Aparthotel vs Hotel: Which Is Better for a Long Stay?

Short-term travelling is stress-inducing for many – especially when it comes to choosing the hotel. The issue intensifies tenfold, however, when you need accommodation for a long stay. While coping with the inconveniences of not staying in your space is viable short-term, longer periods leave you needing to create a semblance of a home away from home. And it’s arguable whether hotels are the best option.

In this article, we will explore options for long stays. To be more precise, we will compare aparthotel vs hotel and how each accommodates extended living periods, what financial benefits they offer, and what little things tend to stack up when defining the whole experience.

Why Does Your Choice of Accommodation Matter More for a Long Stay? 

The key difference is that a long stay entails more than simply sleeping somewhere – it’s more about living somewhere. As explored in the introduction, people can cope with living arrangement inconveniences temporarily, but in the long term, they require stability, privacy, and comfort.

Staying somewhere long-term also means bringing more belongings and therefore requiring more storage. Plus, cost-wise, it’s not sustainable to eat out or rely on room service for extended periods. Basically, the choice of accommodation matters more because you want to create the sense and comfort of living, not the stress of constant travelling. 

What to Consider When Choosing Between an Aparthotel and Hotel

Long-stays are a commitment and not a decision that can be changed easily. It’s therefore important to consider some key factors when making the said decision. In this section, we will outline the areas you should focus on and your personal preferences and lifestyle choices regarding them.

Cost of a Long Stay

Cost comparison for an aparthotel vs. a hotel is a tricky one, because the cheapest nightly rate isn’t necessarily the cheapest long-stay option. When talking about long stays, the important part to be accounted for is that the expenses will extend far beyond merely paying for a place to sleep. While the overnight cost for an aparthotel is more expensive, cost-wise it is better equipped to accommodate extended stays. 

For example, most hotels will charge extra fees for things like laundry, Wi-Fi, and parking. Self-catering and kitchen facilities are often limited in hotels, subjecting residents to eating out, whereas most aparthotels offer either in-built kitchenettes or communal kitchens. Aparthotels are generally better equipped with day-to-day facility needs that are included in the price, whereas in hotels they are either unavailable or require an additional fee. 

Kitchen and Eating at Home

One of the points brought up in the previous section needs to be expanded on. To be curt, the value of a kitchen increases with every extra day of your stay. While some hotels offer breakfast for every day of the stay, the rest of the meals are dependent on the resident. With limited kitchen facilities, often only containing a kettle and a mini fridge, hotel guests are left relying on eating out and takeaways. 

Even in small towns that can quickly add up to large sums of money. Not to mention, it isn’t always the healthiest option and can be detrimental to people with special dietary needs. On top of that, sometimes, you just want to have a cup of coffee or a home-cooked meal at home. It’s impossible in a hotel. An aparthotel, however, comes with some sort of kitchen and appliances to cook, as well as privacy to have a meal. 

The Benefits of Choosing an Aparthotel for a Long Stay

To make it clear, we don’t think either option is superior on its own. However, in the context of a long stay, an aparthotel is a better choice. It offers a more practical balance of space, independence, and convenience. Additionally, staying in an aparthotel will let you experience the city in different ways than a hotel stay would.

More Like Home, Less Like a Hotel

People are creatures of habit. Any stay that’s over a week leaves us wanting to fall into our routines, and it isn’t always possible in a hotel. In an aparthotel, however, you get to establish something resembling what you’re used to as you have more private space than a single room. That alone makes it easier to settle into some structure instead of feeling like you’re on a ‘permanent holiday’. 

Aparthotels also offer separate living spaces and kitchen facilities, both of which will make it easier to tune out from work as you won’t be stuck at the same spot. Additionally, you can unpack, make yourself comfortable, do laundry, and generally live as you would at home. Remember, while you may think you don’t have many needs and a hotel will cover the basic ones during a long stay, after a few nights, the little things start to matter. An aparthotel is a middle ground between the convenience of a hotel and the familiarity of home.

A Better Base for Exploring a New City

Although hotels are normally associated with new city explorations, the way you explore during a short stay and a long stay are vastly different. Very often, long stays entail combining business and leisure, and in this instance having a proper living/work space makes the accommodation more versatile. Not to mention, it allows you to set your own pace, independent of hotel-set schedules. 

The freedom to easily access everything you need, ranging from food prepping to laundry, also enables you to discover more of the city than you would on a weekend getaway. Longer stays give you time to explore neighbourhoods, markets, local events, and find hidden gems favoured by the locals rather than tourist attractions. Having conveniences easily available to you truly amplifies the experience. In terms of city exploration, the decision between an aparthotel vs hotel can be crucial in forming your opinion. 

A Long Stay Should Feel Like More Than a Place to Sleep

Staying in hotels is, justifiably, associated with short stays. Most people only come there to sleep, and some never bother as much as unpacking their suitcases. However, long stays mean existing in the same space for several months. If the place doesn’t resemble home one bit, that’s a potential issue. 

Choosing Long-Stay Accommodation That Feels Like Home

A hotel, in itself, is not a bad option. If you enjoy convenience, service, and daily housekeeping, it’s a great option. However, by their nature, hotels are designed to cater for short stays. Their priority is to provide the guests with a bed and a roof above their bed, as well as basic necessities.

Aparthotels, however, are different. They’re more aimed at creating a home-like environment with privacy, space, and cooking facilities. For most stays lasting several weeks or longer, an aparthotel can offer a better balance of comfort, flexibility, and independence. For shorter stays where convenience and hotel services matter most, a traditional hotel may still be the better fit.

Summary

Long stays away from home are stressful and often uncomfortable. Conditioned to stick to routines, most people can last up to a week – after that, many are starved for the conveniences and privacy of home. That’s why it’s important to choose wisely when sorting out the accommodation for a long stay. While most instantly think of a hotel, we urge you to think twice. For an extended stay, an aparthotel is a better choice – especially from a financial standpoint. While the overnight stay cost is usually higher, it includes many essentials you’d have to pay hefty fees for in a hotel.

Not to mention, aparthotels come with privacy, living spaces, and kitchen facilities at your disposal. This means saving money on eating out, whether it’s to actually have a meal or to change the environment to tune out. Most aparthotels also come with amenities we rely on in day-to-day life and regular routines – a washing machine, for example. Unlike a hotel, an aparthotel is more than just a place to sleep at; its very purpose is to serve as a home away from home, providing residents with a sense of normalcy to establish a routine and make their stay more pleasant. Whether you’re on a business trip, mid-relocation, or simply need an extended time away from home, aparthotels are a much better option than a hotel. They allow you to shape your own experience and stay comfortable. 

Looking for an extended stay in London? Discover The Canopy.