Updated June 2026
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished private residence available for short or extended stays that combines the space and self-catering freedom of a home with hotel-style services such as cleaning, linen and concierge.
The concept is straightforward: you get your own flat, complete with a kitchen, living area, and one or more bedrooms, while a professional management company handles everything from regular housekeeping to fresh towels. It is the standard choice for anyone who wants more room and independence than a hotel provides, without sacrificing comfort or support.
How is a serviced apartment different from a hotel?
The most visible difference is space. A serviced apartment typically offers 40 to 120 square metres of living area, including a separate lounge, kitchen, and bedroom, whereas a standard hotel room is usually 20 to 35 square metres with no kitchen. Serviced apartments also provide your own front door and private entrance, meaning fewer shared corridors and lifts.
Hotels focus on centralised amenities such as a restaurant, gym, and 24-hour room service. Serviced apartments shift the emphasis towards private, self-contained living with professional support available when you need it. For a detailed side-by-side breakdown, see our comparison of serviced apartments and hotels in London.
How is a serviced apartment different from an Airbnb?
An Airbnb is typically a privately owned property listed by its owner, with quality, cleanliness, and reliability varying from listing to listing. A serviced apartment is managed by a professional operator who maintains consistent standards across every unit, provides scheduled housekeeping, and offers a single point of contact for any issue during your stay.
The regulatory position also differs. Serviced apartment operators in London hold the relevant licences, carry commercial insurance, and comply with fire and safety regulations. This gives guests a level of accountability that individual Airbnb hosts may not always match.
What is included in a serviced apartment?
A well-run serviced apartment in London includes a fully equipped kitchen (hob, oven, fridge, microwave, cookware, and crockery), a washing machine or access to laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, bed linen, towels, and regular housekeeping. Many also offer concierge services, airport transfers, and grocery pre-stocking on request.
Utility bills, council tax, and building service charges are covered in the nightly or weekly rate. Unlike renting a flat on a standard tenancy, there are no hidden costs beyond the quoted price.
Who are serviced apartments best for?
Serviced apartments suit a wide range of guests. Business travellers use them for the quiet workspace, reliable Wi-Fi, and the ability to host informal meetings without booking a conference room. Families choose them for the extra bedrooms, kitchen access, and living space that hotel rooms cannot match. Relocating professionals treat them as a furnished base while they search for a permanent home.
They are also a strong option for medical visitors who need a comfortable, self-contained space close to a London hospital, and for leisure travellers staying longer than a few nights who want to live like a local rather than a tourist.
How long can you stay in a serviced apartment?
There is no upper limit. Stays range from a few nights to several months. Most operators accept bookings from three nights upwards, and monthly rates are common for corporate relocations and extended family visits. Flexible terms mean you can extend or shorten your stay as plans change, without the penalties associated with breaking a residential tenancy.
How much does a serviced apartment cost in London?
Nightly rates for a one-bedroom serviced apartment in central London typically start from around £150 to £250, depending on the neighbourhood and time of year. Two- and three-bedroom apartments range from £250 to £500 per night. Weekly and monthly bookings attract significant discounts, often 20 to 40 percent below the nightly rate.
For families and groups, the value proposition is particularly strong: a two-bedroom apartment replaces two hotel rooms at a fraction of the combined cost. Browse serviced apartments across central London to compare options by neighbourhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a serviced apartment the same as an Airbnb?
No. A serviced apartment is operated by a professional management company and includes hotel-style services such as housekeeping, linen changes, and concierge support. An Airbnb is typically a privately owned property let directly by its owner, with services varying widely from listing to listing.
Do serviced apartments have a minimum stay?
Most serviced apartments in London accept bookings from as few as three nights, though some operators set a minimum of one week. There is no upper limit, and stays of several months are common for corporate relocations and extended family visits.
Are serviced apartments suitable for families?
Serviced apartments are an excellent choice for families. A two- or three-bedroom apartment provides separate sleeping spaces, a full kitchen for preparing meals, and a living area where the family can spend time together without the constraints of a single hotel room.
Do you need to bring your own towels and bedding?
No. Serviced apartments are fully equipped with fresh bed linen, towels, and bathroom essentials. These are replaced on a regular schedule as part of the housekeeping service, just as they would be in a hotel.
Can you have post or deliveries sent to a serviced apartment?
Yes. Because a serviced apartment has its own street address, you can receive post, grocery deliveries, and courier packages during your stay. This is one of the practical advantages over a hotel, where deliveries to guest rooms can be restricted.
Are serviced apartments cheaper than hotels?
For stays of a week or more, serviced apartments are typically 20 to 40 percent cheaper per night than a hotel of comparable quality. The saving is greater for families and groups, who book one apartment rather than multiple hotel rooms. For a detailed breakdown, see our comparison guide.
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.
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