7 Essential Features To Look For In Serviced Apartments

Over the last decade or so, serviced apartments have become a popular choice for those looking for a place to stay on both a short-term and long-term basis.

Offering the convenience of home with hotel-like services, they are ideal for people travelling for business and leisure and those needing a living arrangement best suited to their specific lifestyle needs.

Unfortunately, not all serviced apartments are created equal. For this reason, it is important that you find one that meets your non-negotiables.

Here is what to look for when sounding one out.

What is a Serviced Apartment?

Essentially, a serviced apartment is a form of accommodation that comes fully furnished and offers hotel-style amenities designed to give you more space, privacy, and flexibility.

Typically, they are situated in residential-style buildings, sometimes in prime locations, such as a central business district.

At any given serviced apartment, you can expect to find separate bedrooms, private and sometimes ensuite bathrooms, fully equipped functional kitchens, dedicated workspaces, and other distinct living spaces.

They are designed to feel like a home away from home and can be rented for a night, a year, or longer.

1. Location and Accessibility

When buying or selling real estate, you have probably heard of the saying ‘location, location, location’. Well, the same is true of renting out serviced apartments.

Where they are based should play an integral role in deciding whether or not to stay in one. So, as appropriate, look for somewhere close to amenities like public transportation, airports or train stations (if required), tourist attractions, restaurants, shops, and even your office.

Additionally, accessibility is another important factor. Many serviced apartments are in multi-level buildings that involve taking lifts to very high levels, which may not be to some people’s liking.

Moreover, if you are living with a disability, both the location and accessibility of a serviced apartment could be problematic for you. In such cases, you might be better off choosing an accommodation provider like SDA homes in Sydney by United For Care, which may better cater to your individual needs.

2. Fully Equipped Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of any home, and this is just as true in serviced apartments, which always allow you to prepare your own meals.

If you fancy yourself a bit like Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver, look for a kitchen with all the necessary appliances, such as a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and cooking utensils.

This setup will allow you to create culinary masterpieces and save money on dining out.

3. Spacious Living Areas

We all need a bit of space to swing the proverbial cat, as it were, and serviced apartments tend to provide this much more than hotels.

If you intend to stay in one for an extended period of time its commodiousness can make a big difference to you.

Therefore, try to find one that has separate areas for dining, working, and relaxing, as this will enable you to create the sense of comfort and homeliness you are after. Here are some nice design tips you should look out for.

4. Housekeeping Services

One major perk of serviced apartments is that they offer a suite of housekeeping services, which hotels tend not to offer.

Usually, this covers daily or regular cleaning and maintenance as required. However, it can also include meal preparation, laundry services and emergency assistance.

When picking out a potential serviced apartment, make sure you fully utilize all the amenities it offers.

5. 24/7 Security and Support

If you decide to stay in a serviced apartment, you will want to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you will be safe and supported.

Subsequently, check to see if it offers 24/7 security in the form of CCTV monitoring and secure entry systems.

While it is not as essential, some properties also have a front desk manager or concierge service available around the clock, which can provide you with assistance whenever you need it.

6. On-Site Amenities

One of the main drawcards of serviced apartments is that they tend to offer a wide range of amenities beyond accommodation.

These will vary depending on the provider, but they can include a gym, swimming pool, or bar, which can allow you to relax or socialise without leaving the building.

7. Flexible Lease Terms and Cost Transparency

As mentioned, some serviced apartments offer more flexible rental options than others. Some can be rented out for a night, while others offer longer-term possibilities of at least a year.

Corporate Keys furnished apartments, for example, provide flexible lease terms, catering to both short term and extended stays. Whether you need accommodation for a few nights or several months, Corporate Keys offers tailored rental options to suit your specific requirements.

Therefore, depending on your needs, you should find a serviced apartment that offers lease terms that suit your particular situation. You don’t want to commit to terms that require you to stay longer than you absolutely need to.

Additionally, it is essential to know exactly what services, utilities, and costs are included in the overall pricing structure. The last thing you want is to incur hidden costs that far exceed what you were expecting to pay.