What are the different types of London serviced apartments?
Aparthotels
A dedicated branded building with hotel services and apartment-style rooms or suites.
They are usually located within or next to the main hotel building with access to all the hotel facilities such as the reception, concierge, room service, gym, spa, restaurant, bar etc.
They are much more spacious than the hotel rooms and usually come with kitchenettes and laundry facilities like a communal laundry room or in-room washing machine.
Some apartments may also have their own private enterance.
Ideal for: Stays of 2-21 nights
Pros: 24 hour Reception, Luggage room, Gym, Room service, Daily housekeeping is likely to be available, More flexible with cancellation policies, Staff on-site, Communal lounges and meeting rooms may be available
Cons: Smaller open plan living areas, Less cost-effective for longer stays, May not have full laundry facilities in-room, Kitchens may be compact
Serviced Apartment Buildings
These are fully managed serviced apartment blocks regularly maintained to a hotel-style standard by a single hospitality company.
The building may have access to on-site facilities which will be available to all guests such as a reception, gym, garden, car parking or restaurant.
As the building is exclusively managed by the same accommodation provider, you are likely to have an dedicated on-site staff managing the mantainence of the apartments and building facilities.
Ideal for: Stays of 7-30+ nights
Pros: Dedicated on-site staff, Usually generous in size, Full kitchen facilities and in-room laundry appliances, Longer stay discounts, 24 hour maintenance helpline, Larger apartment sizes (upto 4 bedrooms), Suitable for sharing, May have a gym or car parking available
Cons: Less flexible cancellation policies, Minimum stay requirements (sometimes 30+nights)
Individual Apartment in Residential Buildings
These comprise of a collection of individual units in a residential complex that are professionally managed by an accommodation companie.
They are furnished in different styles (no personal belongings) and provide a weekly housekeeping and a 24 hour maintenance helpline.
No on-site staff available and communal areas are not managed by the serviced apartment company.
They are a perfect temporary housing solution for those relocating or on corporate placements in the city.
Ideal for: Stays of 7-90+ nights
Pros: Residential setting, Full kitchen facilities and in-room laundry appliances, Longer stay discounts, 24 hour maintenance helpline, Suitable for sharing
Cons: Furnishing style vary, Staff usually off-site, Luggage storage not available, On-site facilities (i.e gym) may be chargeable, Common areas not serviced, Less flexible cancellation policies, Minimum stay requirements (sometimes 90+nights)