Serviced apartments are becoming a popular temporary housing option for business travelers and holidaymakers alike. With their own bedrooms, kitchen and living areas, and often extra services like 24 hour Wi-Fi and access to Netflix, serviced apartments offer guests more space, privacy and comfort than booking an Airbnb short term rental in Peterborough. And, with prices often comparable to hotel rates, serviced apartments can be a cost-effective option too.
However, there are some key differences between serviced apartments and Airbnb rentals that it’s important to be aware of before making a booking. Here’s everything you need to know about serviced apartments vs Airbnb.
What is a serviced apartment?
A serviced apartment is a type of self-catering accommodation that is typically rented out on a short-term basis, for periods of a few days or weeks. Serviced apartments are usually furnished and include all the necessary household amenities like a fully-equipped kitchen, linen and towels, and often additional services like maid service and a concierge.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb is an online marketplace that enables people to search for and book accommodation around the world. Airbnb offers a variety of accommodation options, from apartments and houses to treehouses and boats, in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries.
How do serviced apartments and Airbnb rentals differ?
There are a few key ways in which serviced apartments and Airbnb rentals differ, which are worth taking into consideration before making a booking.
- Location: One of the main differences between serviced apartments and Airbnb is location. Serviced apartments are most often located in city centers or business districts, where they are convenient for business travelers who need to be close to meeting venues or their place of work. Airbnb rentals, on the other hand, can be found in a wide range of locations, from city centers to rural areas, meaning that there is usually more choice when it comes to location, but you won’t get access to public transportation, restaurants, or supermarkets.
- Size: Another difference between serviced apartments and Airbnb is size. Serviced apartments are usually larger than hotel rooms, with most offering separate bedrooms, a living area and a fully-equipped kitchen. This extra space can be ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together. Airbnb rentals can vary greatly in size, from a private room in someone’s home to a whole house or apartment. However, it won’t offer you complete privacy.
- Price: The price of serviced apartments and Airbnb rentals can also vary quite significantly. Serviced apartments seem to be a little expensive than hotel rooms, but they are often still cheaper than renting a whole house or apartment on Airbnb. Moreover, when you book a serviced apartment for a long term, serviced apartments tend to be cheaper than hotel rooms.
- Services: One of the main benefits of choosing a serviced apartment over an Airbnb rental is the additional services that are often included. Unlike Airbnb management, you will get a range of amenities like a fully-equipped kitchen and linen at serviced apartments. These services can make a serviced apartment feel more like a home and can be particularly convenient for business travelers.
- Privacy: Another key difference between serviced apartments and Airbnb is privacy. Serviced apartments are usually more private than staying in a hotel, as they offer guests their own separate living area and often a fully-equipped kitchen too. This extra space and privacy can be ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together. Airbnb rentals offer relatively less privacy as you have to stay in someone’s house or a hotel room.
- Flexibility: Finally, it’s worth considering flexibility when choosing between a serviced apartment and an Airbnb rental. Serviced apartments are often more flexible when it comes to check-in and check-out times, and many also offer the option to extend your stay if needed. Airbnb rentals, on the other hand, usually have stricter check-in and check-out times, and it’s often not possible to extend your stay.
The bottom line
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about serviced apartments vs Airbnb. We hope now you will be able to decide which one is an ideal option for you. No matter what option you choose, it’s important to consider your budget, group size and the type of experience you’re looking for.
