If you’re looking for a serviced apartment for rent, choosing the right serviced apartment can be a challenge, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or the process. In this article, we’ll go over the factors to consider when choosing a serviced apartment for rent.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished apartment for rent that provides hotel-like amenities, such as housekeeping and laundry services. It’s an excellent option for those who need serviced accommodation, such as business travellers, expats, vacationers and families who are in between homes. Choosing the right serviced apartment can be a challenge, but it’s crucial to ensure that you have a comfortable and safe stay. Here are the 13 factors to consider when choosing a serviced apartment.
1. Location of the Serviced Apartment
Location is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a serviced apartment. You’ll want to find an apartment that’s in a convenient location, close to your workplace, or any other places you need to go to regularly. This also means saving time and money on transportation. It’s also important to consider the safety of the neighbourhood and the proximity to public transportation, hospitals, grocery store, pharmacies, restaurants, ATMs and banks etc.
2. Cost of Staying at the Serviced Apartment
Needless to say, cost is also an important factor to consider when choosing a serviced apartment. You’ll want to ensure that the apartment is in keeping with your budget and offers you good value for your money. Also, be aware of any additional costs like refundable security deposits, utility bills and taxes.
3. Privacy and Security Offered
Privacy and security are also crucial factors to consider when choosing a serviced apartment. You’ll want to ensure that the apartment has secure access and that there are security cameras or guards on the premises. You’ll also want to ensure that the apartment offers enough privacy, with thick walls and soundproofing.
4. Services and Amenities on Offer
Another factor to consider is all the services and amenities offered by the serviced apartment. You’ll want to ensure that the apartment has everything that you may need for a comfortable stay, such as a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed internet, 100% power backup, 24X7 helpdesk and access to amenities like a gym, swimming pool, restaurants etc. Also enquire about any add-on services that many service apartments provide like on-call cook, laundry, breakfast etc.
5. Size and Layout of the Apartment
Another important factor to consider is the appropriate size and layout of the serviced apartment that will suit all your requirements. While the space should be enough to stay comfortably well, there should also be ample storage space, and the layout of the unit should be efficient as well as practical.
Also read: Confused about Types of Serviced Apartments? This is for You! to know about more types of serviced apartments.
6. Terms of the Lease Agreement
It is critical to be aware of and understand completely the terms of the lease agreements that you will be entering with your serviced apartment of choice. This includes payment terms, duration of the lease, any ‘cancellation clause’ and resulting penalties that the agreement contains.
7. Maintenance and Housekeeping
Maintenance and housekeeping are also important factors to ensure a comfortable stay for your and your family. Ensure that the serviced apartments and the premises are clean and maintained to the highest standards of hygiene. In case of any issues and repairs, the same are addressed promptly. We suggest opting for professionally managed serviced apartments with an on-site facility management team to take care of any issues at all times.
8. Pet-Friendly Policies
If you and your family are travelling with a pet, choose a serviced apartment with a pet-friendly policy. Enquire about the size and number of pets allowed and if there are any additional costs involved. Also, ensure that the serviced apartment has designated areas for walking your dogs to avoid any issues in the future.
9. Accessibility
Accessibility is another factor to consider when choosing a serviced apartment. You’ll want to ensure that the apartment is accessible for people with disabilities or mobility issues, with elevators or ramps if necessary. You may also want to consider the accessibility of the apartment to local attractions or places of interest.
10. Noise and Distractions
To ensure your peace and quiet, choose a serviced apartment that is located in a quiet area. Enquire beforehand if the premises play host to any public events or use loud music. We suggest ensuring that the apartment itself is not in close proximity to any bars and clubs.
11. Reputation
Gauging the reputation of the serviced apartment cannot be emphasised enough. You’ll want to ensure that the provider is reputable and has a history of providing quality service. Ask for recommendations from friends and colleagues who have stayed in the area. Online reviews and recommendations are another way to do the same. However, a word of caution: in the world of bought fake reviews, we suggest not going by sheer numbers alone. Read and analyse to have a fair idea. Also, visit the website of the service apartments- see if they’ve posted actual pictures of the apartments and if the reviews have company names of the former as well.
12. Recce
You’ve done everything right- from researching the location to asking all the right questions to go through all the fine print and researching the reputation of the serviced apartment… but have you or your company representative visited the actual site? It may sound impractical for some people travelling from abroad or another city. But we highly recommend especially in the case of long-stay rentals to have the recce organised for the serviced apartment.
13. Your Own Preference
In the end, give due consideration to your own preferences. You may have distinct requirements like specific décor type or layout. Or requirement for a specific utility item. We at Osaka Serviced Apartment often find our guests opting for a deep freezer instead of a large refrigerator to store food items from back home. It is important that you choose a serviced apartment that can accommodate your requests for a delightful stay.
Conclusion
Choosing the right serviced apartment for rent can be a challenge, but by carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that you find a comfortable and convenient place to stay. From location and amenities to cost and reputation, these factors can help you make an informed decision when choosing a serviced apartment.
