Now that many people are travelling for work-related reasons again, it’s not surprising to see that there’s an uptick in demand for accommodations. Whether you plan to stay somewhere for just the weekend or a whole year or more, your living arrangements are going to matter. But what if you don’t want to shoulder the crippling cost of a hotel stay, but want to experience and enjoy the facilities and amenities they provide?
Instead of buying or renting a condominium, why not go for a serviced apartment? If you don’t know what it is, a serviced apartment makes for a nice in-between option between the long-term value of a condo unit and the short-term luxury of a hotel room.
What is a serviced apartment?
At first glance, a 1 bedroom serviced apartment in Singapore doesn’t not that much different from your average apartment unit. But it’s the extra services and features added to them that makes all the difference. There are also many differences in how serviced apartments operate.
The length of time in which one can stay in a serviced apartment varies wildly. You can book it on a night to night basis, just like a hotel room, or you can stay in it for months to years on end, just like renting an apartment or condo. Expats, foreigners, and people who are working in Singapore for short to medium lengths of time love serviced apartments because they give the same quality of service as a hotel room for a relatively more affordable price.
Differences between hotels and serviced apartments
Just like a hotel, housekeeping and other services may also be provided. You can also find common hotel amenities within the apartment building. So what’s the difference? Here are just a few of them.
1) More space within a serviced apartment
Compare a 2 bedroom serviced apartment in Singapore with a hotel offering 2 bedroom suites, and you’ll immediately see a difference between them. For one, a serviced apartment looks more like a home, because it’s intended to be one. You’ll find kitchen facilities, maybe a dedicated space for a living or dining area. A hotel room is meant to be a temporary shelter for visitors, and it’s easy to see from its design. A serviced apartment is a home away from home.
2) Different equipment and features in hotels and serviced apartments
There are certain things that hotels have that serviced apartments don’t, and vice versa. For example, you might be able to see a minibar and stocked fridge within your hotel room. They may also provide room service, while a serviced apartment may not. On the other hand, you may see basic equipment and furnishings such as a laundry machine and dryers, as well as accessories such as laundry baskets, pans, and plates.
3) Duration of your stay
How long do you intend to stay in the apartment? If you only intend to stay in the area for a few days to weeks, a hotel or Airbnb might be your best bet because the costs of a stay are calculated daily. On the other hand, buying or renting a condominium or home might not be feasible since you don’t intend to stay too long, or they might not have the same features that you want or need in a serviced apartment.
4) Cost of your stay
Prices and rates go down with increasing lengths of stay. If you want an apartment for rent in Singapore, monthly costs can go down if you decide to stay longer. Serviced apartments can be rented for anywhere from a few days to years. On the other hand, hotel rates tend to stay fairly consistent in their rates and can be very expensive to stay in for weeks or months. Couple that with the lack of a kitchen forcing you to dine out, and hotels don’t look viable for long-term stays.
5) A serviced apartment tends to have more variety in locations
Hotels tend to be situated near major landmarks and attractions. Since many tourists choose to stay in hotels, it’s more convenient for them to be located near places they will frequent. On the other hand, a serviced apartment functions much like a condo or apartment, so you’ll typically find them in residential areas of a city. You might be more likely to find a serviced apartment near your work location.
Should I get a serviced apartment?
If you’re a working individual staying in Singapore for a short to medium length of time, getting a 1 bedroom serviced apartment in Singapore is a nice option. In between renting or buying a home and staying at a hotel, you can get the best of both worlds.
A serviced apartment can cost almost half as much compared to staying at a hotel for a similar length of time. And sure, maybe renting a regular apartment or condo unit may be cheaper, but they don’t give you the same level of comfort and satisfaction as a serviced apartment.Also, if something in the house breaks, such as a door, you may have to find a supplier to get it fixed.
And if you think a serviced apartment is only for business travellers and single people, think again. Many serviced apartments can conveniently house couples, groups of friends, and even families. If you’re here for an extended vacation or just visiting relatives, a serviced apartment is a great balance of cost-effectiveness and comfort. You can get a customised experience for both business and leisure travellers. Before you dismiss the possibility, compare and contrast the many service apartment providers in Singapore.
Looking for a west coast service apartment to live in with all your needs? Expat Corporate Apartments Singapore provides fully-furnished serviced apartments and other long or short-term living solutions for the working individual. Check out their website now.