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

Travelers face many choices when they take a trip, and one of them is what kind of accommodations to book. Gone are the days when a hotel was the only option. These days, leisure and business travelers on an extended trip can choose to stay in a serviced apartment instead of a hotel.

The primary difference between hotels and serviced apartments comes down to features and amenities. Hotels are designed for short-term stays, while serviced apartments are ideal for lengthier arrangements. Serviced apartments tend to be a more comfortable option for families, pets, and anyone who wants to cook or simply lounge about a homier space. Here are 7 more specific areas of differences between apartments and hotels.

1. Living Space Size and Accommodations

Hotel rooms, especially in cramped cities like New York, can be quite small. Large suites may be available, but they come at a premium. A serviced apartment, on the other hand, is a normal sized studio, one, two or three-bedroom apartment, on average offering 30-50% more space than a typical hotel room. You have much more room to work, relax, spread out and live.

Additionally, serviced apartments often include comfortable and functional furniture, space to work out, dine, entertain, and other lifestyle perks. There are many more ways to enjoy your space and feel at home.

2. Kitchen Function and Supplies

It isn’t common for a hotel room to include a kitchen, and even if it does, it tends to be a small one that isn’t equipped with cooking essentials. A serviced apartment will include a full sized, fully equipped kitchen typically including appliances such as a stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, and quality cookware and utensils – enabling you to prepare homemade meals and store food and beverages in the refrigerator. You can eat healthier and save money on dining out, too!

3. Furniture and Equipment 

Many hotel rooms provide little more than a bed and a bath; a dresser, wardrobe, desk or small couch may be included if you’re lucky. Serviced apartments are fully furnished with all the typical furniture you’d find in a home. They’re also fully equipped with everything you need to work, cook and live, from a desk to pots and pans to laundry baskets. Speaking of laundry baskets: many serviced apartments even have an in-unit washer/dryer. If there is anything additional you’re looking for, 24/7 guest service can help you find what you’re looking for.

4. Typical Length of Stay

With the exception of extended-stay hotels, most hotels are meant for shorter stays. A serviced apartment is geared toward stays of a month or longer. Depending on local laws and regulations, shorter stays of a week or more may be available. It’s difficult to stay in a hotel for an extended period of time, especially without a kitchen, convenient laundry facilities or adequate space. Serviced apartments offer all the comforts and necessities of home. Because you’ll have what you need to feel comfortable, staying longer will feel natural—you may not want to ever leave!

5. Cost Differences

Price differences between serviced apartments and hotels emerge when length of stay is taken into account. Staying in a hotel for weeks on end can be exorbitantly expensive, especially with the reliance on dining out or room service rather than preparing your own meals. A serviced apartment will save you some serious bucks compared to the alternative, particularly on long-term stays. On average, serviced apartment rates are 30-50% less than typical hotels.

You may also benefit from tax savings by staying in a serviced apartment for an extended period of time. This can vary widely, however, by municipality and your expected length of stay.

6. Included Amenities

The amenities provided at hotels and serviced apartments can vary. Amenities a hotel has that a serviced apartment may lack include room service, a mini bar, an on-site restaurant and/or bar, a spa and continental breakfast. Depending on the building, serviced apartments may come with amenities like a pool, fitness center, terrace, roof deck, attended lobby, laundry facilities and resident lounges. Many of them are pet-friendly, too! Lastly, WiFi is almost always included in the cost of a serviced apartment, while many hotels still charge extra for it. Instead of being one of many guests in a building, you will feel like the only guest.

7. Typical Locations

Hotels tend to be located in centralized and convenient areas, like near major attractions or airports, while serviced apartments can be located in nearly any residential area within a city. They can also be found nearly anywhere in the world where there are apartments.

If you believe a serviced apartment suits your needs, consider staying at an apartment with Furnished Quarters with amenities and services that will make you feel like you’re in your home away from home!

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