The popularity of high-end serviced apartments has been increasing as more and more travelers, whether for business or leisure, are drawn to accommodations that provide not only luxury amenities but also an authentic experience that will make them feel at home.
In the Philippines, the serviced apartment market attracts families looking for a premium staycation, businessmen who prefer a comfortable lived-in space over hotel rooms, expatriates who need a halfway house while they look for a more permanent residence in the country and overseas Filipinos who want a bigger space to entertain family and friends while on vacation.
Investing or staying in these fully furnished apartments that provide hotel-like services and home-like amenities, whether short-term or long-term, has plenty of advantages.
The Armitage offers its residents an unparalleled living experience in the West End’s most contemporary, well-furnished and stylish serviced apartments. —THEARMITAGE.COM
Hotel-like services
A serviced apartment is broadly defined as a fully furnished apartment providing amenities and a range of services mostly included in the rental price. The term “serviced” means that basic services that are offered in hotels, such as housekeeping, WiFi, TV, access to a gym and swimming pool, room service, breakfast, are available for guests.
Space
Ample space is one of the advantages of serviced apartments, attracting visitors looking for quality living whether they are on a vacation or on a business trip. A studio unit serviced apartment is typically bigger than the size of an average hotel room. Serviced apartment providers have up to three-bedroom fully furnished units with a kitchen and living area, suitable for a visiting family or group of friends.
Value for money
Cost is a top consideration when finding a place to stay during a trip. Serviced apartments are designed to give better value for money especially when booking for large groups or longer stays. The rates of serviced apartments are typically cheaper than that of hotels of the same quality. At the same time, most facilities like the gym, swimming pool, WiFi and utilities, such as water and electricity, are already included in the fee. With a fully equipped kitchen, refrigerator and dining table, guests also have the option to cook their own food or bring their own snacks for a cost-saving dining experience. Also, some providers offer spacious two-bedroom or three-bedroom units, a more economical deal for large groups as compared to booking multiple rooms in a hotel.
Location
When looking for an accommodation, location is a top consideration for almost all travelers. Serviced apartments are often found in central business districts or at the heart of many tourist destinations, providing quality accommodations for those visiting, whether for business or pleasure. They can also be found in lifestyle hubs, giving guests easy access to shopping, dining and other leisure and entertainment options.
Security
Serviced apartments are private, self-contained accommodations. Just like in hotels, they are equipped with a CCTV system, secure entry or key-code apartment access, 24-hour doorman and security, and maintenance personnel. Some providers also offer in-room safes.
Home away from home
In the age of increasing global travel, visitors, especially those who are on an extended stay in a foreign land, are not only looking for a place to sleep in but also for a space that will make them feel more at home after a tiring day. Serviced apartments cater to these preferences, having the convenience found in traditional hotels as well as the space and comforts present in a home, such as a dining table, a living room, a kitchen equipped with stove, cookwares, dinner wares and appliances.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Theasap.org.uk, Global Serviced Apartments Industry Report 2020-2021