Whether you’re travelling for work, relocating, or planning an extended vacation, serviced apartments are an awesome middle ground between a hotel and a full-blown lease. You get the comfort of a home (think kitchens, living rooms, even laundry machines) with hotel-style services like housekeeping and Wi-Fi.
But just like booking a flight or finding the perfect Airbnb, there’s a smart way to go about it. Want to avoid overpaying, ending up in the wrong part of town, or walking into a place that looks nothing like the photos? Read on.
Here are 10 ways to book a serviced apartment like a pro—without breaking a sweat.
1. Know What “Serviced Apartment” Really Means
Before clicking that “Book Now” button, make sure you’re actually getting what you think you are. A serviced apartment typically includes:
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Housekeeping (weekly or more often)
- Utilities included (Wi-Fi, water, electricity)
- Furnishings and linens
- Often laundry facilities (either in-unit or shared)
If it’s missing most of these, it might just be a dressed-up hotel or a long-stay rental with none of the extras.
2. Use the Right Platforms
Skip the general hotel sites if you want the best options. Use sites that specialise in serviced apartments or extended stays. Some solid options include:
- Booking.com (with filters)
- Airbnb (check for “entire place” and long-term stay discounts)
- Sonder
- TheSqua.re
- Blueground
- Corporate Housing by Owner (CHBO)
These platforms tend to have verified listings and more long-stay-friendly amenities.
3. Book Direct (When You Can)
Found a place you love on a booking site? Try Googling the name and seeing if the property has its own website. You’ll often get a better rate or extra perks (like free cleaning or later checkout) by booking directly. Plus, if anything goes wrong, dealing directly with the apartment operator is way smoother than going through a third party.
4. Compare Locations—Don’t Just Look at Distance
Sure, an apartment might be “10 minutes from downtown,” but how do you get there? Walk? Bus? Drive through endless traffic?
Use Google Maps to scope out commute times, nearby amenities, and public transportation options. Also, check for nearby grocery stores, restaurants, parks, or coworking spaces—whatever matters most to you.
5. Read Reviews Like a Detective
Don’t just skim the star ratings. Read the actual comments. Look for keywords like:
- “Cleanliness”
- “Noise”
- “Wi-Fi speed”
- “Photos accurate?”
- “Responsive host or management?”
If the same issue pops up across several reviews (e.g., weak water pressure or a sketchy neighbourhood), take it seriously.
6. Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Some serviced apartments love to sneak in fees after you’ve mentally committed to the booking. These can include:
- Cleaning fees
- Admin fees
- Security deposits
- Parking charges
- Utility caps (yep, some places charge extra if you go over a certain amount)
Always read the fine print. And if something seems vague, ask before booking.
7. Ask About Housekeeping Frequency
Unlike hotels, housekeeping isn’t always daily. Some serviced apartments cleaned once a week, others bi-weekly, or not at all unless requested (and paid for). If cleanliness is a dealbreaker, make sure you know the schedule upfront.
Also, check if fresh towels and linens are included, or if you’re expected to wash your own.
8. Consider the Length of Stay
Most serviced apartments offer better deals for longer stays. So if you’re staying a week or more, ask if there’s a discount. Many properties give:
- Weekly rates
- Monthly rates
- Last-minute deals if their calendar isn’t full
Pro tip: Even if you’re staying 5 nights, it’s worth asking if they offer a weekly rate and what that looks like.
9. Check the Cancellation and Extension Policies
Life happens. Plans change. You don’t want to be stuck paying for three weeks when your plans shift after three days. Check:
- How far in advance do you need to cancel for a full refund
- If you can shorten or extend your stay easily
- Any fees involved in changing dates
Flexible policies = peace of mind.
10. Make a Pre-Arrival Checklist
Before you arrive, it helps to confirm a few things, like:
- Do you need to meet someone for the keys, or is it a self-check-in?
- What times are check-in and check-out?
- Is there 24/7 support in case of issues?
- What’s included in the kitchen? (Do you need to bring anything?)
- Is the Wi-Fi password easily available?
- Are there starter supplies like toilet paper, soap, etc.?
A quick message to the host or property manager can clear up most of these questions and save you some surprises.
Take Away
Serviced apartments are a great way to travel smart, offering more space, better value, and a more “homey” vibe than hotels. But just like anything in the travel world, it pays to do your homework. By following these ten tips, you’ll avoid the common traps and book like a seasoned traveller. So the next time someone says, “Wow, how did you find such a great place?”—you can just smile and say, “Booked it like a pro.”
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