Whether you’re planning a holiday with the family, a solo weekend break, or need calm surroundings for finishing up that important proposal from work, staying in comfortable accommodations can add up quickly. Are your accommodations making your stay easier, more comfortable, peaceful and hassle-free?
Finding the best place to stay while also not blowing your entire budget leads us to compare the two giants in the accommodations industry, serviced apartments and Airbnb’s, to see who exactly comes out on top once the dust settles. Which is best for your stay? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Serviced Apartment?
A serviced apartment offers you completely furnished apartment accommodations available for both short and long term stays through a property rental service. The aim of serviced apartments is to provide hotel-like amenities such as customer service and maid service, all included in the price of the room.
Serviced apartments can come in the form of a studio flat (all in one room with a full kitchen and fridge), or feature one or two bedrooms. Guests only pay for their accommodation and can live in a well-appointed flat with the comforts of home taken care of.
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb, meaning “Air Bed and Breakfast,” is a service that lets property owners rent out their spaces to travelers looking for a place to stay in their city. It is an online rental smorgasbord which enables people to lease or rent vacation rentals, lodges, apartment rentals, homestays, hostel beds, or even hotel rooms. The regulations on what constitutes an acceptable Airbnb change, so make sure you always read the fine print when looking at the listing for your stay. Airbnb has become one of the trailblazers of peer-to-peer property rental.
Common Differences That Affect Rental Decisions
Pricing and Fees
Serviced Apartments
The price tag of a serviced apartment is inclusive of more than just the property itself. With additional services and management of your visit to consider, you will gain a more catered experience when staying in a serviced apartment. The price of your serviced apartment will depend on how many nights you are likely to stay and the size of apartment you require.
Airbnb
The total price of an Airbnb reservation is based on a few factors. The price of the accommodations are determined by the host (typically the owner). Pricing can vary depending on if the host charges per guest or not. It is hard to generalise Airbnb pricing as every host, while needing to stick to the rules and regulations brought on by Airbnb corporate, can essentially charge what they want for their property.
Additional cleaning fees as well as deposits required to cover any incidentals can make the nightly price increase from the initial price you see when searching the website. Airbnb will offer guests 24/7 customer support if and when they should need it. There may also be Value Added Tax (VAT) and local taxes added depending on the location.
Amenities and Services
Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments are managed and held to a very high standard. These apartments are assessed and quality assured before rental. You can expect the same kind of amenities that you’d get from a high class hotel stay, such as maid service, concierge, catering and reception services.
If facilities such as gyms, pools, concierge, restaurants or bars are part of your travel needs, you will be happy to know many serviced properties offer them as well as bespoke hampers and welcome packs for your arrival, with the option of shopping services where you can pre-select goods for delivery. These perks combined with the comfort and additional space of a furnished and stylish home environment set it apart from many other options.
Airbnb
Amenities vary greatly, some Airbnb listings can offer a very simplistic camper in the woods while another listing could feature a mansion on a hill with an infinity pool. One of the truly unique aspects of renting an Airbnb is you can literally rent a haunted mansion, a camper in the desert, a condo above the city, and more.
You will be paying for the privilege, however, as Airbnb rentals tend to be quite pricey, depending on the desirability of the accommodation. Read the listing thoroughly as some hosts may have superfluous charges sprinkled into the accommodations, and use caution when renting. Service levels can vary between every host, as many of them are not in the hospitality service as a day job and Airbnb may be a side hustle.
There are strict rules and regulations that the hosts must follow and there are rewards for being a SuperHost and offering great amenities.
Quality and Comfort with Competitive Pricing at Bondi 38!
With a serviced apartment, you get a guaranteed great stay with a boatload of premium hotel-like amenities. At Bondi 38 Serviced Apartments, our beachfront serviced apartments are your home away from home while you soak up the sun and enjoy everything Sydney and all of its local attractions has to offer. Bondi 38 is the ideal place for any length of visit, as we offer luxury with an unparalleled location.
Choose from gorgeous studios, one-bedroom or two-bedroom serviced apartments that can accommodate any type of trip, be it adventure, romantic, business or a quick overnight stay.
With Bondi Beach and the city beyond only a stroll away, you can get up and start your day right on the beach. Are you ready for your front-row seat to comfort, class and adventure? Book your unforgettable experience now!
