Serviced Apartment Alternatives – Why You Should Avoid Them

We have no doubt that the best way to stay in a city like London is in a serviced apartment.

While serviced apartments are a great option, they aren’t the only ones. This guide will look at some of the alternatives to serviced apartments so that you can make the best choice for yourself.

Hotels

The obvious choice when visiting a new city is a hotel. It’s usually very easy to find a hotel that suits your budget and needs particularly when staying in a larger city. You can also expect a level of service that allows you to enjoy your trip without having to worry about cooking or cleaning.

Hotel drawbacks

While hotels are a great option, many people find the rooms to be overly small and constraining. There isn’t a lot of space to get comfortable and you may start to miss home comforts like cooking your own meals. 

Hotels can also become very expensive if you want a decent level of service or are looking at more premium locations like Notting Hill.

Airbnb

Airbnb’s are typically very popular with guests who want more flexibility than a hotel. You can rent a larger space if you are travelling with a group and you also get to enjoy the home comforts of things like a kitchen.

Airbnb drawbacks

One of the biggest issues is the unpredictability. Your experience is often left to the whims of your host who may be unreliable, hard to get in contact with and may have extensive rules that can make your stay feel unpleasant.

Bed and Breakfast

This charming option is wonderful for people who want a more authentic experience than a standard hotel. Bed and Breakfast’s are often furnished by the owner and provide a much more personal experience than a corporate hotel chain. 

And as the name suggests, you can expect a great breakfast in the morning.

Bed and Breakfast drawbacks

One of the biggest problems is availability. There are far fewer bed and breakfasts which means you might not get exactly what you want in terms of experience and location. You may also find that the amenities are lacking in comparison to a hotel or serviced apartment.

Hostels

A great choice for younger travellers who want to experience new cities on a budget. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow travellers and is the most social option on this list.

Hostel drawbacks

The obvious issue here is privacy. Hostels have a communal environment so you can’t really expect your own space to unwind and relax. And while many hostels have a lot of amenities, you have to share them with dozens of other visitors.

 

Security is also a concern due to the open plan nature of a hostel meaning theft is much easier.

Homestay

A great way to save money when travelling to a city like London is through renting a room. Typically you’ll be paying far less than you would a hotel or serviced apartment and you may also meet a great host. Meals are often included too.

Homestay drawbacks

With a homestay, you don’t really get the privacy of a hotel or serviced apartment, even if you do get your own room. Ultimately, it’s difficult to get too comfortable when you’re in someone else’s home.

 

And while you may get a wonderful host, it’s also possible to get one that you don’t gel with. They may be strict with rules and can ruin your experience.

Why choose serviced apartments

Whilst there are clearly a number of options, none of them provide the full package of  serviced apartments. There’s no need to compromise on amenities, experience and home comforts with a serviced apartment as you can expect excellent quality at a more reasonable price.

With Stay Prime, you can expect a boutique experience in some of the most desirable locations in London like Kensington and Marylebone. So, while there are alternatives to serviced apartments, we doubt you’ll want them.