What is the difference between a serviced apartment and a hotel?

Hotels just cannot match the additional facilities that serviced apartments in London can offer such as kitchens, laundry, dining areas, living rooms, separate bedrooms, extra beds, free wireless internet etc.

From smart aparthotels to traditional townhouses to luxury penthouses, you can find a serviced apartment to suit any type of stay, whatever your reason for visiting London may be.
 

Here are the main differences:
 

Serviced Apartments

• Suitable for short stays, extended stays or long term rentals
• Fully furnished with separate living space (except studios)
• Washing machines available
• Housekeeping services with a linen and towel change could vary from daily to weekly
• On-site staff may not always be present
• Seecure entry system but on-site security staff not always present
• Fully compliant with local health and safety regulations
• Fire safety and evacuation procedures in place
• Full self-catering facilities with dining table, hob, microwave, fridge, kettle, sink and more. (check listing)
• Rates include local taxes and utilities
• Free wireless internet
• Suitable for sharing professionals, families or groups
• Reception or concierge may not always be available
• Lifts may not be present
• Interiors may vary across the different units
• More storage space available compared to hotel rooms
• Extra beds can be accommodated in most apartments
• Accessible and wheelchair friendly units available
• Cancellation notice varies from 24 hours to 30 days and cancellation charges may apply
• A security deposit may be taken on arrival to cover against incidentals
• VAT discounts may be available and some properties are VAT exempt

Hotels

• More suited for short stays
• Fully furnished but lacking living space
• No laundry facilities provided
• Housekeeping services with a linen and towel change are usually once a day
• On-site staff are always present
• Secure entry systems and on-site security staff usually present
• Fully compliant with local health and safety regulations
• Fire safety and evacuation procedures in place
• No self-catering facilities except for a mini-fridge and kettle
• Rates include local taxes and utilities
• Internet may be chargeable
• Not suitable for sharing professionals, families or groups
• Reception or concierge always be available
• Lifts are usually present
• Interiors are usually standardised across the building
• Less storage space compared to serviced apartments
• Extra beds may not always be possible because of lack of space
• Accessible and wheelchair friendly units available
• Cancellation notice is usually 24-48 hours prior to arrival with no cancellation charges
• A security deposit is not usually taken however a credit card pre-authorisation may be taken to cover against incidentals
• VAT discounts are usually not available and VAT applies to all hotels