[ecis2016.org] A serviced apartment is best suited for tourists or those who travel for work. Read on, to know more about service apartment, the rentals, amenities, etc.
With business travels and ‘staycations’ on the rise, the service apartments have a new meaning. They has become common in India’s hospitality segment, mostly because these provide a range of services.
You are reading: All about serviced apartments
New technology is making strides into the serviced apartment sector. COVID-19 has propelled extra safety with contactless technology. Serviced apartments are now using smart technology and automation in keeping with safety measures.
It’s interesting to know what are service apartments avoiding. Service apartments are avoiding front desk interactions or handling key cards, by using app-based mobile check-ins, virtual keys and digital checkouts wherever available. Clients inform the front desk before checkout and request for the invoice to be sent by email.
We delve deeper into what is a serviced apartment, structure of service apartment and the amenities that service apartments offer to guests.
What is a service apartment?
The service apartment meaning can be explained as a furnished unit that is usually available for short-term or long-term stays. Apart from the furnishing, the maintenance and upkeep of the service apartment property is also looked after, by the owner. Service apartments are best suited for tourists and people who travel for work. Companies usually offer a short-term accommodation in serviced apartments, to those employees who may be relocating for work.
Service apartment: Amenities
Most serviced apartments will offer a fully-functional and furnished house, with everything you require on a daily basis. Service apartments include an equipped kitchen, washing machine, separate bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms and WC, Wi-Fi services, television, water, electricity and even a periodic housekeeping service. In case of any problem, you will be able to reach out to the concierge services or the helpdesk, for quick grievance redressal.
Serviced apartment vs hotel
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Most people opt for a serviced apartment, because these offer far more privacy than a hotel room. Rooms in a hotel are, on an average, 325 sq ft. A serviced apartment, on the contrary, is a full house at your disposal. Service apartment meaning, you are free to use the kitchen or the washing machine and you may have access to conference rooms and any other amenities within the apartment complex, subject to the rules of the serviced apartment’s owner. Therefore, if you are living in a service apartment, you can avail of all home-like amenities, for a price.
Serviced apartments: Rent
Another reason why people choose serviced apartments over hotels, is because it is far more economical, for extended stays. In a hotel room, you do not have the provision to cook and eating out entails spending a lot of money on food that may not be healthy. Serviced apartments come with a kitchen and usually, all basic appliances, such as a microwave, gas stove, plates and utensils, are provided. Therefore, you can cook, do your dishes, wash/iron your clothes and feel at-home, in spite of being away from home in a service apartment.
Prices of serviced apartments are not fixed and vary, depending upon the quality of offering, amenities, location and the neighbourhood. A centrally-located serviced apartment will cost far more than that in an upcoming location. Having said that, it is also important to note that most often serviced apartments come up in or close to centres of business, commerce and tourism.
Serviced apartments: Other names
A serviced apartment may also be known as an ‘aparthotel’, that is, apartments within a dedicated building in the housing complex with all the aforementioned amenities. Most people also call serviced apartment as ‘corporate housing’, because it is available on lease for a temporary period.
Serviced apartments: Safety measures during COVID-19
In most serviced apartments, because of COVID-19, a maximum of two visitors are allowed in one apartment.
Each state may have the local government’s guidelines for Covid-19. Each serviced apartment may have a protocol to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable, as a result.
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.
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In some serviced apartments, before check-in, all keys are sanitised and placed in a sealed bag to be handed over to guests. Luggage and bags are only handled with gloves. If meet and greet is unavoidable, all safety measures like masks and social distancing are maintained.
There is a no handshaking policy for visitors to the site.
Cleaning and hygiene
Most serviced apartments are operating with more efficiency. The frequency of cleaning has been increased with additional focus on high contact areas such as doors and lifts.
Housekeeping staff wear gloves, masks and shoe covers inside the apartment and use antibacterial sprays, ensuring all surfaces are wiped down as they exit the property.
Service apartment: Are pools and water areas safe to use?
Gym, beach, swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam bath facilities can be used safely with certain restrictions, as determined by national guidelines. In particular, look for the following measures:
- A maximum number of people allowed to ensure adequate physical distancing
- Fabric mask policies required by local or national regulations
- Hand washing stations, especially in the toilet and change room areas
- Single-use towels only
- A bin for guests to place their towel after use for laundering
- Individual use drinking water
- Tissues and waste containers with lids
- High touch areas such as door handles disinfected regularly throughout the day
FAQs
Which is cheaper, service apartments or hotels?
This depends on the period of stay and the location. Serviced apartments may be economical for long-term stays.
Are service apartments furnished?
Yes, all serviced apartments are furnished and this is why they are sought-after by vacationers, business travellers, etc.
(Additional inputs: Sneha Sharon Mammen)
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Category: Lifestyle
