There are many differences between apartments and serviced apartments. Both of these types of accommodations offer a certain degree of independence and flexibility to their guests, but which one has the clear lead in the battle of the cities? This is one of the biggest questions that apartment seekers frequently ponder, and this particular quandary is especially important for persons moving from a traditional hotel to an apartment. The simple fact of the matter is that both serviced apartments and hotels offer the essential features to make a nice rental experience, but with very different drawbacks that you should be aware of before booking a room. It is generally agreed (by most people who have been in either one) that serviced apartments are considerably more expensive than their less-professed cousins, but that is not to say that they are without value…at least relative to hotels, which tend to offer far less in the way of extra conveniences for their guests.
The primary difference between the two is that serviced apartments offer guests a certain amount of freedom and flexibility that is not necessarily offered by hotels. While some hotels do allow for a certain degree of privacy and personal space when it comes to guests, most do not, and thus, serviced apartments allow you (as a guest) the ability to enjoy your own private living space whenever you choose to do so. You will find that your room is fully stocked with the basic amenities that come with being a hotel guest: such as a telephone with voice mail, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, coffee pots, dishes, and so on. (The hotel will also probably provide a certain number of towels and other necessities upon request.)
Serviced apartments, however, go above and beyond to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. Because most apartments are in addition to a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, guests will usually be offered help in these areas when they need it, as well as full laundry services, in addition to a welcome drink and greeting. Because hotels generally do not offer these additional services, they may be more difficult to navigate and utilize. However, many people find these extra services to be invaluable, especially if they have young children or are traveling with elderly relatives or friends. If you are arranging your visit to a hotel before your trip, be sure to ask what services you may be eligible for and look for those that you may require the most.
Another important distinction between serviced apartments and hotels is that hotels typically provide parking services. In most cases, guests can access their parking spaces through the lobby of the hotel. Serviced apartments, on the other hand, are often provided free of charge through the apartment itself or via a special arrangement with a local hotel or serviced apartment provider. While this may seem like an extra expense to you at first glance, in the long run it could actually save you valuable time when you are trying to arrange transportation to the hotel.
The additional services and amenities provided by serviced apartments, on the other hand, are often at a premium in comparison to other types of accommodations. Amenities such as washer/dryer, cable television, and elevators are usually not included in hotels but are available in serviced apartments. Limited hot tubs and outdoor patio areas are also typically found in hotels but are often found only in high-end hotels. If you plan to have visitors visit your hotel room several times during the course of your trip, serviced apartments could be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more laid back environment with no additional amenities, then you may want to consider staying in a hotel.
While there are many similarities between serviced apartments and hotels, there are also some clear differences. One of the biggest differences is that serviced apartments are usually more affordable than hotels. This may be an option for you if you have limited funds to spend on accommodations. As you can see, the differences between apartments and hotels can be determined not only by your budget but by what you would prefer to do while you are staying.
