Serviced vs Non-Serviced Apartments: What’s The Difference?

As travel for business and leisure continues to grow, so does the demand for short-term rental accommodations that are neither traditional hotels nor private rentals. Serviced and non-serviced apartments, as a result, are becoming a highly popular alternative to traditional hotels.

But what exactly is the difference between these two accommodation choices? This guide will explain everything you need to know.

 

What are Serviced Apartments?

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished apartment that includes hotel-like amenities to provide a comprehensive experience. These apartments are professionally managed to ensure smooth running and usually allow for both long and short term stays.

 

With serviced apartments, you can expect essential amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, utilities, and several included amenities to maximise comfort. And because it’s an apartment, you also have access to a kitchen meaning you can enjoy home cooked meals at your leisure.

 

StayPrime also offers an exclusive app that allows you to communicate with a member of staff at any hour of the day offering you peace of mind throughout your trip. 

 

Another great advantage of serviced apartments is the flexibility in length of stay which can be tailored to your needs from just a few nights to several months. 

 

However, with so many benefits, serviced apartments are highly popular and book up fairly quick, so we recommend you plan your trip in advance to make sure you get the right room for you in time. 

 

StayPrime offers a variety of apartments in popular London locations that allows you to live like a local and enjoy life in the city.

 

What are Non-Serviced Apartments?

A non-serviced apartment refers to a rental property, typically privately owned, that does not include a 24 hour phone line or other hotel-like services. These properties can be rented on a short or long-term basis, often through online platforms like Airbnb or directly from owners. 

 

Non-serviced apartments come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and locations, with lower levels of furnishing and amenities.

 

While a non-serviced apartment may offer greater variety in terms of apartment styles and price points and give that ‘home away from home’ feel, they don’t typically offer the added extra security or hotline that a serviced apartment offers and so it will be up to the renter to solve any issues they may face. 

 

Non-serviced apartments are generally less expensive than serviced apartments depending on their location, but require more involvement from the renter, such as arranging utilities independently should they not be included in the price. 

 

Additionally, non-serviced apartments can have variable quality since they are privately owned, potentially leading to less consistency in upkeep and amenities. 

 

This may result in properties that don’t meet your expectations if pictures or videos sent by the owner are not updated but is usually not the case with larger companies like Airbnb where renters  have the option to write a review. 

 

The terms and conditions for non-serviced apartments vary greatly with some offering greater flexibility in length of stay than others. However, they are usually less flexible than serviced apartments and may require long-term contracts, so we recommend that you check this information thoroughly before booking. 

 

Serviced and Non Serviced Accommodation: Key Differences

	Serviced Accommodation	Non-Serviced Accommodation
Service Hotline	24-hour hotline provided to assist with any potential issues	Hotline unlikely to be available
Wifi and utilities included	Included as part of the price	Unlikely to be provided in the price and will have to be arranged by the guest
Flexible stays and cancellation	Offer both short and long term lets	Depends on the apartment but likely to have a minimum stay policy
Quality guarantee	Consistent upkeep in quality of rooms and ensure that everything is up to standard	Potentially less consistent upkeep as the apartment is privately owned
Price	Generally more expensive but offer good value for money	Less expensive but requires more involvement from the guest
Location	Less variety in location but usually a great all rounder location is offered	Allows guests to check availability in any location
Amenities	Come with a variety of amenities	Do not include many amenities

 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice between serviced and non-serviced apartments comes down to your preferences and the nature of your stay. 

 

Serviced apartments offer convenience, luxury, and peace of mind with additional services and support, making them ideal for business professionals, long-term travellers, and those seeking extra security. 

 

On the other hand, non-serviced apartments offer greater flexibility in apartment styles and lower costs, which may be better suited for budget-conscious travellers or those looking for a more independent stay.

 

If you’re looking for serviced accommodation in London, StayPrime offers a wide range of high-quality serviced apartments with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Visit StayPrime to find the perfect accommodation for your trip.