There are a lot of traps to avoid in finding a serviced apartment in London. This article will help you sidestep them and help you make all the right choices. You'll hopefully end up with spacious and good-value accommodation to enjoy your stay in London.
There are several advantages and disadvantages of serviced apartments that you should always take into account.
Advantages of London serviced apartments:
* "Greater space per dollar invested". Serviced apartments will often give you more space for similar money.
* "Liberty". Serviced apartments let you prepare your own meals (so you save lots of money!) - this is a godsend particularly when travelling with your family.
* "Feeling local". It "feels good" to have your own apartment in London. You may also feel more like a local!
* "Long stays". It's more comfortable to be in an apartment if visiting London for more than a few days.
* "A flexible arrangement". Serviced apartments often give you greater versatility, particularly if you don't want to deal with the paperwork and hassle of a long-term rental.
Disadvantages of London serviced apartments:
* "Absence of hotel services". Sometimes hotels can save you time (even though London serviced apartments also often come with extra services).
* "Absence of concierge service". This is certainly one downside to many serviced apartments, though there are some which still do provide a concierge.
* "That special X factor?". Serviced apartments can't always compete with the extra "wow" that some hotels generate when they serve you especially well.
* "Uncertainty". It's not always clear what is included in a serviced apartment and what isn't (e.g. toilet paper?). You should always aim to check before you arrive.
You can often pay 20% less for a serviced apartment than a similar hotel (though prices can vary). But always ask yourself: how important are those "extras" you get in a hotel when set against the extra value you might get from a serviced apartment?
If you end up choosing a London serviced apartment, then you should take the following aspects into account before making your booking:
* You sometimes gain increased bargaining power if you book direct.
* Visit Britain (the official UK tourism body) has developed accreditation criteria for serviced apartments, which you should try to check before booking.
* Find out any extra costs you might be billed before you book (e.g. telephone costs).
* Be careful about the specific apartment you are given. Don't trust web photos and always look at various options.
* Research guest reviews...even very average apartments may sometimes be described as "luxury".
Please be careful and make sure you do proper research before booking your London serviced apartment. Read the London Hotels Insight blog which pre-selects the best serviced apartments based on guest reviews.
There are several advantages and disadvantages of serviced apartments that you should always take into account.
Advantages of London serviced apartments:
* "Greater space per dollar invested". Serviced apartments will often give you more space for similar money.
* "Liberty". Serviced apartments let you prepare your own meals (so you save lots of money!) - this is a godsend particularly when travelling with your family.
* "Feeling local". It "feels good" to have your own apartment in London. You may also feel more like a local!
* "Long stays". It's more comfortable to be in an apartment if visiting London for more than a few days.
* "A flexible arrangement". Serviced apartments often give you greater versatility, particularly if you don't want to deal with the paperwork and hassle of a long-term rental.
Disadvantages of London serviced apartments:
* "Absence of hotel services". Sometimes hotels can save you time (even though London serviced apartments also often come with extra services).
* "Absence of concierge service". This is certainly one downside to many serviced apartments, though there are some which still do provide a concierge.
* "That special X factor?". Serviced apartments can't always compete with the extra "wow" that some hotels generate when they serve you especially well.
* "Uncertainty". It's not always clear what is included in a serviced apartment and what isn't (e.g. toilet paper?). You should always aim to check before you arrive.
You can often pay 20% less for a serviced apartment than a similar hotel (though prices can vary). But always ask yourself: how important are those "extras" you get in a hotel when set against the extra value you might get from a serviced apartment?
If you end up choosing a London serviced apartment, then you should take the following aspects into account before making your booking:
* You sometimes gain increased bargaining power if you book direct.
* Visit Britain (the official UK tourism body) has developed accreditation criteria for serviced apartments, which you should try to check before booking.
* Find out any extra costs you might be billed before you book (e.g. telephone costs).
* Be careful about the specific apartment you are given. Don't trust web photos and always look at various options.
* Research guest reviews...even very average apartments may sometimes be described as "luxury".
Please be careful and make sure you do proper research before booking your London serviced apartment. Read the London Hotels Insight blog which pre-selects the best serviced apartments based on guest reviews.
About the Author:
The writer shares secret knowledge on the best London hotels as well as a guide to the city's highest-rated serviced apartments.
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