Serviced Apartments vs. Hotels in London: Which is Better?

Planning a trip to London involves many crucial decisions, and one of the key ones will be where to stay. Two popular choices are serviced apartments and hotels; both provide unique benefits that should help guide your decision on which is better suited to meet your travel needs. This article explores both options in detail so you can select which will make for an ideal experience during your London visit.

Difference between serviced apartments in London and hotels

Space and comfort

Serviced apartments in London typically provide more space and comfort than standard hotel rooms. They feature separate living areas, bedrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, ideal for families or extended stays.

Hotels, on the other hand, tend to offer smaller accommodations. While some offer suites, most rooms are designed for shorter stays with limited living space. Hotels excel at providing various room types that cater to various needs and budgets.

Cost-Effectiveness

Serviced apartments may be more cost-effective for longer stays. Cooking meals in your own kitchen can significantly lower food expenses, particularly in cities like London, where dining out can be pricey. Furthermore, many serviced apartments provide weekly rates that become increasingly economical over time.

Hotel apartments in London may be more cost-effective for short trips if you find deals or loyalty program discounts; however, meals and incidentals can add up quickly when staying in a hotel.

Amenities and Services

Hotels typically offer guests an assortment of on-site amenities, such as restaurants, bars, fitness centers, and spas. Additionally, daily housekeeping, room service, and 24-hour reception desks may add convenience and luxury to their stay.

Serviced apartments typically offer fewer on-site amenities but compensate for this with homey comforts, such as weekly housekeeping services, gym access, or concierge services. Some upscale serviced apartment complexes even offer hotel-like features like gym membership or concierge services to their residents.

Location 

Hotels and serviced apartments can be found throughout London, often providing easy access to tourist spots or business districts as well as transport links.

Serviced apartments in London may offer more authentic local experiences in quieter environments. They also provide greater flexibility and privacy. Using your own kitchen and living space, you can set your own schedule for meals and leisure time, which makes serviced apartments especially appealing for longer stays or those traveling with their families.

Business Travel

Both options have advantages for business travelers. Hotels tend to cater well to business needs, with meeting rooms, business centers, and expense-tracking capabilities that make travel simple for short business trips.

Serviced apartments provide an ideal living environment and offer more privacy to conduct work or host small meetings in their own space.

Families may find serviced apartments more suitable than hotels for their needs, thanks to extra space, separate bedrooms, and kitchen facilities that make managing routines and caring for children much simpler. Some serviced apartments even offer child-friendly amenities like high chairs or cots!

While hotels do provide family rooms or suites, they may still feel cramped compared to serviced apartments. On the upside, hotels may offer family-oriented activities not available elsewhere in an apartment community.

Booking Process and Flexibility

Hotels provide greater booking flexibility. Booking for just one night or making last-minute adjustments to reservations is easier.

Serviced apartments London typically have minimum stay periods and strict cancellation policies, yet can still provide more accommodating solutions if you need to extend your stay.

Hotel staff typically possess extensive local knowledge about attractions, restaurants, and transport options in London, which could prove invaluable for tourists wanting to make the most of their visit. This knowledge can be particularly helpful for visitors seeking the full experience during their London visit.

Serviced apartment providers may provide some local information, but not as comprehensively as hotels. By staying in a residential area instead, however, more authentic local recommendations could come from neighbors or shop owners themselves.

Conclusion

Deciding between a serviced apartment and a hotel apartment in London depends on several considerations, such as your length of stay, budget, desired amenities, and desired type of experience.

Serviced apartments may be ideal for longer trips, family travel, or those seeking an inviting, homelike atmosphere with additional space and self-catering capability. Hotels, on the other hand, excel in terms of convenience, predictability, and service levels.

When making this important decision, consider LuxFlat, which will make your London experience as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.