With the new trend of shared economy, budget airline and internet, the travel industry has been shaken up and evolved tremendously in the last decade.
In the past, the natural choice of accommodation were motels or hotels, often booked through travel agencies or direct international calls. Bed and Breakfast (B and B) was an option too. However, BnB was expensive and limited in number. Serviced apartments were unheard of then.
Who would have known that the Bed & Breakfast and serviced apartments would be the stay of choice now?
Serviced apartments are favoured by large families and long-stay corporate clients or expats. Airbnb, the simplified Bed and Breakfast (often comes with no breakfast in contrary to its name), is the favourite choice among independent holiday travellers, budget and shoe-string travellers. Combined, both are higher demanded than hotel bookings!
What are the key considerations to decide between the two then? There are 3 factors to consider:
Consistency and Standardisation of services
Most serviced apartments are corporatized and managed by experienced hospitality professionals. Formal Standard Operational Procedures are in place that define the layout, furnishing and services provided. If you are one that feels disorientated with different housing style each time you travel overseas or you irk at the housekeeping standard of home-run Bed and Breakfast (did they bleach the toilet bowl?), you will feel more confident in staying with the serviced apartment over Air BnB, where quality control and reputation are paramount to the former.
Customer Service
Serviced apartments specialise in serving business professionals. Due to this nature of business, the customer service standard is typically extremely high. Services usually include concierge, guest services and extended hours support. With Airbnb, you will not be able to know what to expect. Will you be received by the homeowner himself, or would it be a key drop arrangement? Is he staying in the same house with you, providing ‘local advices and directions’ or is he running the facility as an additional income and staying in a separate home? If you have an issue with your stay, where could you file a complaint? If you aren’t happy, can you change the room? The answer is ‘No’. The only recourse is that you leave a bad review on Airbnb portal to warn other travelers against it.
With serviced stays, on the other hand, you will have customer service and quality control staff who will dedicate their services to ensure that your stay is delightful. The professionals will find ways to remediate your unhappiness, such as a change of rooms or eradicating the source of discomfort.
Costs & Fees
With Air BNB, there are hidden fees, such as booking and cleaning fees. Usage of internet, phone, and laundry are often not included. If you do not read the fine-print, you can end up paying more than what you have bargained for. However, with the serviced route, the apartment price is usually all-inclusive of whatever you need during your stay, including utilities, WIFI, laundry services and even soap detergent.
In conclusion, Air BNB is the obvious sub-par option to travelling. In terms of comfort, flexibility, cost, quality and consistency, the serviced apartment route is the natural winner. There are no surprises, no hidden cost. Hence, for your next business trip or extended stay, consider these factors and choose the serviced apartment stay. After all, you should settle down quickly and enjoy the experience of your stay without having to be upset over unnecessary distractions and discomfort that should be a given.
Similar Posts
Relocating to Singapore often starts with uncertainty, but your housing decision does not have to. This article explores why choosing a residence that supports both arrival and long-term living from day one can help you commit to a long-term stay in Singapore more confidently. From administrative requirements to family stability and everyday comfort, discover how starting in the right home prevents disruption and supports a smoother transition into life in Singapore. […]
With its vibrant economy, strategic location, and multicultural environment, Singapore has become a top destination for expatriate directors. As the city-state continues to attract professionals seeking new opportunities, finding the ideal accommodation becomes a top priority. For managing directors and their families, a comfortable, flexible, and hassle-free living arrangement is essential to help them adjust […]
Relocating to Singapore as an expat family often means balancing space, convenience, and everyday comfort. Few accommodation options manage this as seamlessly as a well-designed luxury service apartment that caters to family living. At Aurealis Serviced Residence, the 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments are thoughtfully planned to support family routines, from generous living areas to […]
Marina Bay is a prime destination for both short and long-term stays, offering an array of accommodations that cater to diverse needs. Whether you’re looking for serviced apartments with home-like comfort or iconic hotels with unparalleled luxury, Marina Bay has it all. Here’s our list of the top options, starting with serviced apartments and concluding […]
Singapore is a vibrant metropolis that offers a unique blend of cultures, stunning architecture, and lush greenery. From world-class shopping malls and entertainment venues to tranquil gardens and iconic historical landmarks, there is always a wealth of exciting attractions for you to discover. Whether you’re staying in a service apartment in Singapore for business assignments […]
Looking for a flexible work arrangement in Singapore? Leasing a serviced office is a cheaper option in the long run, as it comes fully fitted and is a turnkey. Just like serviced apartments, everything is included in the pricing. The lease is flexible and the offices come fully-furnished. Here are the top 10 serviced offices […]
Nestled in the heart of Singapore Marina Bay, Aurealis Serviced Residence embodies contemporary urban living. With its blend of architectural brilliance and exceptional amenities, Aurealis Serviced Apartments offers residents a world where needs are met and comforts are curated. Within its walls lies a collection of facilities that redefine luxury living, setting a new benchmark […]
In the vibrant Marina Bay district of Singapore lies Aurealis Serviced Residence, where luxury seamlessly merges with convenience. Whether you are a business traveller seeking a long stay corporate housing or a family in search of a long-term home away from home, Aurealis Service Apartments stands ready to exceed your expectations. Explore our luxurious five-star […]
LUXURY FIVE-STAR SERVICED APARTMENT IN SINGAPORE Aurealis Serviced Residence is a waterfront facing 5-star serviced apartment located at central Marina Bay, the downtown of Singapore. Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC), Asia Square, One Raffles Quay (ORQ) and Raffles Place offices, Our corporate serviced apartments in Singapore create an exceptional experience for our long-stay corporate guests […]
Serviced Residences are an excellent choice all business travellers should consider, as they provide guests with hotel-like services and amenities but at a more affordable rate with proper living spaces. They are a convenient and flexible option for those looking for short or long-term rental and can be catered to suit any modern business traveller’s […]
Singapore: Pioneer in Popularizing Serviced Apartments Singapore has been instrumental in popularizing serviced apartments, offering a blend of Asian hospitality, high cleanliness standards, flexible lease terms, and excellent value compared to traditional hotel stays. This accommodation choice is favored by expat families and long-stay tourists, including medical tourists and interns. Home-Away-From-Home Comfort Serviced apartments, […]
Expats coming to work in Singapore looking for a home away from home wanting a flexibility of lease and yet to live near to their workplace should consider corporate serviced apartments in Singapore. Also known as serviced residence Singapore, many offer the flexibility of lease that allows an extension of stay month by month. If […]
With the new trend of shared economy, budget airline and internet, the travel industry has been shaken up and evolved tremendously in the last decade. In the past, the natural choice of accommodation were motels or hotels, often booked through travel agencies or direct international calls. Bed and Breakfast (B and B) was an option […]
The world has turned upside down with the invisible invasion of Covid-19. Who would have seen it coming in 2020? Offices have shut down, and lockdowns and curfews have become so prevalent in so many countries. Covid-19 has painted the very image of a war, a potent virus war. Singapore has been thankfully spared from […]
Many co-living spaces have sprouted in Singapore between 2015 to 2020, notably Coliwoo, Hmlet, Figment, Hei Homes, Cove and YOLOlive. The idea is tantalising – meeting people, shared kitchen communal space, lower bedroom rent, great condominium facilities. To make it profitable yet affordable to these tenants, living rooms and dining rooms have been converted by […]
The Sail @ Marina Bay
2 Marina Boulevard
Singapore 018987
-
Phone: +65 6509 0100
-
Whatsapp: +65 8113 9818
-
Email: [email protected]
