments also come with parking, free internet access, a TV, utilities (such as a washing machine and dryer) as well as bed linen and towels. Many are also fitted with desks and/or a dedicated work space, especially designed for people looking to work while travelling.
Depending on the serviced apartment that you choose, you may also have access to higher level services including on-site gyms, a swimming pool, restaurants and even meeting rooms. What’s not to love? Serviced apartments truly offer everything a hotel does – and more!
How Do Serviced Apartments Work?
Serviced apartments work just like hotels – but provide you with privacy, extra comfort and more space. You can find many serviced apartments available online nowadays, where you can easily book a home away from home in just one simple click.
When you arrive at many serviced apartments, you will be greeted by a staff member in the same way you would as a hotel. However, serviced apartments do not operate on strict operating hours – meaning they offer you more overall flexibility than a hotel would.
What Are the Advantages of a Serviced Apartment?
There are many advantages to staying in a serviced apartment that make it a great option for anyone travelling as well as for those who are able to budget effectively when it comes to accommodation. Below, find some of the many benefits to choosing a serviced apartment next time you travel.
Flexibility
One of the greatest benefits to serviced apartments is flexibility. You can enjoy the facilities and amenities that you would get in any hotel but on your own terms. Without the formality of a hotel, you still have access to everything you need in a serviced apartment. However, you will have the added benefit of doing everything at your own pace, on your own terms at any time of day.
Affordability
Serviced apartments have all your home comforts as well as the amenities you’d find in a good hotel, just without the big price tag! Whether you’re looking to stay on a short-term or long-term basis, renting a serviced apartment can work out as being extremely affordable and far more cost-effective than a hotel.
More Space
Generally speaking, serviced apartments offer far more space than a regular hotel room meaning that you can sprawl out and make yourself at home. Serviced apartments tend to be twice the size of the average hotel room meaning that you have greater comfort, privacy and space.
Having more space might also be great if you’re a family with children. You won’t need to try and cram your pushchair, baby cot nor your children’s toys and items into a small hotel room. A serviced apartment is a great size for everyone, from couples, solo travellers to families with young kids.
Convenience
Serviced apartments also tend to offer a greater level of convenience than hotels. You are not restricted by strict operating hours, have the option to cook for yourself when and how you like as well as the choice to visit a nearby local restaurant.
When travelling, convenience is always key. Serviced apartments offer convenience in many ways.
Safety
Serviced apartments are also private and located in self-contained estates which are set back from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Not only that, but serviced apartments also have safety and security measures in place that you would not get with a hotel.
For instance, many serviced apartments will have 24-hour CCTV, secure entries, safe parking lots as well as staff operating the premises all hours of the day. Therefore, making serviced apartments a great option for everyone – particularly solo travellers, families and tourists who may not be too familiar with the area.
Prime Location
Serviced apartments tend to be set up in prime locations meaning that you should have easy access to shops, restaurants and other amenities. If you are visiting a new city, it is likely that your serviced apartment will be well-located for you to visit any key attractions of the area.
Being located near great transport links is key for many tourists, and most serviced apartments provide this as well as free, on-site safe parking.
Family-Friendly
Serviced apartments are also family-friendly. Unlike many hotels, you won’t need to worry about the noise from outside or even next door. Serviced apartments are private, quiet and provide families with the space to allow their children to play in a safe environment.
Is a Serviced Apartment Worth It?
A serviced apartment is definitely worth it if you’re looking to save money, have your own space, and potentially work while travelling. More and more people nowadays are looking for flexibility, comfort and affordability – all of which a serviced apartment can offer.
