Every year more people are discovering the advantages of serviced accommodations when they travel for business or pleasure. But what exactly is serviced accommodation and what are the benefits of this travel option? In the guide below we’ll address both questions and more.
First Things First: What is Service Accommodation?
A serviced accommodation – also referred to as a serviced apartment – is a furnished apartment the owner has made available for short or long-term stays. When you rent a serviced accommodation you not only get the apartment you also have access to a variety of amenities that can make the whole experience seem like a home away from home.
With a serviced apartment you choose how long you stay. While some owners will impose a 3-night minimum stay there is a large percentage who will allow stays as short as 1 night.
The Difference Between a Service Accommodation and a Hotel
While they share some similarities there are also some significant differences between a hotel and a serviced apartment including:
- The amount of space: The typical serviced apartment is larger than comparably priced hotel rooms. Sometimes significantly larger.
- Facilities: Serviced apartments typically provide access to a wide variety of services such as laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchens and more.
- A less stressful environment: Most serviced apartments are in buildings that are smaller than hotels and have fewer people coming and going. They’re more like apartment buildings. High-end apartment buildings.
- The price: As we said you will typically get more space for your money with a serviced accommodation than you will with a hotel room.
People who choose serviced accommodations typically do so because they want the extra space, the ability to cook their own meals, the quieter environment and the more attractive price.
What is Included with the Average Serviced Apartment?
Exactly what is included will change slightly from property to property. For example: some properties will offer concierge services while others will not. As a general rule, a serviced apartment will offer most or all of the following:
- A fully furnished apartment.
- Separate living, sleeping and dining areas.
- A full kitchen including stove, oven, full-sized fridge, microwave, dishwasher and more.
- Your choice of minimal or premium housekeeping services.
- Free broadband wi-fi.
- Cost of utilities such as water, gas and electricity included.
- A wide variety of cable, satellite and streaming TV services.
- Round-the-clock security that may include on-site security guards.
- A gym or health club, with or without a swimming pool.
- Concierge services.
- Grocery delivery.
- Restaurants and cafes.
Who Typically Stays in Service Accommodation?
Serviced apartments can be rented by anyone and have become increasingly popular with an increasingly diverse clientele, including:
Business travellers: Business travellers often find the more laid-back and spacious accommodation of a serviced apartment to be exactly what they need to wind down after a stressful day of work on the road. They can enjoy all the space of home with all the convenience of hotel-style amenities.
Tourists: Every year more tourists catch on to the benefits of serviced accommodations and are opting for them instead of hotels. Travelling can be extremely stressful, especially if travelling with children and a serviced apartment is a great way to lower the stress level a bit by giving everyone more room and the occasional home-cooked meal.
Digital nomads: Serviced apartments are an increasingly popular choice for digital nomads who are often in a city for an extended period of time and need somewhere they can stretch out and relax without having to pay hotel-like prices.
People locating to new cities: People relocating to a new city sometimes arrive before their permanent accommodations are ready. To tide them over they will frequently stay in a serviced apartment as it’s less stressful and cheaper than a hotel.
Medical tourists: Sometimes people need to travel to find the medical treatment or procedure they need. But coming to a city like London and staying in a hotel while undergoing medical treatments can be extremely expensive and just add another layer of stress to the experience. Serviced accommodations are a more laid-back option.
Conclusion
Serviced accommodations are a common sense alternative to hotel rooms with the added benefits of being cheaper, bigger and less stressful. Next time you plan on coming to London contact Luxury Serviced Apartments and learn more about this type of leading-edge accommodation.
