What’s Included in a Serviced Apartment?
Serviced apartments provide a home away from home for travelers. A place where you can easily maintain daily routines when abroad.
There’s more to a residence than a bed, a couch to watch TV, and someone to check you in or out. Read on to learn how serviced apartments can elevate your accommodation experience.
Fully Furnished Spaces
When travelers enter a serviced apartment, it’s more than just a room. It’s a fully furnished private escape.
Living room sofas invite you to relax, and a well-appointed dining table sets the stage for shared meals and memorable conversations. The space echos the warmth of home, creating a place where travelers feel more than welcome — they feel comfort.
Kitchen Essentials
A standout feature of serviced apartments is a fully equipped kitchen. Unlike hotels, serviced apartments provide travelers with essential kitchen items. This includes crockery, cutlery, glassware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, and essential appliances. The kitchen inclusions will differ depending on the accommodation provider. Some offer specific appliances and items to suit travelers’ needs.
It’s not merely about saving on dining expenses. It’s the convenience of preparing a meal at home, the therapeutic act of cooking, and the reassurance of recreating favorite recipes to evoke the familiarity of home.
Separate Bedrooms
A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. With cosy bed linens, plump pillows, and the promise of uninterrupted rest, the bedroom in a serviced apartment becomes a personal sanctuary. Serviced apartments separate the sleep and living zones to provide the privacy and retreat needed to recharge.
Most serviced apartment providers offer housekeeping services, ranging from daily to weekly services. Housekeeping service includes a change of bed linens, adding to the convenience.
Private Bathrooms
Bathrooms aren’t just functional; they’re a place to refresh and rejuvenate. The bathrooms found in serviced apartments often provide more storage and space than their hotel counterparts. Vanities with bench space, storage drawers, and cupboards allow travelers to unpack their personal belongings. This makes it easier to settle into the space and pack away that pesky bathroom bag.
Where serviced apartments have two or more bedrooms, you’ll often find an ensuite bathroom off the primary bedroom. A main bathroom serves the balance of the bedrooms. Housekeeping provides fresh towels as part of their service.
Dedicated Work Space
Serviced apartments cater to the needs of business travelers and families with children at school by providing a dedicated work desk. This presents a private and focused environment for work.
Some serviced apartment providers allow travelers to personalize their residence. This further enhances the experience. Some providers will accommodate requests to convert a bedroom into a home office.
This convenience allows business travelers to maintain productivity, seamlessly blending professional commitments with the comfort of a home-like setting during their stay.
Flexible Booking Terms
Life is unpredictable, and so are travel plans. Serviced apartments offer the flexibility of short-term and long-term residencies, adapting to the needs of travelers.
It’s not just a stay; it’s a living experience tailored to the individual. Travelers aren’t confined by rigid, lock-in terms and conditions. Instead, they can make the space their own for as long as they need.
Homely Touches
Beyond tangible inclusions, the homely touches elevate the serviced apartment experience. Think of the familiarity of a well-loved book on the shelf, personalized décor, and the feeling that this space is uniquely yours for the duration of your stay. It’s not just an apartment; it’s a space where you can add your personal touches to help you feel more at home.
Beyond the Basics: Other Serviced Apartment Inclusions
In-Unit Washer and Dryer
Say goodbye to the hassle of finding a laundromat or the expense of sending clothes out for cleaning. Many serviced apartments have an in-unit washer and dryer. This allows travelers to pack light and enjoy fresh clothes throughout their stay.
Internet and Entertainment
High-speed internet is not just a convenience; it’s a lifeline for modern travelers. Serviced apartments provide a seamless online experience, whether for work or leisure, with internet access included. Entertainment options, including televisions with access to streaming services, provide a welcome respite after a busy day.
Fitness Facilities
Maintaining our health and fitness on the road is more easily achieved with on-site fitness facilities. Whether it’s a fully-equipped gym or a refreshing swimming pool, serviced apartments cater to the holistic well-being of their guests. This adds an extra layer of comfort to the stay. Some service apartments complement their offerings with access to community health and leisure facilities.
Car Parking
If you’re travelling by car or hiring one during your stay, on-site car parking is a welcome relief. Secure on-site parking spaces offer convenience and peace of mind for guests with their vehicles.
CONCLUSION
With its thoughtful inclusions, a serviced apartment becomes a haven where travelers can rejuvenate, explore, and redefine what it means to be away from home. It’s not merely a roof over your head; it’s a sanctuary that whispers, ‘Welcome home,’ in every carefully considered detail. So, the next time you embark on a journey, consider the unparalleled comfort that a serviced apartment provides.
Understanding Hotel Room Types
Hotel rooms are categorized using several criteria, including the room size, the expected length of stay, and the types of services provided, such as hotel breakfasts.
Types of Hotel Rooms Based on Occupancy
Many hotel rooms are categorized based on the expected number of occupants.
Single Room
A single room is generally small and is intended for single occupancy. It will typically have one single-sized bed, although some single rooms are equipped with additional sleeping facilities or may have a second bed added if required. True single rooms are declining as hotels find it more efficient to offer twin rooms.
Twin Room
A twin room is essentially the same as a single room but comes with two beds instead of one. They are generally lower than double rooms, making them an inexpensive option for two guests traveling together. If necessary, an additional bed can be added with a corresponding charge.
Double Room
A double room is intended for two people. Instead of two single beds, it will have a larger double bed intended for two people, typically queen or king-sized. This type of room is best for couples (or people who don’t mind sharing a bed).
Triple Room
Triple rooms are large enough to sleep three people comfortably. There will be two to three beds. These might be a combination of one double and one single bed, two double beds, three single beds, etc. Triple rooms are ideal for small groups or families — for example, two parents and a child.
Quadruple Room
A quadruple or quad room is a larger room intended for four guests. The arrangements in these types of hotel rooms can vary. A room for families with children might offer two double beds or one double bed and two singles. Alternatively, quad rooms may use four single beds or four dormitory-style bunks.
Types of Hotel Rooms Based on Bed Type
Some hotels classify rooms by the number or size of the beds in the room. However, guests should note that hotels still have restrictions on how many guests are allowed per room. Just because there’s a king bed in a room, doesn’t mean you can invite 15 people to stay. Occupancy limitations make this a liability for the hotel. Many hotels will charge more for extra guests (to a certain limit) or allow for you to add a cot to a room with an odd number of people.
Here are some room types determined by bed availability:
Queen: a room with a queen-sized bed.
King: a room with a king-sized bed.
Twin: a room with two twin-sized beds.
Studio: Some studios come with additional beds. Others come with more space: a studio room can be like a fully-furnished apartment, meaning it will have a small kitchenette. Check with the hotel to learn more about their studio rooms.
Types of Hotel Rooms Based on Room Layout
Rooms can also be categorized based on their arrangement and the facilities offered.
Studio Room
A studio room offers all the amenities of a small apartment, plus a studio bed. This convertible bed can be turned into a sofa or furniture. A studio room is ideal for longer-term stays.
Duplex
A duplex suite comprises two rooms on separate floors, with a private staircase or lifts between them. A duplex is a good choice for a guest such as a business traveler who wants to work or hold meetings in one room and sleep in the other.
Deluxe Room
A deluxe room will generally be larger and more lavishly appointed than other hotel rooms. They will often have additional features such as a whirlpool bath, a private patio or balcony, or a particularly outstanding view. The cost will also be higher.
Adjoining Room
Adjoining rooms are next to each other and feature connecting doors. They will also have separate entrances to the main corridor. Adjoining rooms are ideal for groups who require separate sleeping spaces at night but who want a single larger space during the day.
Connecting rooms
Rooms with separate entries from the outside and a connecting door between the rooms so guests can move between rooms without going out into the hallway. Great for families or groups.
Apartment-Style Room
Apartment-style rooms are designed for longer stays. They are arranged so guests can prepare meals and enjoy a comfortable stay. Housekeeping services are typically restricted to two or three visits a week. This type of room offers a comfortable home away from home.
Suite
Suites typically have two or more rooms, at least one bedroom, and a sitting area. Less commonly, a suite may be a larger room with distinct sitting and sleeping sections. A suite usually aims at more affluent customers and commands a higher price; the upscale amenities will reflect this.
Junior Suite
A junior suite is smaller than a standard suite. It may incorporate two smaller rooms or use a one-room layout with distinct areas for sleeping and living. The layout will vary between establishments. A junior suite will be well-appointed and offer upscale amenities.
Presidential Suite
As its name implies, a presidential suite will be more impressive than a standard suite. Only an extremely luxurious hotel will have more than one or two such suites available. They are important for hotel marketing strategies. A presidential suite will consist of multiple rooms with opulent furnishings and amenities.
Penthouse Suite
A penthouse suite often takes up one entire hotel floor, usually the topmost. The height of luxury, penthouses are among the most exclusive (and expensive) types of suite. They are often accessed by a separate private lift that requires a key card to enter.
Bridal Suite
A bridal suite is usually large with big, open rooms. Bridal suites will typically have flexible facilities and work areas for wedding preparations to accommodate a bride and her party as they prepare for the ceremony. Hotels with bridal suites often specialize in catering for wedding groups.
Honeymoon Suite
A honeymoon suite is a romantic suite that comes with special services aimed at newlyweds. Champagne and roses might be provided, as well as private dining options and other romance-themed services such as couple’s activities and excursions.
Cabana
A cabana is a hotel room that opens onto a beach or a swimming pool. Sometimes, the pool may be private and reserved only for the guests in that room. Cabanas are usually furnished in a luxurious style. Some have private balconies that allow beach access.
Villa
A villa is distinct from conventional types of hotel rooms. It’s a private hideaway that’s usually detached from the main hotel. Villas are usually located in a picturesque part of a hotel’s environs and offer seclusion for affluent travelers. Villas may be on the hotel grounds or in a scenic location nearby.
Difference Between Single Occupancy and Double Occupancy
Single occupancy and double occupancy refer to the number of guests staying in a rented hotel room.
Single Occupancy: This term means that only one person will be staying in the room. The rate is based on one individual’s use of the room, and no additional guests are expected.
Double Occupancy: In contrast, double occupancy means that two people will be sharing the room. The double occupancy rates are designed to cover the cost of two individuals using the facility. If more than two people end up staying, the hotel policy may require an additional fee.
CONCLUSION
There are lots of different types of hotel rooms available for modern travelers to choose from. Some hotels offer standard king or double rooms only, whereas others offer all-suites or apartment-style living. While some hotel rooms are pet-friendly or allow smoking, others do not. Suite rooms tend to include a kitchen area, whereas standard rooms do not. There’s now a room type out there to fit just about every style, and new hotel room types are evolving all the time.
14 Corporate Uses of Serviced Apartments
Many jobs require travel or temporary relocation. In most cases, the company arranges these accommodations. Temporary housing has many benefits, including the reality that comfortable, dependable housing makes it easier for employees to focus on their work. And furnished options with a trusted partner make logistics simple.
Why might you need accommodations like this for employees? Here are fourteen reasons your business might need temporary corporate housing:
- Employee Relocations
Employees relocate for their companies from time to time—whether that’s a new employee moving for a new role, an established employee moving because of a transfer, or another company shift such as a new office branch opening.
In these cases, the company may need an employee on-site before permanent housing arrangements can be made. Temporary corporate housing allows employees to get started on their work while searching for permanent accommodations.
- Long-Term Projects
Some employee relocation aren’t permanent, yet still require more stability than what a few nights at a hotel can provide. While some hotels are set up for long-term guests, not all are (and they often aren’t cost-effective solutions).
For example, a specialist may need to move to a different city or country for a three-month project before going back to their usual corporate location. Or an engineer, manager, or project team may need to focus on a project outside of their usual area. In these cases, corporate housing allows them to operate at a temporary location to perform their work efficiently.
- Training Programs
Not all training can be done on-site. In the case of off-site training or certification courses, employees may need to stay near a central training facility that’s away from their usual business location. These programs may last weeks, and employees can get the most out of their training with the familiarity and stability temporary housing provides.
- Internships and Co-op Programs
Organizations that participate in co-op programs or regularly have a rotating roster of interns may benefit from temporary housing solutions. Students from other regions will need a place to stay during their internship period, which typically lasts several months.
Having a trusted location to place interns makes it easier to recruit them—and it makes the turnover logistics easier on your company as students cycle in and out.
- Consulting Engagements
Consultants travel from location to location to meet with new companies and perform their work. These engagements often last for extended periods, especially for large-scale projects or overhauls. If you run a consulting firm, corporate housing can provide your employees a home base during these engagements.
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Corporate mergers often require complicated reorganizations, relocation, and collaborations between people that may not happen at any other time. These can be even more complicated if the companies that merged were in two different geographic areas.
Temporary housing allows employees in this situation to come together at a central location while changes are discussed and finalized.
- Expatriate Assignments
Expatriate assignments require employees to work in a foreign country, often for a set period. Many logistics go into a foreign assignment, including visas, travel, and other paperwork.
Housing arranged by the company makes it easier to manage a move abroad. For employees whose families will accompany them for the duration of the assignment, furnished housing solutions make the complicated move much easier.
- Seasonal Workers
Many businesses hire seasonal workers, either because different tasks are required in different seasons, or the volume of tasks varies by season. Industries such as agriculture, tourism, or construction often involve seasonal work.
A place that relies on Christmas-related tourism, for example, may need more workers and temporary housing during November and December. It is easier to recruit for seasonal work, particularly from a pool of non-local candidates, if you have established places for them to stay.
- Medical Assignments
Temporary assignments are common in the healthcare industry, where work is localized to clinics or hospitals. In addition to time-limited assignments like internships and residencies, some healthcare jobs are designed to move around on a contract basis.
Traveling nurses or physicians will complete short-term stays at a particular hospital or clinic before moving to the next assignment, and they need housing for each assignment they take.
- Government Contracts
Government contracts often take companies away from their primary headquarters. If a company is awarded a government contract for a project, this can result in long-term displacement of workers. To meet the demand, the company will have to provide housing solutions for anyone working on the project.
- Film and Entertainment Jobs
Entertainment jobs are some of the most mobile, with work happening away from home or headquarters. On-location film productions can take months, and TV shows may film seasonally for years. Touring artists may need to rehearse for several weeks at a venue or stay even longer for something like a residency. All these performers and crews need extended-stay housing when working on projects.
- Construction Projects
Construction projects require a substantial amount of space to house supplies and equipment. They need space for their workers, too. Large-scale projects aren’t always local or within commuting distance, so nearby lodging is necessary for their duration.
- Educational Institutions
Relocation is common in academia and often happens seasonally to align with the school year or a particular semester. Colleges and universities may provide housing for visiting professors, researchers, or academic exchange programs lasting a semester or more.
While some larger institutions have limited room for on-campus accommodations, most don’t. Nearby temporary housing is usually the best option for hosting these guests.
- Natural Disaster Relief
Relief for natural disasters requires support from neighboring communities—and sometimes beyond. When a business or support group is deployed for emergency response, they need someplace to stay. They may house their teams in the affected area for an extended period to provide assistance and support.
CONCLUSION
Our fully furnished apartments work well for a wide variety of circumstances. We offer real spaces for real living through a collection of beautifully designed residences personalized just for you. Business travelers and everyday explorers will enjoy access to an array of modern amenities and personalized services.