From London to Paris to Amsterdam to Dubai to Tokyo to Hong Kong to Singapore to New York, the best of the world can be experienced in the utmost comfort with the help of serviced accommodations. Accommodations that put guests first by providing high-quality living spaces that meet their basic needs are the hotels of the future, not the hotels of the past.
You’ve likely concluded that a serviced apartment is an excellent lodging option for today’s vacationers. Also, you should plan your next vacation around staying in one. There are a couple of points to consider before booking a hotel or other type of lodging while on the road. There are six things to look for before reserving an apartment, and they are as follows.
What Is A Serviced Apartment?
A serviced apartment is a type of fully furnished apartment that is available for short-term or long-term stays and includes amenities and services that are similar to those found in hotels. These apartments typically have a separate living area, kitchen, bedroom(s), and bathroom(s), and are designed to provide a more home-like experience than a traditional hotel room.
Some of the amenities and services that are typically included in a serviced apartment may include housekeeping, linen and towel changes, Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, fitness centres, and 24-hour security. Serviced apartments may also offer additional services, such as grocery delivery, concierge services, and transportation.
Serviced apartments are often used by business travellers who are looking for a more comfortable and convenient alternative to a hotel room, as well as by families and individuals who are travelling for leisure and want the flexibility and space of a home-like environment.
What Should I Look For In A Serviced Apartment?
When looking for a serviced apartment, there are several factors you should consider to ensure that the apartment meets your needs and preferences. Here are some things to look for:
1. Location:
Location is an important factor to consider when looking for a serviced apartment. You want to choose an apartment that is located in a convenient and safe area, close to the places you need to go and the activities you plan to do. Here are some things to consider when evaluating the location:
- Proximity to transportation: Look for apartments that are located near public transportation, such as train or subway stations, bus stops, or taxi stands. This will make it easier for you to get around the city and to your destination.
- Proximity to amenities: Consider the proximity of the apartment to amenities such as restaurants, grocery stores, shopping centres, and entertainment venues. Having these amenities nearby will make you stay more convenient and enjoyable.
- Safety: Ensure that the location of the apartment is safe, with low crime rates and good lighting in the surrounding area.
- Noise levels: Consider the noise levels in the area, especially if you are sensitive to noise. Avoid apartments located on busy streets or near noisy venues like bars and nightclubs.
By considering these factors, you can find a serviced apartment that is located in a convenient and safe area, making your stay more enjoyable and stress-free.
2. Size And Layout:
When looking for a serviced apartment, it’s important to consider the size and layout of the apartment. Here are some factors to consider:
- The number of bedrooms and bathrooms: Consider how many people will be staying in the apartment and how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. If you’re travelling with family or a group, you may need more bedrooms and bathrooms for privacy and convenience.
- Living space: Consider the living space and whether it’s suitable for your needs. Does it have enough seating, storage, and lighting? Is the layout functional for your activities?
- Kitchen: If you plan to cook or prepare meals during your stay, consider the kitchen facilities. Is the kitchen fully equipped with the appliances and utensils you need?
- Storage: Consider the amount of storage space available for your belongings. Is there enough closet space, drawers, and shelves for your clothes and other items?
- Accessibility: Consider whether the apartment is accessible for people with mobility issues. Are there stairs or elevators? Is the bathroom equipped with grab bars and other accessibility features?
By considering these factors, you can find a serviced apartment that has the right size and layout for your needs, ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
3. Amenities:
Amenities are an important factor to consider when looking for a serviced apartment. Here are some amenities to consider:
- Wi-Fi: Check if the apartment has reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. This is particularly important if you need to work or stay connected during your stay.
- Kitchen facilities: Check if the apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, including a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and utensils. This is particularly important if you plan to cook or prepare meals during your stay.
- Housekeeping: Check if the apartment offers regular housekeeping services. This includes cleaning the apartment, changing linens and towels, and replenishing toiletries.
- Laundry facilities: Check if the apartment has laundry facilities, such as a washer and dryer, or if there is a laundry service available.
- Fitness centre: Check if the apartment has a fitness centre or gym on the premises. This is particularly important if you need to maintain your exercise routine during your stay.
- 24-hour security: Check if the apartment has 24-hour security or a secure entrance. This is particularly important if you are staying in an unfamiliar area or if you have valuable belongings with you.
- Parking: Check if the apartment has parking facilities, particularly if you plan to rent a car during your stay.
By considering these amenities, you can find a serviced apartment that meets your needs and provides a comfortable and convenient stay.
4. Housekeeping And Maintenance:
When looking for a serviced apartment, it’s important to consider the housekeeping and maintenance services offered. Here are some factors to consider:
- Housekeeping: Check if the apartment offers regular housekeeping services. This includes cleaning the apartment, changing linens and towels, and replenishing toiletries. Determine how often housekeeping is provided and if it is included in the rental price.
- Maintenance: Check if the apartment offers maintenance services, including repairs and maintenance of appliances, fixtures, and utilities. Determine if there is a contact person or maintenance staff available in case of any issues.
- Response time: Determine how quickly the apartment management responds to maintenance requests or complaints. Ideally, the apartment management should respond promptly and efficiently to any issues that arise during your stay.
- Cleaning supplies: Check if the apartment provides cleaning supplies such as brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners. This is particularly important if you plan to stay for an extended period and need to keep the apartment clean and tidy.
- Policies: Check the apartment’s policies regarding housekeeping and maintenance. Determine if there are any additional fees for housekeeping or maintenance services and whether there are any restrictions or limitations on their use.
By considering these factors, you can find a serviced apartment that offers reliable housekeeping and maintenance services, ensuring that you have a comfortable and stress-free stay.
5. Reviews And Ratings:
When looking for a serviced apartment, it’s important to read reviews and ratings from previous guests to get an idea of their experiences. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating reviews and ratings:
- Overall rating: Check the overall rating of the apartment, and read the comments to understand what guests liked and disliked about their stay.
- Recent reviews: Read recent reviews to understand the current state of the apartment and its services. This will give you a better understanding of whether the apartment has improved or declined in quality.
- Specific feedback: Look for specific feedback about the apartment’s amenities, cleanliness, location, and customer service. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect during your stay.
- The number of reviews: Check the number of reviews the apartment has received. If there are only a few reviews, it may be difficult to get a good understanding of the apartment’s quality and services.
- Verified reviews: Look for reviews that are verified, as these reviews are more likely to be genuine and provide an accurate picture of the apartment.
By considering these factors, you can get a better understanding of the apartment’s quality and services, and make an informed decision when choosing a serviced apartment.
6. Price:
Price is an important factor to consider when looking for a serviced apartment. Here are some factors to consider:
- Budget: Determine your budget for the stay and look for serviced apartments that fit within that budget.
- Length of stay: Consider the length of your stay. Serviced apartments may offer discounts for longer stays, so it may be more cost-effective to stay in a serviced apartment for a longer period.
- Location: The location of the serviced apartment can affect the price. Serviced apartments in prime locations or tourist areas may be more expensive than those in less central locations.
- Season: Prices may vary depending on the season. During peak seasons, such as holidays or festivals, prices may be higher than during off-peak periods.
- Amenities and services: Consider the amenities and services included in the rental price. Some serviced apartments may include housekeeping, utilities, and Wi-Fi in the rental price, while others may charge extra for these services.
By considering these factors, you can find a serviced apartment that fits within your budget and offers good value for money. Be sure to compare prices and amenities of different serviced apartments to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
7. Cancellation Policy:
When looking for a serviced apartment, it’s important to consider the cancellation policy. Here are some factors to consider:
- Cancellation fees: Check if there are any cancellation fees or penalties. Some serviced apartments may charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your reservation within a certain period.
- Refunds: Determine if the apartment offers a refund if you need to cancel your reservation. Some serviced apartments may offer a partial or full refund if you cancel your reservation within a certain period.
- Flexibility: Check if the apartment has a flexible cancellation policy. This is particularly important if you’re unsure about your travel plans or if you may need to cancel or change your reservation.
- Notification period: Determine the minimum notice period required for cancelling a reservation. Some serviced apartments may require you to provide notice several days or weeks in advance to avoid cancellation fees.
- Force majeure clause: Check if the apartment’s cancellation policy includes a force majeure clause, which allows for cancellation or modification of reservations in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or political unrest.
By considering these factors, you can find a serviced apartment with a cancellation policy that fits your needs and provides flexibility in case of unexpected changes to your travel plans. Be sure to read the cancellation policy carefully and understand any fees or penalties that may apply in case of cancellation.
By considering these factors, you can find a serviced apartment that meets your needs and provides a comfortable and convenient home away from home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when looking for a serviced apartment, there are several important factors to consider. These include the location, size and layout, amenities, housekeeping and maintenance services, reviews and ratings, price, and cancellation policy.
By considering these factors, you can find a serviced apartment that meets your needs, preferences, and budget. It’s important to do your research and compare different options to find the serviced apartment that best fits your needs and provides a comfortable and stress-free stay.
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