The Rise of Serviced Apartments
Why more travelers are choosing this hybrid accommodation model
What is a Serviced Apartment?
Imagine stepping into a fully furnished apartment with your own kitchen, washing machine, and living space—but with housekeeping, maintenance, and support staff just a call away. That's essentially a serviced apartment: a hybrid accommodation that combines the independence of apartment living with the amenities and services of a hotel.
Unlike traditional hotels with single rooms and daily maid service, serviced apartments are self-contained units ranging from studios to multi-bedroom homes. They come equipped with everything you need for daily life: a kitchenette or full kitchen, separate living and sleeping areas, and often laundry facilities. The "serviced" part means the property management handles maintenance, cleaning (usually weekly or on request), and provides reception/concierge support.
How Serviced Apartments Work
When you book a serviced apartment, you're renting a complete living unit rather than just a room. Here's what typically happens:
- Check-in: Unlike hotels, you might receive keys at a designated time or through keyless entry. Some properties require a security deposit or proof of identity.
- Amenities: Your apartment includes furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and often WiFi, TV, and utilities.
- Services: Reception staff are available during business hours (sometimes 24/7). Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning is standard, with additional cleaning available for a fee.
- Flexibility: Need to extend your stay? Most serviced apartments accommodate requests far more flexibly than hotels.
- Check-out: Generally more relaxed than hotels; you'll return keys and settle any additional charges.
Think of it as an Airbnb with a professional management team standing behind it—you get privacy and independence, but with recourse if something breaks.
Who Should Choose a Serviced Apartment?
Serviced apartments aren't right for everyone, but they're ideal for specific travel scenarios. Let's break down the perfect use cases:
Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
Need stable WiFi, a proper desk, and monthly flexibility? Serviced apartments offer workspaces and longer-term rates that make remote work sustainable across multiple cities.
Business Travelers
Corporate clients often book serviced apartments for employees on multi-week assignments. You save on per diem, have space to spread out, and can maintain a routine.
Families on Extended Holidays
Multiple bedrooms, kitchens for family meals, and laundry facilities make serviced apartments perfect for families staying 3+ weeks. Kids won't get bored, and parents won't go broke.
Relocating Professionals
Between homes? Serviced apartments bridge the gap during relocations, offering stability while you search for permanent housing.
Medical/Wellness Tourism
Patients traveling for procedures benefit from comfortable, independent living during recovery. Kitchen access is crucial for dietary requirements.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
For stays 2+ weeks, serviced apartments undercut hotel pricing while offering more space and amenities than budget hotel chains.
Serviced Apartments vs. Other Accommodation Types
Not sure how serviced apartments compare to what you might usually book? Here's the breakdown:
Feature | Serviced Apartment | Hotel | Airbnb | Hostel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💵Cost (30 nights) | $900-1,500 | $2,400-3,600 | $600-1,200 | $300-600 | |
| 🍳Kitchen Access | ✓ Full | ✗ None | ✓ Full | ✗ None | |
| 🧹Daily Housekeeping | ✗ Weekly only | ✓ Daily | ✗ Self-service | ✗ Self-service | |
| 📞24/7 Support | ~ Often limited | ✓ Always | ~ Variable | ✗ Rarely | |
| 📅Minimum Stay | 2-4 weeks | 1 night | Any duration | 1+ night | |
| 🏠Separate Living Space | ✓ Yes | ✗ Studio | ✓ Yes | ✗ Shared | |
| 👥Social Atmosphere | ✗ Minimal | ✗ Minimal | ~ Depends | ✓ High |
I spent 8 weeks traveling between Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur for work. Serviced apartments were the only way to stay sane—I had my own kitchen to meal prep, proper WiFi for calls, and didn't have to live out of a suitcase. Hotels would have been triple the cost.
Top Destinations for Serviced Apartments
Not all cities have robust serviced apartment markets. Here are regions where you'll find excellent options:
Southeast Asia
Bangkok, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City are serviced apartment hubs. Expect modern amenities, English-speaking staff, and prices 40-50% below Western cities.
Explore Thailand →Western Europe
London, Berlin, and Barcelona cater to business travelers with upscale serviced apartments. Higher prices but excellent quality and infrastructure.
Explore UK →Middle East
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha offer luxury serviced apartments with hotel-level finishes and premium amenities.
Explore UAE →North America
New York, Toronto, and Vancouver have strong serviced apartment markets, though prices rival luxury hotels. Great for corporate relocations.
Explore Canada →East Asia
Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai offer everything from budget to ultra-luxury serviced apartments with cultural immersion opportunities.
Explore Japan →Eastern Europe
Prague, Budapest, and Warsaw are emerging serviced apartment destinations with exceptional value. Perfect for digital nomads testing new cities.
Explore Poland →For stays beyond two weeks, a serviced apartment isn't a luxury—it's the practical choice.
How to Find and Book Serviced Apartments
Dedicated Platforms
- Airbnb: Filter for "entire place" with 30+ day discounts
- Booking.com: Has an "apartments" category with weekly rates
- ASAP (Accor Short Stay Apartments): Luxury option from the Accor hotel group
- Blueground: Specializes in furnished apartments in major cities
- Citystay/CorporateStays: Focus on corporate bookings
Direct Booking
Many serviced apartment companies (like Oakwood, Citadines, or local operators) offer direct bookings with loyalty discounts. Calling directly often yields better rates than online portals.
Tips for Better Bookings
- Negotiate: For 8+ week stays, property managers often accept 10-20% discounts
- Ask about move-in specials: First week discounts are common
- Check what's included: Utilities, WiFi, and cleaning costs vary widely
- Visit virtually: Always request video tours or FaceTime walkthroughs
- Understand the fine print: Security deposits, cancellation policies, and pet fees differ dramatically
Pros and Cons: Is a Serviced Apartment Right for You?
Advantages
✓ Cost-effective for longer stays – Better value than hotels for 3+ weeks
✓ Kitchen facilities – Eat local, save money, accommodate dietary needs
✓ Space to spread out – Living room, bedroom, full bathroom (not a cramped hotel room)
✓ Laundry facilities – Pack lighter, wash as needed
✓ Flexible lease terms – Month-to-month with less rigidity than apartment rentals
✓ Professional support – Reception, maintenance, emergency contact unlike solo Airbnbs
✓ Furnished and ready – No need to buy furniture or kitchen supplies
✓ Community amenities – Many include gyms, co-working spaces, or shared lounges
Disadvantages
✗ Minimum stay requirements – Usually 2-4 weeks; not ideal for short trips
✗ Less flexibility in location – Fewer options in small towns or off-the-beaten-path areas
✗ Upfront commitment – Often need to pay deposit or first month upfront
✗ Less character – Function over personality; can feel corporate
✗ Quality varies widely – Standards differ between properties and operators
✗ Limited amenities – No restaurants, room service, or daily housekeeping like hotels
✗ Isolation risk – Can feel lonely without hotel social spaces (unlike hostels)
✗ Booking platform issues – May have difficulty contacting support during off-hours
Essential Questions Before Booking
Before committing to a serviced apartment, ask these questions:
Safety and Security Considerations
Serviced apartments are generally as safe as the neighborhoods they're located in. Here's what to check:
- Neighborhood safety: Research the area using country-specific safety guides
- Building security: Look for locked entrances, keyless entry, or concierge presence
- Reviews mention safety: Check recent reviews for any security concerns
- Travel insurance: Confirm your policy covers furnished apartments (some exclude them)
- Valuables: Use building safes or lockable storage for passports and jewelry
Read our comprehensive safety guide before booking in unfamiliar cities.
The Digital Nomad Angle
For remote workers and digital nomads, serviced apartments have become a game-changer. Here's why:
Stability Without Commitment: Unlike traditional rentals (which require long-term leases and local documentation), serviced apartments let you commit to one city for a month or three without bureaucratic headaches.
Community Access: Many serviced apartment buildings or networks host co-working spaces, networking events, and other nomads. This combats the isolation of working from a bedroom.
Cost Efficiency: A $1,200/month serviced apartment + occasional co-working day pass is cheaper than a hotel ($60+ nightly) while offering better amenities than an Airbnb.
Global Networks: Companies like Blueground, Citadines, and Oakwood operate across 50+ cities, so your next move is just a booking away. Loyalty benefits apply across locations.
Popular digital nomad cities for serviced apartments: Bangkok ($500-900/month), Ho Chi Minh City ($400-700), Lisbon ($800-1,200), Mexico City ($700-1,100), and Medellin ($400-800).
Conclusion: Is a Serviced Apartment Your Answer?
Serviced apartments are the answer if you're asking: "I need a home base for multiple weeks, with my own space and kitchen, supported by professional management, at a reasonable price." They're not the answer if you're booking a 3-night city break or want to live like a local in a tiny studio.
The sweet spot? Any stay between 3 and 12 weeks, in a city with a developed serviced apartment market, where you value space and independence over novelty and social immersion.
Start exploring options for your destination above, compare 3-4 properties, ask all the questions on our checklist, and book with confidence knowing you've found something far better than another generic hotel room.