What is a serviced apartment?
A London serviced apartment is best described as a fully furnished apartment rental that comes inclusive of internet, utility bills, furniture and TVs, cooking appliances, bedding and towels, private bathrooms and 24 hour emergency support.
A serviced apartment has these main features:
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All furnishings provided
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Private living area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom
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Free WiFi
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All utility bills are included
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24/7 emergency assistance
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Daily or weekly cleaning service
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Health and safety compliance
Serviced apartments are suited for many different types of stays such as short stays, long stays, self-contained stays, short term lets, extended stays and corporate housing.
The industry body ASAP (The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers) explains what a serviced apartment is in this article.
Does it work like Airbnb?
No. Serviced apartments work more like hotels in terms of duty of care, cleanliness, customer service and emergency assistance.
They are not managed by private owners or landlords but instead professionally cleaned and mantained by global or local hospitality companies.
They do not have any personal belongings and include good quality furnishings including bed linen and towels. You are not allowed to have parties or smoke in the apartments and maximum occupancy limits apply.
Do I need a serviced apartment?
Renting a serviced apartment is right for you if you think:
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Hotel rooms don't have enough living space or self-catering facilities
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You are looking for a fully furnished and homely space but not someone's home
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You want all the utility bills included and setup especially good WiFi
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You are worried about the quality and cleanliness of private rentals
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You want the accommodation to be regularly cleaned
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Safety and privacy is important to you
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You need reliable 24/7 emergency assistance should anything go wrong
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You need flexibility with dates and cannot commit to long term periods
How long can I book a serviced apartment in London for?
In London, serviced apartments can be booked for short term stays from one night to 6 monthly rentals or for longer extended stays upto a year or longer.
They are best suited for stays of 7 nights or more because of their all-inclusive pricing and easy-to-cancel booking terms that come without any lengthy contract commitments. They are very popular for 1,2,3 monthly rentals as well.
Note: Some properties may have a minimum stay requirement of 7 nights to 90 nights.
What furnishings are included in a serviced apartment?
All the serviced apartments on our website are furnished meaning they are ready-to-live and equipped with furniture and essential home comforts. They usually include:
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A living space with a sofa, coffee table, TV and dining table and chairs
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A comfortable bed with clean bed linen and wardrobe space for storage
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A bathroom with a bathtub or shower, toilet, loo rolls, towels and a sink
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A kitchen with a hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, oven, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, washing machine and sink. As well as cutlery, crockery, pans and cooking utensils.
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Hair dryer, Iron and ironing board, In-room safe and guest handbook are also available in most apartments.
Check the property listings for full details.
How do I find a serviced apartment in London?
If you want to make your serviced apartment search in London easier and quicker, take some time to work out:
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When do you need the apartment for and are your dates flexible?
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How much can you spend on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis?
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What neighbourhoods do you like or where do you need to be based (e.g near your office or project)
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How many people will be staying in the apartment?
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Do you have any preferences of amenities or facilities that you need at the property (e.g lifts, 24 hour concierge, gym, parking)
Having the answers to some (if not all) of the questions above will save you a considerable amount of time and energy and help you find something that is a perfect fit for your needs.
Our specialists can help guide you through the search process if you are finding it hard by offering recommendations based on your specific preferences and our local knowledge.
We would also recommend considering properties or accommodation providers who are independently accredited for their quality, service and health and safety standards so that you can be assured that the serviced apartment you choose meets all necessary regulatory requirements and is committed to delivering a great stay experience.
Our portfolio features many serviced apartments who have been awarded accreditations such as ISAAP Compliance Accreditation which is in line with ISO 31030.
How much does it cost to stay in a serviced apartment?
Typical costs are:
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Studios cost from £700-£1300 per week
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1 Bedroom Apartments cost from £950-£2450 per week
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2 Bedroom Apartments cost from £1470-£4500 per week
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3 Bedroom Apartments cost from £2100-£6500 per week
Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the style, facilities, location and time of the year. Luxury serviced apartments will cost considerably more but offer long stay discounts.
What are the best London neighbourhoods to stay in?
London offers a wide choice of unique and vibrant neighbourhoods with plenty of local amenities, eateries, pubs, transport links, convenience shops, gardens and recreational spaces.
What are London's best city centre neighbourhoods
What are London's best upmarket neighbourhoods of London
What are London's most affordable neighbourhoods
What are London's best family friendly neighbourhoods
What are London's best neighbourhoods for solo female travellers
What are London's best neighbourhoods for expats
What are London's best neighbourhoods for corporate housing
The best areas in London for corporate housing are Canary Wharf, Farringdon, Aldgate, London Bridge or St. Pauls with quick access to the prime business hubs and financial centres
What amenities do serviced apartments in London have?
These are some of the most popular amenities and facilities serviced apartments offer:
What types of serviced apartments are there in London?
Serviced apartments range from Studios (open plan living and sleeping area) to 1,2,3,4 and 5 bedroom apartments.
Some serviced apartments are set within a dedicated aparthotel or serviced apartment building with a variety of on-site facilities accessible to all guests.
Some serviced apartments may be set within a residential building or complex as a collection of individual units.
When is the best time to book a serviced apartment in London?
If you are looking to spend less, then it is best not to book during the Summer season, bank holidays (Christmas, Easter, May Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday) and instead travel during off-peak periods during the rest of the year.
Be aware of major event dates of the year like Wimbledon, World Travel Market, Fashion Weeks as not only do the rates go up but you will find many serviced apartments getting booked up in advance with limited or no availability.
Can I bring my dog or cat to stay in a serviced apartment?
Yes, there are many pet-friendly serviced apartments in London who are happy to accommodate your furry family members.
What you should know about staying with a pet in a serviced apartment:
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There may be an additional charges, cleaning fees or deposits to stay with a pet in a serviced apartment
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There may be restrictions on the number of pets you can stay with
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There may be restrictions on the size or breed of the pet
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Find an area that is more suitable for your pet as well (i.e near a park or in a quiet residential neighbourhood)
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Research local vets in the area. The RCVS Find a Vet service is a good place to start.