What Is Serviced Accommodation?
Serviced accommodation refers to fully furnished properties which are available for both short or long term let. This type of accommodation may also offer facilities similar to those offered by hotels. With the added bonus of private cooking facilities, sometimes a kitchenette but sometimes a full-size kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine. Larger living/sleeping areas than most standard rooms, and often having access to gyms, restaurants, meeting space, concierges and other hotel-like services.
What you should expect from a serviced apartment?
- A fully equipped kitchen, usually with both dishwasher and washer/dryer
- One or more separate bedrooms, or in studio apartments, a designated sleeping area
- A living area
- A bathroom
- TV, Wi-Fi and the latest in-room technology
- All utilities included i.e. water & electricity
- A weekly housekeeping service
You may find serviced apartments across a number of sub headings
Serviced Apartment
Self-contained apartments normally within a residential building. There may or may not be staff on site, so the operator may arrange to meet guests on arrival or make keys available via a safety deposit box. Some may even offer keyless entry access via smartphones or other technology. And guests will have access to a 24-hour helpline.
Aparthotel
Serviced apartments within a dedicated building, offering hotel-like services with a 24-hour reception. These may also offer additional facilities like a communal lounge or an on-site gym. Some operators call their apartments ‘suites’ within an aparthotel.
Corporate Housing
A furnished apartment, condominium or house made available for rent or lease on a temporary basis, usually for 30 days or more. The corporate travel world has long seen the advantage of this kind of accommodation for executives on longer business trips or during relocations, as they allow the traveller a more ‘normal’ way of life outside hotels, with the chance to cook, relax and plan their time away from hotel operating hours.
This form of investment can be very profitable, but does require effecient systems. Have you invested or used this type of service?