Accommodation is an integral part of your vacation. Who wants to rest in a matchbox-like room and a stone mattress after a day of exploring Singapore? Can you imagine spending a three-day staycation in a room like that? Of course, no one wants that. It is why travellers look for a budget-friendly yet comfortable hotel room or short term service apartment in Singapore.

When it comes to accommodation options, hotel and short term serviced apartment rental in Singapore get head-to-head.

But which of the two is the better option? This article will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of hotels and serviced apartments.

Budget Hotels VS Serviced Apartments In Singapore

What makes hotels better than serviced apartments? Or what makes service apartments better than hotels? Many travellers fall into the accommodation dilemma. If you are the type of person who rarely travels, your first and obvious choice is hotels. If you dig deeper on the internet and travel sites, you will unearth serviced apartments in Singapore for short term stays.

But which of the two deserves your booking?

1. LIVING SPACE

Budget Hotels

The most basic room in a budget hotel is usually a studio-type room, which may consist of a single bed, bedside table, closet, and bathroom.

There may be a television and Wi-Fi connection, which may have an extra charge. The entire room can be too cramped compared to a short term service apartment in Singapore.

If you want a hotel room with a bigger space, you may book a suite. Apart from a king-sized or queen-sized bed and bathroom, the room may also have a decent dining table, sink, entertainment setup, Wi-Fi connection, and closet. This room is much more spacious than the budget room, yet more expensive.

Serviced Apartment

The basic serviced apartment can be a studio type of one-bedroom space. Serviced apartments have complete essentials apart from the bathroom, bed, dining table, closet, entertainment console, and Wi-Fi connection; most services have a kitchen.

Serviced apartments are known for their spacious rooms since they are an ideal accommodation for large groups.

If you are looking for the best budget short term accommodation in Singapore in terms of living space, serviced apartments are the winner.

2. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

Budget Hotels

Most budget hotels have limited equipment. Equipment inclusions for basic rooms usually include an air conditioning unit, telephone, Wi-Fi connection, and entertainment consoles. Premium rooms may have a mini-refrigerator and electric kettle.

In terms of facilities, hotels have shower rooms for each room, whilst premium suites may have a tub in the bathroom and a bar in the room.

Serviced Apartments

A typical short term service apartment in Singapore is already fully furnished. It is a replica of a fully functioning home. It means that apart from the bedroom complete with bed and closet, the room has a living space with a sofa, entertainment console, and other lounging furniture.

It also has a functioning kitchen, such as a sink, cooking stove, refrigerator, cooking and dining utensils and appliances. Some serviced apartments have a laundry area with a washing machine and dryer.

3. AMENITIES AND SERVICES

Budget Hotels

Budget hotels usually offer room service for dining, where patrons can choose from meals from the provided menu. The food is then delivered to their room.

High-end hotels provide various leisure services and amenities, such as a pool, gym, spa, communal parks, cafe, and sometimes casinos, unlike  short term serviced apartment rental in Singapore.

You can entertain yourself in these high-end hotels without going outside the building. These hotels are perfect for a staycation.

Serviced Apartments

A basicshort term serviced apartment rental in Singapore usually provides a common area for entertainment, such as a lounge room with a pool table. They have decks and terraces open for all tenants as well.

Since serviced apartments have a functioning kitchen, they lack room service, but there is a breakfast bar and cafe that offers free breakfast.

High-end serviced apartments may have facilities, such as pools and a fitness gym.

4. STAY DURATION

Budget Hotels

No law limits your stay in a hotel; it all depends on the hotel’s policy. Some hotel chains allow a couple of weeks of residence, while extended-stay hotels allow a month or more. Extended-stay hotels have the amenities and facilities of a short term service apartment in Singapore.

However, keep in mind that hotel rates fluctuate constantly, and discounted rates only apply on the first few days of the stay.

Most guests typically stay in a hotel for not more than a month.

Serviced Apartments

If you are looking for a budget long-term and short term accommodation in Singapore, serviced apartments are for you.

Although they cater weeklong stays, they are more geared up towards the month-long or more occupation of the unit.

Serviced apartments are perfect for a longer staycation because they have equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. You can cook your food and do your laundry, giving you a more sustainable stay.

5. LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Budget Hotels

Budget hotels are usually located near the city and strategic places, such as airport vicinity, tourist spots, and close to shopping centres and transportation systems.

On the other hand, cheaper motels are almost everywhere as well. If you want lodging that has access to basic services and establishments, hotels are the best budget short term accommodation in Singapore.

Noise is the only drawback of budget hotels in the city.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are usually situated in residential areas, so silence and peace are guaranteed.

It also means that a short term service apartment in Singapore is a bit far from services and establishments, such as shopping malls, banks, hospitals, and restaurants.

They are also far from the airport, tourist spots, and transportation systems. Serviced apartments are rare in provinces and the countryside as well.

So Which Is Better?

If you are a group of travellers who value the privacy and functionality of the space, you better go for the serviced apartments. But if you are a single traveller opting for a quick stay, a hotel is the best choice.

Your choice of budget short term accommodation in Singapore depends on what kind of traveller you are and the purpose of your visit.

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