8 Reasons Why Serviced Apartments Are Better Than Airbnb Rentals

The rise of Airbnb has changed the way we look at accommodation. Travellers and hosts alike love the idea of using a spare room, holiday home, or apartment for an affordable yet cosy and comfortable stay. However, we can all agree that Airbnb, no matter how cheap or unique, still has a long way to go. There’s a wide range of significant advantages of traditional hotels that Airbnb just can’t provide. 

Enter serviced apartments, the cross between traditional hotels and Airbnb rentals. Serviced apartments are self-contained and professionally-operated apartments for short-term or long-term stays. Unlike “home shares”, serviced apartments come with hotel-like amenities and services like housekeeping, internet access, and reception service. Their major difference from hotels is that they’re bigger and furnished with everything you can find in your home, including a fully equipped kitchen.  

Serviced apartments have that “home away from home” vibe that travellers love, just like Airbnb rentals. But if you’re looking for a spacious and homey space for your vacation, we’ll list down 5 reasons why serviced apartments might be a better choice than Airbnb vacation rentals. 

1. No need to clean before you go

Of course, tidying up the space before checking out is basic etiquette. But in Airbnb rentals, they’re mandatory. Airbnb guests are expected to wash the dishes, clean their rooms, and pick up their trash. 

If your idea of a perfect vacation does not include chores, then you’re better off booking a serviced apartment instead. With weekly housekeeping a part of their services, you’re guaranteed to have a hassle-free and convenient stay. 

2. Forget reading a long list of house rules 

In relation to the cleaning rules, some Airbnb hosts have a long list of do’s and don’ts. These range from usual rules like smoking bans and specified quiet hours to absurd ones like removing your shoes upon entry. Other hosts don’t even allow parties, pets, and unregistered guests. 

While all accommodation properties have their respective rules and regulations, a thick manifesto of behaviour isn’t going to contribute to a homely atmosphere. Serviced apartments are dedicated to bringing home a little closer to you, so you won’t see such ridiculous directives. 

3. Consistent quality, cleanliness, and comfort

Unlike Airbnb properties which are merely privately-owned homes or rooms, serviced apartments have mastered the art and science of quality accommodation. They’ve been in the hospitality industry for years so they understand the best way to cater to travellers. 

Forget spaces that just look great in photos but don’t live up to their promise — serviced apartments offer you high-quality accommodation. They have quality beds and linen that meet the hotel standards, blackout curtains for better sleep, as well as a strictly-maintained cleaning schedule. They also have state-of-the-art amenities that let you enjoy the luxury of hotel accommodation while making you feel at home. 

4. Complete with services needed for a convenient stay

Aside from high-quality amenities, serviced apartments come with services that’ll encourage you to focus on what you need to do, whether it’s relaxing or staying productive. They have weekly housekeeping and reception services. They may also have grocery delivery and laundry services. Other properties, like this serviced apartment in Birmingham, even have a restaurant delivery service so you can enjoy chef-prepared dishes in the comforts of your suite. 

5. More space and equipment

Airbnb properties come in different forms and sizes. While you can find a spacious holiday home, you can also encounter cramped rooms. One major advantage of serviced apartments is the amount of space guests consistently enjoy. 

Serviced apartments are ideal for couples, groups, and families. They come with a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen, dinner table, bathroom, and bedroom — just like a real home. You can also find serviced apartments with a designated work desk, which is perfect for business travellers.

6. Safety and security 

Concerned with your belongings? With serviced apartments, you can sleep soundly knowing that you and your belongings are secured. They have 24/7 security — something an Airbnb property might lack. They also have fire prevention essentials, including fire exits, extinguishers and blankets, fire alarms, and staff who were trained in handling emergencies. 

7. Reliability and reputation

If an Airbnb host gets a lot of bad reviews, they can easily close their account and open a new one with a fake name. Unsuspecting potential guests won’t notice. And if you spot something terrible, it’s almost impossible to hold them accountable. 

On the contrary, serviced apartments have a reputation and business name to uphold. That said, they’re more responsible for poor service and are more responsive. 

8. Peace of mind

Every Airbnb property is different. Every host is different too. Most experiences on Airbnb are positive, but there are some horror stories too, from usual issues like uncomfy and noisy spaces to actually getting robbed. Most guests book Airbnb with apprehension, wondering whether the experience will live up to their expectations. 

With serviced apartments, you can have peace of mind that you’re in a good place. They work to provide a consistently high-quality experience for guests on a daily basis. And true enough, they attract repeat customers — a telltale sign you’re in a good place, right?

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited writer who loves exploring the great outdoors. She loves traveling, eating, taking food and streetscape photographs, and simply enjoying new experiences and writing about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES Birmingham.