Singapore is a bustling and cosmopolitan city, with a constant influx of visitors from abroad. When it comes to turning their stay into an experience, it is easy to assume that hotels usually have the upper-hand. After all, hotels get access to the convenience of full-time staff who get to see, and have direct interaction with their guests. But that hardly means that serviced apartments are out of the running; they are in fact ideally placed to offer more than just a bed to sleep in, providing a sense of homeliness that comes with your accommodation.
Whether you’re in Singapore for business, leisure, or a longer term stay, serviced apartments offer a cost-effective option, combining the time-saving convenience of hotels with the comforts of home. They provide excellent value for business travellers and tourists alike, which is little wonder that they are growing in popularity as an alternative for both short term or longer term rentals in Singapore. Wondering if a serviced apartment could be a good option for your needs? Expat Corporate offers the most luxurious yet affordable serviced apartments in Singapore, and this article shares all you need to know about serviced apartments and why you should discover the joys of renting one.
The benefits of choosing a serviced apartment
Serviced apartments are gaining traction among travellers and quickly becoming the preferred choice of accommodation as an alternative to hotels. However, not many are aware of what the advanatages of staying in a serviced apartment are, versus staying in a hotel. This section takes a look at the various benefits of choosing a serviced apartment for your stay.
Luxury of space
Serviced apartments offer more space to live and relax in than an average hotel room does. Guests get to enjoy their stay in luxury surroundings complete with elegant furnishings, in addition to their own bedroom, a living area, kitchen and bathrooms. For those who might be staying for a longer period, choosing a serviced apartment ensures a secure, spacious place where they can reside and work in. Moreover, given that a serviced apartment is generally more spacious than a standard hotel room, there is certainly zero chance of cabin fever. It also provides guests with the extra option of entertaining visitors during the period of their stay.
With ample independent space within the fully furnished personal suite that comes with separate living, dining and bedroom areas, you’ll be sure to enjoy the utmost comfort and privacy during your entire stay.
Value for money
For those looking to reduce their travel budgets, serviced apartments offer considerable cost savings compared to stays in traditional hotels. Not only is the rental price for these apartments lower on average than the rates for a hotel, but the incidental business costs are substantially lower too.
The most notable savings on these extra costs come from the absence of restaurant bills, room service charges and bar tabs. Serviced apartments come equipped with a functional kitchen which allows guests to prepare their own meals, avoiding marked up restaurant prices, and service charges on the company tab. Entertaining business clients in a serviced apartment instead of a hotel bar can also amount to savings for the organisation, on top of providing a more informal atmosphere for discussions within the privacy and security of their own front door.
For those on vacation, costs saved on eating out for every meal will be substantial. Serviced apartments with multiple rooms also offer a more cost-effective alternative to booking multiple hotel rooms for those travelling with friends and family. Additionally, laundry facilities further eliminate the need for external laundry services and the associated high costs, as is the case with hotels.
Suitable accommodation for all
Whether it’s for business, leisure, or a budget short term accommodation you’re looking for, the size of a serviced residence makes it a suitable accomodation for every type of guest and purpose. Renting a two or three-bedroom apartment provides more flexibility for a group or family than a hotel room, giving more freedom to parents travelling with children.
Some serviced apartments even provide suites for a more luxurious stay. Whether you’re a tourist on a vacation or a business trip, or perhaps even a Singaporean looking for a new place for a short term stay, being presented with a variety of apartment size options for both long term and short term accommodation is never a bad thing.
Exceptional service
Serviced apartment staff are accustomed to building relationships with guests who are, on average, at the establishment for longer periods of time than hotel guests. That leads to a culture of personalised service, and appreciating guests as individuals within many serviced apartment properties. In addition to that, most serviced apartments provide periodical housekeeping services that ensure your apartment’s cleanliness is maintained. Residents on business trips may also tap on concierge services for printing and mailing of documents when necessary.
Amenities within the property
If amenities such as gyms, pools, concierge, and restaurants are part of your travel needs, many serviced residences offer these and more, often rivalling the facilities offered by hotels. Serviced apartments are often all-inclusive of parking, gym, pools and meeting spaces, all included within the rental price, making the development a destination where you can make lasting memories in itself.
Security and safety
Aside from the many facilities available to guests at a serviced apartment, you will find that these developments are also complete with round the clock surveillance through the use of CCTVs, secure entry and security teams. This ensures you are able to get the assistance you need in cases of emergency, and a peace of mind knowing that you will be staying in a place that is safe and secure.
Home away from home
While a hotel room is a great option for a couple of nights, service apartments for rent provide the feeling of a real home with living and dining spaces. This can help to bring a sense of comfort especially when away for an extended time and homesickness begins to set in.
Such a setting can also be beneficial in achieving a sense of work-life balance for business travellers. Modern conveniences such as high-speed internet connection, up-to-date kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art home entertainment systems create the ideal home living experience even while overseas.
Convenient to book
Booking your accommodation at a serviced apartment is a fairly straightforward and convenient process. Unlike booking a long term apartment in Singapore, serviced apartments only require the guest to pay for their accommodation, without lengthy procedures, and no large deposits required. Form filling is also simple, with no long term commitments needed.
Learn more: 3 Common Misconceptions About Service Apartments
Who should consider staying in a serviced apartment?
Whether you are on a business trip and need a temporary place for your family to stay at, or are simply a regular traveller visiting for leisure, serviced apartments are a good option to ensure a cost effective and comfortable stay. We explore the circumstances in which you might consider booking your accommodation in a serviced apartment.
Business travellers
With working conditions and business travel evolving, the demand for alternatives to hotels is steadily on the rise. For business travellers, accommodation shouldn’t just be a place to sleep, but a place to live, work and feel right at home. The concept of serviced apartments is able to meet these growing demands with the promise of greater comfort and a customisable stay. In addition, business travellers also tend to prioritise a central city location, comfort and amenities regardless of whether they’re on a solo trip or travelling with family – all of which are features that can be found with most service residences.
Leisure travellers
A hotel room can feel confining for children and other members of a large family who might be staying for a longer period of time. With a serviced apartment that is designed with the comforts of home, you can look forward to claiming your own private space, while others will still have sufficient room for their own activities. Bigger luggages or baby strollers can also be kept neatly away without the space constraints of a regular hotel room.
Furthermore, the 24-hour security features of a serviced residence acts as a gatekeeper to strangers. In comparison to other rental alternatives, this prevents unexpected guests from turning up uninvited, leaving you with a peace of mind at all times.
With apartments crafted to suit the needs of every kind of traveller, serviced apartments offer various choices that can fit the lifestyle of both a jet-setting individual or the touring family on a budget.
Individuals looking at alternative accommodation in Singapore
One of the most common housing options for temporary housing, the facilities in a serviced apartment present the same quality of comfort and functionality as units in condominiums, making serviced apartments an attractive alternative as temporary housing for families. Even for those who have confidently settled down in Singapore, moving into a serviced apartment upon arrival gives the opportunity to live comfortably while searching for a permanent home. The alternative, staying in a potentially smaller and expensive hotel room, could push them into deciding too quickly on a home that isn’t the most suited.
Whether your present home is currently undergoing renovation, or perhaps you’ve recently relocated, serviced apartments will provide a homely option across all needs.
Individuals planning for short term minibreaks
Whether it’s for a romantic staycation or for a personal retreat, having plenty of space and a welcoming, comfortable environment that comes with the convenience of amenities and housekeeping services allow guests to fully enjoy their quality time there.
Tips for choosing the right service apartment
Choosing the most suitable service apartment can be a challenging affair for first-time tenants with numerous factors to consider. The perfect place to spend your downtime can either make or break your trip whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure. Here are some tips to help you make a better decision before you commit.
Location
Determining the ideal location of your accommodation will depend on the purpose of your travels. For instance, younger couples might prefer to live near a place with an active nightlife scene, while families with younger children might prefer a location with more privacy and seclusion. If you’re visiting for an exciting new business venture and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then booking somewhere in the heart of town may be for you.
The right location plays a key role in satisfying the needs of a tenant, be it for short term rental or if you’re planning on staying long term in a service apartment. It is also important to ensure that public transport options are easily accessible and amenities like supermarkets, food courts, and restaurants are in the vicinity.
Fix a budget
Working out a budget and planning your expenses will help you avoid any nasty surprises that might ruin your stay. Go through several options before narrowing down into a list such that it’s easier to come to a decision. Look for affordable service apartments that are able to offer sufficient space and all amenities needed within the budget in mind. Note that certain factors will also determine the total cost of your accommodation such as location, facilities, and the chosen size of your apartment. Planning ahead and making a thorough comparison of your options will ensure you get your money’s worth.
Sizing and layout
Another key concern for prospective tenants is the sizing and layout of your service apartment. As mentioned earlier, service apartments in Singapore range from studio units to larger residences, catering to solo travellers, couples, as well as multi-generational families. This makes it convenient for tenants to find what they are looking for based on their needs. For those on a family vacation, you will probably want a larger living area that comes equipped with a kitchen. On the other hand, tenants visiting for business may find themselves requiring a larger area to work in.
In addition, many operators spare no expense in ensuring the interior of their apartments are done up in a tasteful and stylish manner. They come in a variety of designs and layouts, from a more homely feeling that creates a sense of comfort and restfulness, to a modern concept complete with sleek furnishings – all of which aids in making the apartment feel less like temporary lodging, ensuring a more pleasant and relaxed stay.
Good reviews
Always go with a reliable housing provider for a quick and perfect solution during your stay in Singapore. Reviewing customer feedback will not only help you with reaching an informed decision, but also deter you from making the wrong one. Getting insights from others who have been to the facility can help to attest to the reliability of the property, and is one great way to get an honest and unbiased account into the actual condition of the apartment, on top of the experience past tenants have had.
Security features
Security is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a serviced apartment. Enquire about the security measures put in place to protect guests, and look into features like CCTV cameras, 24-hour call reception, and in-room safes.
As important as it is to secure your apartment against break ins, security is also about making sure you can get out easily in case of an emergency. Search for posted fire escape plans, and if you’re close to ground level, check that your windows can be opened with ease from the inside.
After-sale service
Ask questions regarding matters such as repairs and turn around time in terms of solving any issues that may arise during your stay. This will give you an idea on the time needed for resolving unexpected situations that could occur.
Things to check before moving into your serviced apartment
Before you plan on renting a serviced apartment, there are certain things you should first clarify with the management of the property. We’ve compiled a list of things you should check before making a confirmation on the apartment of your choice!
Leasing terms
Certain housing apartments such as HDB flats and condominiums involve penalties when leases are broken. However, such penalties don’t apply to serviced apartments – all that’s required is for you to give the management a heads up on when you intend to leave such that they will know how to settle matters in regards to payment.
Serviced apartments are generally flexible when it comes to leasing terms. If there are any aspects that you’re still unsure about, drop a note to the company and they’ll reply to your enquiries as quickly as possible.
Rental payments
Enquiring about when the due date for rent is may seem like a basic question, but it’s one that most people tend to overlook or forget over time. Apart from enquiring about the amount, it is also crucial to confirm on the date for which the rent is to be paid. Asking about the mode of payment may also be something to keep in mind to ensure the payment process is a smooth one throughout your entire stay.
Connectivity and basic amenities
Before signing a lease, a tenant should find out about connectivity and basic amenities of the service apartment. Technology is non-negotiable in the industry’s offering these days – check that the apartment comes with a seamless wifi connection for your personal and business needs. Ask also about basic amenities including water heaters. This is to prevent discomfort from having insufficient hot water to shower with, and to avoid the risk that a worn-out water heater could start to leak.
Questions you may have
We conclude this guide with some questions you might have with regards to staying in serviced apartments in Singapore.
What can I expect from my stay in a service apartment?
A guest in a typical service apartment can expect to have a range of amenities and services at their disposal. These features include;
- A kitchenette or fully-equipped kitchen, complete with a washer or dryer
- Serviced apartments with plenty of room, with one or more separate bedrooms, and specific sections for sleeping, cooking, and home office work for studio units
- A toilet and bathroom
- Safety deposit box
- Television (one or more), cable TV, wireless internet, and other modern technologies such as digital locks
- All basic utilities such as water and electricity
- Regular housekeeping service, with more frequent housekeeping services arranged upon request
- Ironing board or clothes steamer
- A 24-hour helpline
Are pets allowed in service apartments?
The number of serviced residences who accommodate pets is on the increase. That said, be sure to check with a member of the operating team who will be able to advise on pet policies and any potentially related charges.
Do you offer disability access?
We have a good range of accommodation options for disabled guests. Get in touch with a member of our team for information on the apartments available for disabled guests in your chosen area.
Can I make a special request for my stay?
Meeting our guests’ needs is of priority to us. Any special requests will be noted at the time of the enquiry, and a further follow-up from our team will reveal whether your request can be accommodated.
Conclusion
To sum it up, serviced apartments offer more freedom, space, choice and flexibility for the business and leisure travellers of today, with considerable financial cost savings to boot. An ideal choice for business travellers on an extended work trip, homeowners who need temporary accommodation while their houses are being renovated, or families on vacation, service apartments combine the best of both comfort and features, making it little wonder why they are a growing alternative to hotels and renting in Singapore.
Looking for affordable service apartments for your stay in Singapore? Expat Corporate is a leading housing solutions provider that promises seamless temporary or long term tenancy options for all. Reach out to our team for more information on how you can make your stay a pleasant and unforgettable one!
