Serviced apartments are fully furnished accommodations that allow short-term or long-term stays that provide amenities for daily use. These are less expensive than hotels and offer more space, privacy and convenience when traveling for periods of time.
Like hotel rooms, serviced apartments are cleaned regularly by a housekeeping staff but they do not offer other amenities found in more expensive accommodations. However, many serviced apartments nowadays offer services that are commonplace such as internet service and wi-fi connectivity. Serviced apartments are equipped with appliances and entertainment equipment to make guests as comfortable as possible.
Most serviced apartments in the different cities of Australia are represented by the Accommodation Association of Australia, as do all other types of accommodation services, to all levels of government.

Advantages of serviced apartments

• Serviced apartments combine the comfort of hotels and the flexibility of a home. They are ideal for travelers who are away from home for weeks at a time.
• Serviced apartments are much more affordable than hotels because of cheaper running costs. They do not have restaurants. However, serviced apartments are generally located in or near city centres which makes it easy for travelers to eat out.
• For long term rentals, serviced apartments are more practical since it is not restrictive. Private property rentals are normally available for more than six months whereas serviced apartments offer more flexible short-term options.
• Serviced apartments provide enough space to do all household tasks since everything is in one place.

Disadvantages of serviced apartments

• Serviced apartments are usually too small for more than two people.
• Some top range serviced apartments can be pricey and may cost a lot of money to rent per week especially if they provide better communal features.
• There is possibility of having noisy or distracting neighbors due to the closeness of the apartments.
• There usually is not enough space for guests to move around the apartment since it is too small.

Serviced apartments reservation tips

• Traveling in groups would lessen the cost of paying for a room since the charge will be divided equally. However, serviced apartments limit the number of occupants to a few, it is best to reach a group decision that would help lower the cost in any way possible.
• Serviced apartments located in popular areas tend to be full on peak seasons. When making reservations during peak seasons, do so a few months in advance.
• Inquire about special rates when making reservations in advance. However, you do not always have to accept the first special rate they may offer.
• Reservations will be taken more seriously when you guarantee your arrival with a credit card number. Deposits, on the other hand, can be very difficult to prove when misplaced. Always keep print out of your online booking or a record of the reservation made over the phone.
• Travel insurance will protect you if your trip was cancelled due to emergencies and the like. But it is advisable to read the policies of the travel insurance carefully for any exclusion.
• When you receive confirmation of your reservation, immediately review it for any errors. This would ensure that you only get what you paid for and to avoid any inconveniences.
• Give someone your itinerary such as when you are leaving for your trip, your expected arrival at your destination, the place you are staying, and when you?re planning to return home. Always double check reservations before leaving your home.