Updated June 2026
For stays of more than a few nights, a serviced apartment in London usually offers more space, better value and greater privacy than a hotel, while still including hotel-style services like cleaning and concierge. A hotel may suit very short stays where daily housekeeping and on-site facilities matter most.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can decide which option fits your trip. Whether you are visiting London for a week, relocating for work, or travelling with family, the right choice depends on how long you are staying, how much space you need, and how you prefer to live while you travel.
At a Glance: Serviced Apartment vs Hotel
| Feature | Serviced Apartment | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Separate living area, bedroom(s), and kitchen. Typically 40 to 120 sqm. | Single room of 20 to 35 sqm. Suites are larger but significantly more expensive. |
| Kitchen | Fully equipped kitchen as standard. | No kitchen. Some rooms have a kettle or minibar. |
| Cost (longer stays) | 20 to 40 percent cheaper per night than a comparable hotel for weekly or monthly bookings. | Nightly rate stays flat regardless of length. Extended-stay discounts are rare. |
| Privacy | Your own front door, no shared corridors at peak times. | Shared lobby, corridors, and lift access with other guests. |
| Cleaning | Scheduled housekeeping (typically 1 to 2 times per week), with extra cleans available. | Daily housekeeping included as standard. |
| Concierge | Available from premium operators; restaurant bookings, transfers, local tips. | On-site concierge desk with 24-hour staffing at most 4- and 5-star hotels. |
| Best for | Stays of 4+ nights, families, business travellers, relocations. | Short leisure breaks of 1 to 3 nights, guests who value daily room service. |
What is the difference between a serviced apartment and a hotel?
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished flat available for short or extended stays, with hotel-style services such as housekeeping and concierge included in the rate. Unlike a hotel room, it has a separate living area, a full kitchen, and often a washing machine. The result is a stay that feels more like living in your own home than visiting a hotel.
Hotels concentrate services around shared facilities: a front desk, a restaurant, a gym, and daily housekeeping. A serviced apartment shifts the emphasis towards private space and self-sufficiency, while still providing professional management and support.
Is a serviced apartment cheaper than a hotel in London?
For stays of a week or longer, a serviced apartment in London is almost always cheaper than a hotel of comparable quality in the same area. Savings of 20 to 40 percent per night are typical for weekly and monthly bookings. The gap widens further when you factor in meals: a kitchen means fewer restaurant bills.
For families and groups the saving is even more pronounced. A two-bedroom serviced apartment replaces two hotel rooms at a fraction of the combined cost, and everyone shares a living space rather than retreating to separate corridors.
Are serviced apartments better for long stays?
Serviced apartments are the standard choice for extended stays in London. Corporate relocations, project secondments, and family visits of a month or more almost always favour a serviced apartment over a hotel. The combination of lower nightly rates, kitchen facilities, laundry, and genuine living space makes a meaningful difference once you pass the one-week mark.
Many serviced apartments in central London offer flexible lease terms with no minimum commitment beyond a few nights, so you can extend or shorten your stay as plans change.
Do serviced apartments include cleaning and concierge like hotels?
Yes. Reputable serviced apartment operators include scheduled housekeeping in the rate, typically once or twice a week, with the option to book additional cleans. Premium operators also offer concierge services: restaurant reservations, airport transfers, and local recommendations.
The difference from a hotel is frequency. Hotels clean daily as standard; serviced apartments clean on a set schedule. If daily housekeeping is a priority, confirm whether your provider offers it as an upgrade before you book.
When is a hotel the better choice?
A hotel makes more sense for very short leisure stays of one to three nights where you plan to be out most of the day and want everything handled on-site: daily room service, a staffed reception around the clock, and facilities like a pool or spa. If you do not intend to cook or work from your accommodation, the extra space of a serviced apartment may go unused.
For anything longer, or for guests who value privacy, space, or the ability to eat at home, a serviced apartment is the stronger option in almost every London neighbourhood. Areas like Knightsbridge and Marylebone have a strong selection of both serviced apartments and hotels, so you can compare directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are serviced apartments in London cheaper than hotels?
For stays of a week or more, serviced apartments in London are typically 20 to 40 percent cheaper per night than a comparable hotel room in the same neighbourhood. The saving increases for families and groups because you book one apartment rather than multiple hotel rooms.
Do serviced apartments have daily housekeeping?
Most serviced apartments in London include scheduled housekeeping, usually once or twice a week, with the option to arrange additional cleans. Hotels provide daily housekeeping as standard. If daily service is essential, check the package before booking.
Can you cook in a serviced apartment?
Yes. A fully equipped kitchen is standard in a London serviced apartment, including a hob, oven, fridge, microwave, and cookware. This is one of the biggest practical differences from a hotel, especially for families or guests on longer stays.
Are serviced apartments suitable for business travellers?
Serviced apartments are popular with business travellers who need a quiet workspace, reliable Wi-Fi, and the ability to host informal meetings. A separate living area and kitchen eliminate the need to work from the bed or eat every meal out.
Do serviced apartments include concierge services?
Many premium serviced apartment operators in London offer concierge services including restaurant bookings, airport transfers, and local recommendations. The level of service varies by provider, so confirm before you book.
How long can you stay in a serviced apartment?
There is no upper limit. Serviced apartments in London accommodate stays from a few nights to several months. They are the standard choice for corporate relocations, project assignments, and extended family visits.
MCR London offers serviced apartments across central London, from Knightsbridge and Mayfair to Marylebone and Paddington. Each apartment includes housekeeping, concierge support, and a fully equipped kitchen as standard.
Check availability →