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What Are Serviced Apartments?
A lot of people assume that serviced apartments are new, but they have been around for longer than you might think. The name of these apartments is an umbrella term that includes furnished apartments available for long and short-term rentals. These serviced apartments in Basingstoke provide amenities such as housekeeping and include utilities and taxes into the rental price.
The facilities offered serviced apartments are similar to traditional hotels apartments for rent in tulsa ok, but with more space, privacy and convenience, making them a home away from home. These apartments have private cooking facilities ranging from a kitchenette to a full-size kitchen with dishwashers. They also have larger living and sleeping areas than hotel rooms with private washing machines. There is often access to meeting spaces, restaurants, gyms, concierges and other typical hotel services.
Serviced Apartments Past And Present
In the past, serviced apartments were generally found in the corporate relocation and business travel markets. However, they have expanded to the leisure travel market as they are available across the world and offer a cost-effective and credible alternative to a hotel. These apartments are particularly economical for longer travels, families and other groups. You can save on dining out and you have access to in-house entertainment while living like a local.
The difference between services apartments and home-share sites is the regulation. Home-share sites are unregulated and you will need to take a chance with the standard of the accommodation as well as the health and safety. Serviced apartments have a trade body that oversees them which ensures you get the quality you want and you are confident that the apartment you book is right for you. The trade body helps you find serviced apartments across the world.
You will find that these bodies have different levels of membership for serviced apartments. They also provide quality accreditations to ensure standards are maintained in terms of the bookings, facilities and safety of the apartment.
What You Can Expect
When you look for a serviced apartment, there are certain things you should expect. The first is a fully equipped kitchen that offers a dishwasher. The apartment should also have a washer and dryer. You should also get one or more separate bedrooms unless you are looking at a studio apartment with a designated sleeping area.
The apartment should also have a living area and a fully functioning bathroom. Technology such as a TV and Wi-Fi are a must. All the utilities should also be included in the rental price such as water and electricity. There should also be a weekly housekeeping service, but there are some operators that offer a more frequent service if needed.
The serviced apartment will usually be within a residential building. There may or may not be staff on-site who are able to meet you upon arrival. If there is no staff, there will generally be a safety deposit box with the keys. There are some serviced apartments that offer keyless access using a smartphone or other technology. All apartments should have a 24-hour helpline.
Aparthotels
An aparthotel is a type of serviced apartment which is contained within a dedicated building and offers hotel services such as 24-hour reception. There could also be other facilities such as on-site gyms and communal lounges.
