Benefits of Staying in a Serviced Apartment

Overview: History of Serviced Apartments

If you travel locally or abroad for a long or short stay, there are more options nowadays. Gone are the days when you could only book a hotel which turned out to be a very costly option, especially for long stays spanning weeks. The early 1980s ushered in the concept of service apartments. The US led the pack with serviced apartments traditionally for persons on business trips over extended periods.

Serviced Apartments Today and Airbnbs

Today, serviced apartments can be rented out by anyone including those who want the convenience of moving when they want without worrying about belongings like appliances and furniture. Today's serviced apartments have also evolved from just offering furnished accommodation to providing many other services and amenities.

There are other options like Airbnb that connect people looking for accommodation with those willing to rent out their space or property for long and short stays. Airbnb's tend to be homier and cheaper alternatives to hotels, however, they also have their cons. [2] Our focus here is on why you should consider serviced apartments over all the other competing options. Let's get right into it!

Six Top Benefits of Staying in a Serviced Apartment Rather Than a Hotel or Airbnb

We are delighted to note that a simple Google search of "Serviced Apartments in Maidstone" ranks St Andrews Apartments very highly for this search term, with many excellent reviews (as you can also find on this website) and we therefore are very proud to say that it's demonstrably true that we are indeed the premium supplier of serviced accommodation in the Maidstone area.

1. Unmatched Home Feeling

Let's face it! You don't get the home away from home feeling when staying in a hotel. While an Airbnb can offer that feeling, furnished apartments are better than Airbnb's in this regard since they are essentially meant to offer that upscale home feeling minus the hustle of getting your own furniture, appliances, and other amenities needed in a home.

Serviced apartments go over and above every other alternative to offer complete homely satisfaction. Unlike Airbnb's, you can expect to get everything from appliances to a fully stocked kitchen making it possible to cook meals like you would at home. There's also internet, in-room entertainment, and smaller details/additions like a hairdryer and more. Ideally, you can expect all the amenities of a home, just a notch higher.

2. Unparalleled Privacy

While hotel rooms are undeniably private, there are many shared spaces. In fact, hotels are essentially shared facilities once you are outside your room. Airbnb's can also be deemed private but not at the level of furnished apartments especially when you book part of a property as opposed to the entire property. With serviced apartments, you enjoy similar privacy levels to that of your home since you are typically renting the entire apartment.

3. Better Safety & Security

It's standard practice for serviced apartments and large hotels to be responsible for offering safety and security throughout your stay. The same isn't true for Airbnb's. In fact, safety and security guidelines will vary depending on factors like jurisdiction and hosts may have leeway to follow basic security guidelines.

Serviced apartments don't leave anything to chance. They follow safety and security guidelines similar to those of larger hotels making them safer. You can expect everything from hard-wired fire alarms to security lightings, secure perimeter walls, stringent entry/exit and parking procedures, emergency protections and protocols, and more. Such measures aren't likely to be in an Airbnb that's someone's spare room or a small hotel on the outskirts of a town.

4. Premium Offering. Consistent Quality

Serviced apartments also offer consistent quality. Before you find a good Airbnb, you may need some time to search, check photos, and read reviews before booking. Everyone who has stayed in several Airbnb's knows that quality isn't assured. It generally depends on the host.

However, for serviced apartments and hotels that offer services month in/out, over years, quality is part of business. In fact, serviced apartments and hotels that fail to maintain quality services run out of business very fast. You can expect the same level of cleanliness and room/cleaning services, among other services, will remain constant throughout your stay. What's more, serviced apartments are a dynamic alternative to hotels given the cost benefits discussed below.

5. Cost-effective but with More Comfort and Amenities than Hotels

As mentioned, hotels can get very costly over long stays. The same applies to Airbnb's which usually charge a daily rate. In this regard, you are better off renting a serviced apartment. They are more economical than hotels and Airbnb's because their rates are per unit (not daily) and considering they include amenities, housekeeping, utilities, service charges, and more! The extra amenities and services also mean you'll enjoy a more comfortable stay.

In fact, you just need to carry your clothes and gadgets to a serviced apartment, but you'll still enjoy the level of comfort of a home, if not higher. Serviced apartments come with additional services and everyday comforts of a hotel stay in a home environment but with lower cost. 

6. Accountability & Assistance Throughout Your Stay

Lastly, you can expect more accountability from hotels and serviced apartments than Airbnb's. This is usually the case since it's easier for Airbnb hosts to close/reopen their accounts than it is for a hotel or serviced apartment owner to close, reopen, and rebrand due to bad reviews. Serviced apartments and hotels require more investment making owners more invested in making their businesses work.

The ongoing reputation risk for serviced apartment owners warrants more accountability for poor service. You can therefore expect to have reported problems resolved in record time. The same can't be said with Airbnb's as property owners are hardly on site or nearby to offer the kind of responsiveness required for a comfortable stay. There's also less incentive to do so.

In Summary

Research suggests that Airbnb's have been a favorite type of accommodation for many travelers due to obvious pros over hotels, the most notable being the unique personal experiences and value for money. [5] However, serviced apartments generally stand out for persons interested in longer stays that are more comfortable and home-like without being as expensive as hotels or offering cons linked to privacy, safety and quality.

While serviced apartments may seem more expensive at first glance when compared to renting typical apartments, they come fully furnished and with amenities that rival high-end hotels. Let's not even mention the convenience of a luxurious home away from home minus the regular cleaning among other tedious tasks you are bound to do in your own home.