What Is Serviced Accommodation? A Simple Guide

Serviced accommodations give you access to fully furnished properties for both short and long-term stays. They combine hotel-like services including cleaning, utilities, and Wi-Fi to make you feel at home.

These units have kitchens, living rooms, and private bedrooms that are excellent alternatives to standard hotel accommodations.

With remote work and traveling for business leading to longer stays, many people are now looking for spaces that support living, working, relaxation, and functionality. So, what is serviced accommodation? Stick with us to find out more!

What is Serviced Accommodation?: Core Features

Serviced accommodation provides essential features that distinguish it from regular hotels or short-term rental properties. The main differentiating feature is that it's a fully furnished living area that makes sure you are comfortable the moment you arrive.

As a guest, you'll benefit from full living rooms with all of the necessary items you need including furniture, appliances, bedding, and kitchenware. Serviced accommodations are also popular because they include housekeeping and maintenance services.

These accommodations offer routine cleaning services similar to hotel services and quick responses to any maintenance issues you have.

The majority of serviced accommodations feature full kitchens with stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, and cooking utensils.

By preparing your own meals, you can save money that would otherwise be spent on restaurants. You'll have the freedom to eat foods that suit your personal tastes or dietary requirements.

With serviced accommodations, the rental price will generally cover both utility bills and Wi-Fi making it extra convenient. During your stay, you can rest assured that you won't be responsible for setting up or paying for utilities.

Types of Serviced Accommodation

Apartments

Apartments are one of the most popular types of serviced accommodation options. The units inside residential buildings come fully furnished and provide the comforts of home including kitchens, living rooms, and separate bedrooms.

If you're looking for privacy and an independent living arrangement, you will find apartments to be perfect accommodations.

Aparthotels

Aparthotels provide hotel amenities and apartment-style living convenience. During your stay, you'll receive hotel-like amenities including reception areas, daily housekeeping, and on-site gyms and restaurants.

Professionals traveling for business and tourists who are looking for the convenience of an apartment find this accommodation appealing.

Corporate housing

Professionals traveling on business for long-term assignments use corporate housing which is built to their specific needs.

These housing units operate in business districts and feature high-end furnishings, work areas, convenient transportation, and corporate amenities. Specialised providers who understand corporate client needs are typically in charge of corporate housing.

Short-term rentals

Short-term rentals provide the most options for the time of your stay and style of accommodation. With short-term rentals, you can choose to rent studio flats or big homes that allow you to stay anywhere from a couple of days to multiple months.

The types of services offered at short-term rentals differ because some properties are professionally managed, while others are privately owned.

Travelers on holiday, families who are relocating, and people who are looking for temporary accommodations find short-term rentals a reliable option.

What is Serviced Accommodation?: Key Benefits

The variety of benefits provided by serviced accommodations makes it a popular choice among different traveling groups. Its ability to provide flexible and convenient options is one of its greatest benefits.

As a traveler, you'll have the option to book trips that span from short visits to several months with accommodations that meet both your professional and personal needs.

Since these accommodations have kitchens, laundry facilities, and living areas, they'll help you keep your routine and feel more relaxed.

One significant advantage of this setup is its cost-saving potential when you stay for long periods. Serviced accommodations provide discounted rates for longer stays as opposed to hotels that can become more costly over time.

Another benefit is having a kitchen that will give you the opportunity to cook your own meals. This can help you avoid high costs associated with eating out.

Budgeting with serviced accommodations will be easier since utilities, internet services, and other necessities are included in the rental price.

As a guest, you'll also benefit from more room space and increased privacy when staying in serviced accommodation compared to typical hotel rooms. You'll have separate areas dedicated to sleeping, working, and relaxing instead of staying in a single room.

Families and remote workers benefit the most from this service because it provides a home-like feel when they are away from their usual residence.

Serviced accommodations provide flexible housing solutions that meet the different needs of people visiting briefly or staying for extended business projects.

With these accommodations, you won't be required to commit to leases or deal with hotel constraints.

How Serviced Accommodation Differs from Other Lodging Options

The main difference between serviced accommodations and hotels include differences in room size, available facilities, and overall price. Hotels provide guests with only one room, while serviced apartments feature multiple furnished rooms and essential facilities.

Long-term stays are more enjoyable and self-sufficient through this living arrangement. Over extended periods, hotels are more costly. However, serviced accommodations have better pricing through bundled services.

Serviced accommodation is also different from Airbnb and similar to short-term rental services. Airbnb features numerous properties across various price ranges, but the quality and service level depends on who manages the property.

Who Should Consider Serviced Accommodation?

Serviced accommodations are best for professionals traveling on business that need temporary housing during professional engagements. They provide professionals who attend conferences or manage projects across cities with productive private spaces for work.

These accommodations offer high-speed internet access and dedicated workspaces near business centers to provide a work-friendly environment. Both professionals who are relocating and entire families benefit the most from using serviced accommodations.

When people move to a new city or country, they typically face a temporary amount of time where they do not have permanent housing.

Serviced accommodations deliver complete living arrangements so you can move in right away without having to commit to long-term leases. The availability of full kitchens and home-like amenities will give you a stable place to stay as you explore new areas.

Serviced accommodations will allow you to prepare your own meals, experience local living, and will give you the extra space you need to be comfortable.

Families and groups find this option very appealing because it give you financial advantages over booking multiple hotel rooms.

How to Book Serviced Accommodation

The availability of many online platforms and agencies makes booking serviced accommodations today easier than ever. As a traveler, you can search for properties, compare different amenities, and check availability before booking.

Many popular platforms focus on travelers who are on business trips and long-term stays. However, other platforms provide both corporate and vacation options.

Relocation experts and travel management firms can help you locate serviced accommodations that match your specific needs.

Booking your accommodations requires careful planning of several elements to achieve a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Being close to public transportation systems, business districts, tourist attractions, and schools is one of the most important factors that will influence your decision when booking.

It is recommended to assess which services are part of the package including housekeeping frequency, parking access, laundry facilities, security measures, and whether utilities and Wi-Fi are included in the cost.

You can check the reviews of previous guests to read useful information about the provider's reliability and quality of accommodations.

It's important to ask several questions before finalising your reservation. You should verify if you can change your stay if plans change and ask if there are hidden costs. Hidden costs can include cleaning fees or deposits.

Additionally, you should ask about how often cleaning services occur, what kitchen appliances are provided, and if on-site maintenance support exists.

When traveling for work purposes, ask about available workspaces, Wi-Fi speed, and the distance to nearby business centers.

If you're planning a long-term stay or traveling with your family, you should also ask about how close you'll be to supermarkets, schools, and parks.

What is Serviced Accommodation?: FAQs

1. What is serviced accommodation?

Serviced accommodation is a fully furnished property that you can rent for both short and long-term stays. The property provides housekeeping services, Wi-Fi, and some included utility bills.

2. How are serviced accommodations different from a hotel?

Serviced accommodations will give you more space than hotels by offering living rooms, dining areas, and separate bedrooms. Having full kitchens and laundry facilities makes serviced accommodations perfect for long-term stays.

3. Who typically uses serviced accommodation?

Professionals traveling on business, people moving to new locations, families on vacation, and contractors usually choose serviced accommodation. This is because it gives more flexible housing solutions.

4. Are serviced accommodations only for long-term stays?

No. Serviced accommodations offer affordable long-term stays, but are still available for short-term visits.

5. What services are usually included with serviced accommodations?

Standard services usually consist of cleaning services, Wi-Fi access, utility bills, and customer support. Additional amenities such as gym access, concierge services, and parking facilities are available at certain properties.