What Are Serviced Apartments: Everything You Need to Know
- Sep 23, 2019
Have you ever considered a luxury rental apartment for your next trip? Not a home rented through an app or an apartment with a lease, but a short-term furnished rental apartment. Serviced apartments are the perfect option for travelers, but it’s often difficult to find introductory information on the topic.
While serviced apartments go by many different names, the benefits and services remain the same across the globe. See why so many people value serviced apartments and how to find the perfect one.
All About Serviced Apartments
The term “serviced apartment” is often used to describe what is more commonly called “corporate housing” in the United States. This type of living space is a fully furnished apartment with a kitchen, a separate , and other useful amenities.
Serviced apartments are unique because they offer guests a full-service solution with all they need to be comfortable while away from home. Most serviced apartment locations offer temporary booking, with the average guest staying around 30 days.
The Main Differences Between Hotels and Serviced Apartments
Don’t confuse a serviced apartment with a hotel. There are two significant differences between the two.
1. Size of Living Space: Hotel accommodations often feel cramped, with one room serving as the office, bedroom, living room, and closet all at once. Serviced furnished apartments are spacious with separate rooms.
2. Amenities:Hotels usually offer few amenities to guests, whereas a serviced apartment offers many.
Living Space at 77 Commercial Street, Brooklyn, NY
The Features and Amenities of Serviced Apartments
The amenities serviced apartments offer make them the most attractive option for travelers and short-term residents. These seven key features and amenities set serviced apartments far above other lodging options.
1. Fully Furnished Living Spaces
When we say fully furnished, we mean it! Our serviced apartments have comfortable beds fitted with plush linens and pillows, chairs, couches, dressers, and tables. Every apartment is expertly designed by our in-house design team so you can live comfortably and feel right at home.
2. Fully Equipped Kitchens
Perhaps the best benefit of a serviced apartment is the fully equipped kitchen. The units have the tools you need to prepare and enjoy home-cooked meals. Each kitchen has a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and a selection of equipment, such as pots, pans, glasses, and utensils.
3. Housekeeping Services
At a serviced apartment, your comfort is the top priority. Most offer regular housekeeping services at an additional cost, which may involve replacing used linens with clean, fresh ones and replacing essential toiletries.
4. Laundry Facilities
Many serviced apartments have private laundry facilities in the apartments. Some may provide access to a communal laundry room in the building. Instead of wasting time and money searching for a local dry cleaner or laundromat, you can wash your clothes at your apartment while relaxing or handling other tasks.
5. High-Speed Internet and Entertainment Options
Entertainment options significantly affect how much you can enjoy your stay at a serviced apartment. Many service providers go above and beyond to provide top-of-the-line wireless internet access, along with entertainment systems that include a television, streaming services, and/or various channels of live programming.
6. Concierge and 24/7 Guest Service
Experienced employees and Furnished Quarters’ 24/7 guest service team work extra hard to make your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible in serviced apartments. Helpful concierge services will help you find whatever you need, such as a local dog walker, vegan restaurant, or the best shopping centers nearby.
7. Located Within Walking Distance of Local Attractions and Businesses
Serviced apartments are usually in the center of the best neighborhoods. Guests can live in style while remaining within walking distance of local transportation services, businesses, restaurants, and parks.
Fully equipped kitchen & in-unit washer/dryer at 77 Commercial Street, Brooklyn, NY
Who Should Consider Staying in a Serviced Apartment?
In truth, serviced apartments are perfect for anyone and can fit many budgets. However, some situations can offer the most benefits with the ease and convenience of a serviced apartment.
1. Relocation
When moving to a new area, a serviced apartment is the perfect place to stay while searching for a new home or waiting for your rental to become available.
2. Renovations
Home renovations can take time and make living at home uncomfortable. Staying at a fully furnished apartment gives you the comforts of home without the noise and dust that come with renovations.
3. Medical Stays
Medical procedures and recovery can take weeks or even months. Patients or their family members can stay at a serviced apartment near a medical facility and live comfortably for the duration of treatment.
4. Corporate Travel
Work can take you across the country. Stay in comfortable luxury at a serviced apartment where you won’t feel cramped and uncomfortable like you might at a hotel. Serviced apartments are also an ideal solution for Digital Nomads who enjoy exploring new cities every few months.
5. Leisure Travel
Serviced apartments are ideal options for vacationers who want to live like a true local. You can come back to a fully furnished apartment after a day of sightseeing and adventuring.
Primary Bedroom at 77 Commercial Street, Brooklyn, NY
Cost Comparison: Serviced Apartments vs. Hotels
When deciding between staying at a hotel or a serviced apartment, there are some details to keep in mind. Hotels usually charge per night, whereas serviced apartments will have options to book in weekly and monthly increments. Hotels are often the most cost-effective option when you only plan on staying for a few days, while serviced apartments are more cost-effective long-term solutions.
Hotels also often charge extra for parking, resort fees, and minibar items, while serviced apartments generally include all the amenities in one simple price.
What’s more, serviced apartments can offer other significant cost savings. Furnished Quarters, for example, offers serviced apartments with rates that average 30 to 50 percent less than typical hotels. Additional savings come into play because guests at serviced apartments can opt to cook food in their own kitchen rather than having to eat out for every meal.
Tips for Finding the Right Serviced Apartment
Finding the right serviced apartment depends on your needs. When trying to find the perfect place to stay, consider these questions:
- What area would you like to stay in? Find an apartment near what matters most to you. Research local parks, businesses, or transportation hubs.
- What amenities are important to you? You need somewhere with meaningful amenities, such as a fitness center, high-speed internet, or laundry facilities.
- Is the location pet-friendly? If you plan on bringing Fido along, ensure the apartment has appropriate accommodations. At Furnished Quarters, pets are welcome, so you never have to travel alone!
- Does the location have adequate security? Safety is important—choose somewhere with secure door locks and security personnel.
Popular Destinations for Serviced Apartment Stays
Some of the country’s most popular serviced apartments are in bustling cities full of excitement. If you need a serviced apartment somewhere new, these are four of our favorite travel destinations.
- New York City: Come here for the bustling industry, world-renowned sights, and some of the best restaurants and bars
- Boston: Visit if you love a thriving downtown scene, historical museums, and picturesque water views.
- San Francisco: Explore iconic landmarks and a vibrant downtown community, and enjoy gorgeous views of the bay.
- Cambridge: Visit some of the country’s most well-known college campuses and museums while sampling classic New England foods.
A Home Away From Home: Choose a Furnished Quarters Apartment
Serviced apartments allow you to experience the comforts and conveniences of home even when you find yourself in a new city. They are the perfect short-term solution when you need some extra room and the best amenities at your fingertips.
Furnished Quarters can fulfill the needs of any domestic or corporate international visitor needing a serviced apartment. We offer stylishly designed and fully equipped temporary furnished apartments nationally and globally, with access to over 100,000 apartments worldwide. Furnished Quarters is a head above the rest, thanks to 24/7 guest services, upscale furniture and design, and locations in all the places you want to be.
Explore everything Furnished Quarters has to offer and book the perfect serviced apartment the next time you travel.