If you are planning a short-term stay in Singapore, whether for business, leisure, or personal retreat, choosing the right type of accommodation is essential for a smooth, comfortable, and cost-effective experience. Two of the most popular choices for travellers today are serviced apartments and hotels. Each option has its own set of benefits and considerations, making the ideal choice highly dependent on your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide an in-depth comparison between the two accommodation options, helping you make an informed choice on whether a serviced apartment or a hotel would suit you better as a short-term rental in Singapore.
Part 1: Introduction
In recent years, traditional hotel stays have increasingly been challenged by the growing popularity of serviced apartments, particularly in urban hubs like Singapore, where travellers prefer more personalised and flexible accommodation solutions. Hotels are typically known for their consistent service, extensive amenities, and central locations, while serviced apartments stand out for their home-like atmosphere, larger living spaces, and cost-effective rates.
Travel trends are constantly changing, and so too are the ways that travellers are choosing where to stay. For some, picking a serviced apartment as a short-term rental offers an opportunity to explore the local culture in-depth, while others may prioritise convenience and a fully serviced experience that comes with a hotel in Singapore. How then, can you discern the most suitable option for your stay? Let’s first break down the definitions of a serviced apartment and a hotel.
Part 2: Overview of Serviced Apartments and Hotels
Definition and Types
Serviced apartments are fully furnished units that are available for both long- and short-term rentals. These units are typically equipped with home-like amenities such as a fully functional kitchen, living and dining spaces, and often, laundry facilities, making them ideal for independent travellers who prefer greater flexibility. This setup allows travellers to cook their own meals and entertain guests. In Singapore, serviced apartments range from studio apartment rentals to larger two- or three-bedroom units, catering to solo travellers, couples, families, and business groups alike.
Hotels, on the other hand, are establishments offering temporary accommodations with services that include room cleaning, 24-hour reception, and concierge assistance. Hotels in Singapore vary significantly in size, style, and price, from luxury hotels with high-end amenities to budget hotels providing essential comforts. Typically, hotel rooms do not come with kitchens or designated living spaces, as their primary purpose is to provide a convenient, hassle-free environment.
That being said, some hotels have bucked the trend to provide guests with the best of both worlds. Coliwoo Hotel Pasir Panjang, for instance, offers rooms equipped with kitchenettes to give guests a much-needed option to prepare their own meals.
Popularity Trends
Over the past decade, travellers have shown an increasing preference for serviced apartments, particularly for stays lasting longer than a few nights. This trend is partly due to the growing demand for independent living arrangements and flexible setups that allow travellers greater autonomy and personalisation over their stay. Co-living serviced apartments provide a unique blend of community and privacy, appealing to modern travellers who appreciate home comforts combined with opportunities for social engagement and forging relationships in a communal setting with people from all walks of life.
Hotels, however, remain a popular choice for shorter stays and vacation rentals in Singapore. Known for their convenience and prime locations, hotels are attractive options for travellers who prioritise accessibility to business districts, shopping centres, and tourist attractions. Their reliable service quality, centralised amenities, and round-the-clock assistance are also highly prized by those looking for a simple, stress-free experience.
Part 3: Advantages of Short-Term Rentals (Serviced Apartments)
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most notable advantages of serviced apartments is cost-effectiveness, especially for stays that last longer than a couple of nights. Hotels generally operate on nightly rates, which can add up quickly, while serviced apartments often offer discounted rates for extended stays. This makes serviced apartments a slightly more cost-effective accommodation option for travellers staying for a week or longer. Additionally, the inclusion of amenities such as kitchens and laundry facilities can help guests save on dining and laundry expenses—costs that can quickly accumulate during a stay in Singapore.
If you are a budget-conscious traveller looking to stretch your dollar, serviced apartments are an excellent choice as a short-term rental in Singapore. The freedom to cook, clean, and organise your schedule independently allows you to maintain a flexible and economical lifestyle during your stay. This could even enable you to experience more of what Singapore has to offer.
Home-Like Comfort
The homely setup of serviced apartments appeals to travellers who desire more than just a place to sleep. Unlike hotel rooms, serviced apartments often offer multiple rooms and designated spaces for dining, living, and relaxing, providing a more comfortable experience. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for families, groups, and even solo travellers who want to experience a more residential atmosphere.
In Singapore, serviced apartments like Coliwoo’s are thoughtfully designed with stylish interiors, spacious layouts, and comfortable furnishings, allowing you to unwind in a pleasant environment. Additionally, serviced apartments offer diverse configurations, from flexible co-living spaces with short-term rental options, to expansive larger units, giving you the freedom to select a space that best suits your budget and needs.
Space and Privacy
Space is a major factor in the appeal of serviced apartments as short-term rentals, as they typically offer significantly more room than traditional hotel rooms. This additional space is especially valuable for business travels, as well as families and anyone who needs room to spread out, work, or entertain. The increased privacy and separation of living spaces in serviced apartments not only provide a more relaxed atmosphere; they also minimise the feeling of entrapment for claustrophobic travellers.
Moreover, serviced apartments allow you to host gatherings, work comfortably from their accommodation, or simply enjoy a secluded living environment without the frequent interruptions commonly encountered in hotels. For travellers who appreciate both community and privacy, co-living spaces in Singapore offer shared lounges and communal areas with single rooms for rent, giving you the best of both worlds—a private quarter and a shared, social space.
Flexibility and Freedom
A key benefit of serviced apartments is their flexibility. Unlike hotels, serviced apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare meals and store groceries. This is particularly helpful for those who wish to avoid the steep costs associated with dining out, or those with dietary restrictions, health considerations, or specific meal preferences, as it allows them to control their food choices fully and not deviate too much from their usual diet.
Furthermore, serviced apartments do not impose the same rules as hotels, giving guests the freedom to manage their schedules and use their space as they see fit. This flexibility can make a short-term rental in Singapore feel more like home, offering a highly personalised and adaptable experience. Additionally, serviced apartments typically allow guests to come and go with less formality, providing a relaxed atmosphere for longer stays.
Local Experience
Serviced apartments are often located in the heartlands or in residential neighbourhoods, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Unlike hotels, which are frequently found in tourist-centric or commercial areas, serviced apartments give guests a chance to explore Singapore’s authentic side, including local markets, eateries, and communities. Moreover, many of Coliwoo’s co-living spaces are situated near public transportation like train stations and bus stops, allowing you to easily commute to town if you wish to.
If you prefer to be centrally located whilst exploring the heartlands at your own pace, properties like Coliwoo Orchard could be more suitable for you instead, as it is situated right smack in the heart of Orchard. The fact that it is also a short walk from Orchard and Somerset MRT stations gives you the flexibility to easily travel to different malls popular with tourists, as well as nearby neighbourhoods.
Staying in a serviced apartment provides you with a unique opportunity to engage with the neighbourhood and experience Singapore more like a local. Many travel tips in Singapore or even in other countries often recommend immersing yourself in the local way of life for a more intimate and meaningful experience, so if you are looking to go beyond the typical tourist experience, serviced apartments offer a more holistic way to connect with the local culture.
Learn More: Renting and Experiencing Life in Singapore: Why Co-Living is Your Best Option
Part 4: Advantages of Hotels
Consistent Service Quality
Hotels are well-known for their consistent service quality that allows travellers to have a smooth and hassle-free stay.. A dedicated team of staff members is also available either virtually or on-site to assist with various needs, from room cleaning to general troubleshooting, providing guests with a high level of convenience.
This predictability appeals to business travellers and holidaymakers who appreciate having everything taken care of for them. With hotels, guests can count on reliable, consistent service throughout their stay, ensuring they do not have to worry about the small details.
Location Convenience
Hotels in Singapore are frequently situated in prime locations, close to major attractions, business districts, and transport hubs. This is particularly advantageous for short-term visitors who wish to make the most of their time in the city, whether for sightseeing, shopping, or conducting business. Staying in a centrally located hotel enables guests to easily access popular destinations like Marina Bay, Orchard Road, and Chinatown, reducing travel time and maximising their experience in Singapore.
However, with Singapore’s excellent transportation network, you do not have to be centrally located to still be able to easily get around. Take Coliwoo Hotel Pasir Panjang for instance—situated along Singapore’s idyllic south-western coastline, it is amongst a blend of residential, recreational, and industrial areas. The hotel is near the scenic West Coast Highway that can quickly take guests to Mapletree Business City—where powerhouses like Google have their offices—Sentosa, and even Singapore’s Central Business District. It is also just minutes away from the National University of Singapore.
Privacy
Travelling can be exhausting, and sometimes, you just want to be left alone to your own devices at the end of a long day. Most hotels are designed to provide guests with everything they need, such as a private bathroom, so that you never have to leave the room until you are ready to be out and about.
This privacy is ideal for introverted travellers who would rather keep to themselves. It is perfectly fine to seek solitude during your travels as everyone has their own unique way of experiencing their travels.
Part 5: Factors to Consider
Duration of Stay
The length of your stay can significantly influence the choice between a serviced apartment and a hotel. For shorter stays of a few nights, hotels may be more suitable due to the ease of booking, daily cleaning, and room service. However, for stays lasting a week or longer, serviced apartments tend to be more cost-effective, offering discounted rates and amenities that cater to extended visits.
Purpose of Travel
The purpose of your trip—whether for business, leisure, or relocation—can also impact your decision. Business travellers may prefer hotels due to their central locations, conference facilities, and reliable services. Conversely, leisure travellers or those booking vacation rentals in Singapore may lean towards the home-like comfort and flexibility of serviced apartments, especially if they plan to cook, entertain, or explore neighbourhood life.
Group Size and Needs
The size of your travel party can also influence your decision to choose between a serviced apartment or a hotel, depending on what best fits your group’s needs. Travelling with children is also more manageable in a serviced apartment, where designated areas for sleeping, eating, and playing can help maintain routines and ensure a more comfortable experience. Hotels, on the other hand, are often more suitable for solo travellers or couples who prioritise convenience and proximity to attractions and services.
Privacy vs. Community
For travellers who value privacy, serviced apartments offer exclusive living spaces without frequent staff visits, allowing guests to maintain their own schedule. However, for those who appreciate community interaction, hotels often organise social activities, provide communal lounges, and have a variety of on-site amenities for mingling with other guests. That being said, serviced apartment providers like Coliwoo also host regular community events that encourage residents to get together. Many serviced apartments 和 co-living spaces also incorporate shared lounges and communal areas, allowing guests to enjoy privacy within their unit whilst still having the option for social engagement.
Having a clearer picture of what your trip entails and knowing what your requirements are will go a long way in helping you decide between a hotel and a serviced apartment as your ideal short-term accommodation in Singapore.
Here at Coliwoo, our serviced apartments 和 co-living spaces are the whole package—the perfect balance between privacy and community, and opportunities to experience Singapore from a local’s perspective but also having the freedom to explore the glitz and glamour of Singapore’s cityscape. Additionally, our properties are located all over Singapore, including in the city centre itself, allowing you to pick and choose your preferred location.
To find out more about our serviced apartments and rates, please contact us today.
