“Feel at home.”
This is no longer merely an expression, especially nowadays. As a market driven by experience, we don’t simply look for beds where we could sleep. When we travel, be it for business or pleasure, we instead want to stay in places that offer us the flexibility, warmth and comfort of a home.
This is perhaps why serviced apartments—self-contained apartments complete with bedroom, lounge and kitchen—are now popular. The description alone gives away the multitude of advantages that serviced apartments have over hotel rooms. One gets more space for work, rest, cooking, even entertaining. The units are often located in the heart of major cities, so everything is within convenient reach. They offer more freedom and greater privacy as well as round-the-clock hospitality and security.
All over the world, travelers—and even individuals who want to take a break from their homes during the COVID-19 lockdowns—can easily book serviced residences, many with their own unique propositions. We list down some of the best below.
Cheval Three Quays
Cheval Three Quays, London
London fell in love with serviced apartments in large part because of Cheval Three Quays. Launched in 2014, the luxury all-apartment residence by the River Thames places occupants near both business and culture—indeed the quintessential London living. It’s not just the accessibility that entices people to stay—some even for a year or more. It has five-star services and amenities, including 24/7 concierge and daily maid service. The apartments welcome one to unapologetic luxury.
Fraser Suites
Fraser Suites, Sydney
In a magnificent 41-story glass-and-steel structure, 201 luxury flats await. The multi-awarded Fraser Suites offers various configurations, all decked in elegance. One can stay in the open-plan studios or, for the grandest experience of all, the penthouses overlooking the cityscape. Business travelers can take one of their meeting rooms and then visit the wellness amenities later. Discover the rest of the city, too, as it’s near Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Chinatown, the Queen Victoria Building and more.
Palazzo Scanderbeg
Palazzo Scanderbeg, Italy
At the heart of the Eternal City, you can live like a royal. The Palazzo Scanderbeg serviced suites are situated in a palace dating back to the 15th century, and once owned by Albanian nobleman Prince George Castriot, also known as Scanderbeg. Marrying history and modern style, the apartments are perfect for families and large groups. Apart from the superb services and amenities (plus the signature treasure hunt), the palace is near the Colosseum and other must-visits. When in Rome, right?
Aparthotel Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha
Aparthotel Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha, Dubai
The Adagio chain is a dominant player in aparthotels. If you want to experience the global brand on a superlative level, book an apartment at Adagio in the trendy Dubai Al Barsha neighborhood. It is the largest property in the chain, with 199 units featuring opulent furnishings and sweeping views of Dubai. Amenities and services include a swimming pool, fitness room, meeting rooms, dry-cleaning service and a 24-hour concierge. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Creek, among other travel destinations, are a few minutes away.
Aruga by Rockwell, Makati
No, the Philippines did not allow itself to be left behind in the booming serviced apartment industry. Exclusivity and luxury expert Rockwell took the experience to Manila’s most coveted lifestyle hub through Aruga Apartments. The suites offer spaces for both life and work, with the assurance of daily housekeeping services and a 24/7 front desk, among others. Each apartment signifies the worry-free cosmopolitan life, and Rockwell ensures the values of aesthetics, comfort, cleanliness and efficiency. Book one of the 114 remarkable units and experience the one-of-a-kind Aruga lifestyle.
Photos from Chevalcollection.com, Sydney.frasershospitality.com, Palazzoscanderbeg.com, Adagio-city.com and Aruga.com.ph