A Guide to Serviced Accommodation: What Is It and What’s Included?
Serviced accommodation is form of property rental that provides numerous benefits to both guests and landlords. Viewed as a cross between a hotel and a holiday let, serviced accommodation is like a home away from home and is highly popular with families, tourists, business travellers, and visitors looking for freedom, flexibility, and space.
But what does serviced accommodation mean, and what can you expect to find if you stay in one? To find out more, read our simple guide to serviced accommodation.
What Does Serviced Accommodation Mean?
Serviced accommodation is where a landlord provides a range of services to guests who rent out their fully-furnished property for a short, medium, or long-term stay. These services often include everything from basic housekeeping to more luxurious amenities.
There are multiple forms of serviced accommodation, and the term refers to any residential property let out to guests with additional support services included in the price. One of the major advantages of serviced accommodation is that it offers a higher degree of flexibility and space than you might expect from hotels. This can be an attractive option for guests who want to come and go as they please without the restrictions of hotel curfews, yet still benefit from a full range of services and amenities that come with serviced accommodation.
Whether you’re on a business trip or a relaxing weekend away with the family, serviced accommodation is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the property rental market and is often a cheaper option than hotels, particularly for those booking long-term stays.
What Does Serviced Accommodation Include?
There are many standard features included in serviced accommodation. Always fully furnished, they boast a greater number of facilities and services than you’d find in a hotel, but in a self-catering environment.
For example, purpose-built serviced apartment blocks often include on-site gyms and swimming pools, while others have shops, restaurants, and full concierge services providing 24/7 care and support.
Serviced accommodation also provides greater freedom and flexibility than hotels. From sustainability to home comforts, you’ll find there’s ample room to relax and unwind at a serviced apartment or home, regardless of the purpose of your stay.
Because the facilities in serviced accommodation are self-catering, they come with a fully equipped kitchen including all appliances, separate living and sleeping areas, a bathroom, and all standard utilities such as heating and internet.
In other words, you’re likely to have access to the same mod cons in a serviced apartment that you’d expect to find in most homes. It’s why many refer to serviced accommodation as a type of ‘home from home’ rental option where guests can relax in their comfortable surroundings and take advantage of the full range of services and amenities on offer
What Are the Benefits of Serviced Accommodation?
Convenience, luxury, and a high degree of customer care are among the main benefits of serviced accommodation. Guests receive a constant level of support and security from a professional management team providing immediate assistance should anything go wrong. Not only that, but a full range of housekeeping services including regular cleaning and laundering leaves guests with more time to enjoy their stay and explore their surroundings.
From generous living areas to a quiet place to work, serviced accommodation gives you the best of both worlds. Guests receive the luxury and care expected of a hotel but with the flexibility, freedom, and home comforts of a privately rented property.
As many serviced homes and apartments are set up in prime locations, guests can live like a local and use the excellent transport links to city centres and industrial hubs, making them an ideal choice for business travellers on work-related trips.
There are also several sustainable benefits to staying in serviced accommodation. From shared living to sustainable housekeeping, serviced properties are a popular choice for eco-conscious travellers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Who Typically Stays in Serviced Accommodation?
In a nutshell, anyone can stay in serviced accommodation, and they attract a wide variety of guests for a multitude of reasons. From single guests to large parties, they are highly popular with tourists and business travellers seeking the extra flexibility, space, and home comforts they may not find in a hotel. Similarly, serviced accommodation is also popular for those looking for somewhere convenient and comfortable to stay while they sell their house or make renovations as all the usual facilities and amenities are provided.
Many businesses use serviced apartments and homes for their employees. They are often block-booked by companies for staff attending training courses or when they’re working away from the office for an extended period of time.
The ability to stay from one night to many months opens up new and exciting markets for serviced accommodation landlords compared to standard buy-to-let properties. Not only that, but different price rates can be negotiated for different lengths of stay or at busier times of the year when demand is highest. In that respect, serviced accommodation is similar to a holiday let but with the option of renting for extended periods.
So, whether you’re planning a weekend family stay or a corporate retreat for company employees, serviced accommodation gives you somewhere to relax, unwind, and take advantage of the home comforts around you.
Do You Need Serviced Accommodation for Your Next Trip?
At Berkshire Rooms, we offer a variety of fully furnished serviced apartments and homes across the Berkshire area and beyond. When you book a stay with us, you’ll benefit from first-class facilities and amenities and exceptional customer care. Whether you’re looking for a short, medium, or long-term stay, contact Berkshire Rooms today.