Serviced Accommodation vs Non-Serviced Accommodation: What’s the Difference?

Looking for somewhere to stay? You’ve probably come across two main options: serviced accommodation and non-serviced accommodation. But what sets these concepts apart?

If you’ve ever asked: what is the difference between serviced and non-serviced accommodation, we’re here to provide some answers and help you decide which is best for you.

We’ll highlight the key features of both serviced accommodation and non-serviced accommodation and explain what a typical stay may look like.

What is Serviced Accommodation?

Serviced accommodation refers to fully furnished properties available for short or long-term stays with a range of amenities attached. Think of it as a landlord letting out an apartment or house so that visitors benefit from home comforts with ample space to work and relax.

Serviced accommodation typically features a variety of amenities and self-catering facilities such as furniture, appliances, TV, phone and Wi-Fi, and includes all utilities and taxes in the fee.

As the name suggests, this type of accommodation is also serviced which generally includes housekeeping and concierge, 24-hour customer care, enhanced security, and more. Because serviced accommodation can be located in apartment blocks, some options also offer a fully staffed reception desk, onsite staff support, and access to facilities like a pool, gym, or restaurant.

All serviced accommodation is managed professionally, and you’ll find plenty of availability all year round. One of the major advantages of serviced accommodation is that it provides more flexibility and space than hotels and properties are often located near transport hubs for easy access to major towns and cities.

Whether you’re a business professional on a short trip, an executive on secondment from their normal workplace, a couple on the move while their home is renovated, serviced accommodation offers privacy, convenience, value for money, and most of all, complete flexibility.

What are the Pros and Cons of Staying in Serviced Accommodation? 

Now we’ve covered the meaning of serviced accommodation, it’s time to look at the advantages and potential drawbacks of this type of stay.

Advantages of Serviced Accommodation

From ideal locations to a greater sense of freedom, there are multiple benefits to staying in serviced accommodation for a short or long-term stay. These include: 

Disadvantages of Serviced Accommodation

Despite its many advantages, serviced accommodation may not be right for everyone. Some of the drawbacks include:

What is Non-Serviced Accommodation?

Non-serviced accommodation refers to short or long-stay accommodation. These properties are mostly privately owned and let out to guests, often through companies like Airbnb.

Like serviced properties, non-serviced accommodation includes houses, apartments, and other dwellings in numerous styles, designs, and locations. They can also be fully, semi, or unfurnished and their level of quality often varies.

The biggest (and most obvious) difference is that this type of accommodation is not serviced. In other words, no housekeeping, no concierge, no added security, and none of the extras you’ll find with serviced properties.

While you can book non-serviced accommodation for both short and long-term stays, you may find they’re only available when the owner is away, thus limiting your options. Similarly, where longer stays are required, you may have to go through a letting agent and pay additional fees.

Nevertheless, non-serviced accommodation can be an option for some like families moving to a new area, of those looking for temporary spot for a group holiday.

What are the Pros and Cons of Staying in Non-Serviced Accommodation? 

There are both advantages and disadvantages to staying in non-serviced accommodation.  

Advantages of Non-Serviced Accommodation

From added privacy compared to hotels, to great locations, the benefits of non-serviced accommodation include:

Disadvantages of Non-Serviced Accommodation

As you may expect, there are several downsides to staying in non-serviced accommodation compared to serviced accommodation, such as: 

Which is Better: Serviced Accommodation or Non-Serviced Accommodation?

We’ve answered the question: What is the difference between serviced accommodation and non-serviced accommodation? Now it’s time to consider which option suits your needs and is best for you.

To summarise, serviced accommodation provides most of the features and advantages you find with non-serviced accommodation. But it also comes with a load more extras, luxury, and the major convenience of a full housekeeping service. That means more time to enjoy your stay while your regular cleaning and laundry are taken care of.

You’ll also receive a high level of customer care with serviced accommodation that you won’t get with non-serviced options. That means a better experience for guests plus the added security of practical support should anything go wrong.

In many ways, serviced accommodation combines the luxury and customer care of a hotel with the flexibility and comfort of a private rental property. You’ll feel like a valued guest during your stay while enjoying the freedom of living in a prime location, local community, or somewhere more remote.

Whatever you choose, serviced accommodation delivers a consistent level of quality and security you’d expect from a professionally managed facility. And you can also enjoy the spacious settings along with the extra amenities and leisure facilities that accompany many properties.

Are You Searching for Serviced Accommodation in Your Area?

Berkshire Rooms provides a range of serviced homes and apartments in various locations in the South East. From Bracknell to Reading and from Windsor to Woking, all out properties boast first-class facilities, amenities, and customer care. If you’re looking for a short, medium, or long-term stay, contact us today.