What Is an Aparthotel? How Apartment Hotels Work

Mika TakahashiMika Takahashi
Last updated Jan 5, 2026
Table of contents
Popular Categories

An aparthotel (short for apartment hotel) is a type of lodging that combines the space and privacy of an apartment with the professional services and convenience of a hotel. These kind of homes, often called serviced apartment complexes or apartment hotels, have fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, and bedrooms. They also offer hotel services like reception, housekeeping, and maintenance.

This guide talks about the different types of rooms and characteristics of aparthotels, as well as how they compare to regular hotels and vacation rentals. This information will help you decide if an aparthotel is right for you, whether you're a business traveler on a lengthy trip, a family looking for additional space for a vacation, or a digital nomad searching for a pleasant place to stay for a long time.

Aparthotels are also known as serviced apartments, which typically are completely furnished places to stay that give guests their own space, including a kitchen and living room. They also have hotel-style booking flexibility and professional administration, making them great for stays of a few days to many months.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand what is an aparthotel but also:

  • How aparthotels differ from a standard hotel room and vacation rentals
  • The cost-saving benefits of having your own kitchen for preparing own meals
  • Which room configurations work best for solo travelers, families, and groups
  • Booking processes, minimum stay requirements, and pricing structures
  • How to identify whether an aparthotel is the right choice for your next trip

What is an Aparthotel

An aparthotel is a type of lodging that is different from a typical hotel. It is for tourists who need more than what a regular hotel offers but want more reliability than renting a separate apartment. These facilities are run by a central hotel management company, but they give visitors the sensation of living in an apartment with space for everyday activities like cooking, working, and having fun.

The relevance to current travelers is significant: changing work schedules, family travel preferences, and the advent of digital nomads have created demand for accommodations that accommodate extended stays without losing professional services or booking simplicity.

Core Features of Aparthotels

Each apartment in an aparthotel has a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette with all the necessary amenities, such as a stove or oven, a full-size refrigerator, a microwave oven, and cookware and utensils. These rooms are different from traditional hotel rooms that are meant for overnight stays. They have separate areas for cooking, eating, sleeping, and relaxing.

The layout of the kitchen and living room is important since it lets guests keep their routines while they are there. Making your own meals saves money on eating out, and the living area is a great place to work, relax, or have guests over. This layout works for everything from a quiet movie night to being able to bring coworkers or clients over to a professional but friendly setting.

Hotel Services Integration

Even though they seem like apartments, apartment hotels nonetheless offer hotel amenities including front desk check-in, baggage storage, and answering guest questions. Housekeeping is offered on a schedule or on request, and maintenance workers on site take care of problems right away. This is a big advantage over holiday rentals that aren't supervised, where problems could take days to fix.

The best comfort comes from the balance between apartment freedom and hotel convenience: visitors have their own space without giving up reliability. That's what makes apartment hotels so great. Properties follow the rules for lodging, are checked for quality, and make sure that all units meet the same criteria. The primary distinction between aparthotels and peer-to-peer renting platforms is that they have professional control.

This mix of styles is what makes aparthotels appealing to both business and leisure travelers: you have the comfort of an apartment with the responsibility of a hotel.

Aparthotel Room Types and Amenities

Aparthotels have numerous types of rooms to meet the demands of different guests. For example, solo travelers may need a small workplace, while families may need separate bedrooms and a bigger space for activities.

Studio Aparthotel Rooms

In a studio apartment, the kitchenette, sleeping area, and workspace are all in one room with an open floor plan. Even though they are designed to be together, these rooms are far bigger than a regular hotel room and include separate areas for different activities.

This setup is great for business travelers who are traveling alone for a short time and couples who want extra space but don't need a separate bedroom. Most studios have a comfy bed, a work desk with Wi-Fi, a bathroom, and a kitchen where you can make simple meals.

One and Two-Bedroom Apartments

One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments have separate sleeping areas, full kitchens, and living rooms for guests who want more privacy and space. These arrangements really separate the areas for relaxing and sleeping.

This layout is great for families because parents have their own bedroom and kids have their own sleeping places. This means they don't have to book numerous hotel rooms, which might be tight. People who travel in groups like having a communal living space where they can socialize without losing their privacy. Many aparthotels will also supply cribs upon request, which makes them great for families with little children.

Standard Amenities and Services

Most aparthotels have more than just room layouts:

  • High-speed wi fi throughout the property
  • Laundry facilities (either in-unit or shared laundry rooms)
  • Fitness room or gym access
  • Business center with printing capabilities
  • Secure parking in many locations
  • Bed linen and towel service

Some locations provide more amenities, like as on-site restaurants, concierge services that may help you choose a restaurant, and digital tools for making service requests without having to touch anything. The amenities at each location and pricing segment are different, from basic utilitarian flats to high-end studios with high-end finishes.

These amenities are great for both short and extended stays, making them perfect for guests who need to be comfortable and productive at the same time with a serviced apartment.

Booking and Operational Considerations

Travelers may get the most out of their apartment hotel stay and avoid problems by knowing how to book and how things work.

Booking Process and Requirements

Aparthotels have hotel-style booking systems that let you check in and out at different times. Guests can book through major internet platforms, direct property websites, or travel agencies without having to sign a long-term contract like they do with regular apartment rentals.

Key booking considerations include:

  1. Minimum stay requirements: Many aparthotels require 2-7 night minimum bookings, though policies vary by property and season
  2. Security deposits: Extended bookings may require refundable deposits, typically charged to credit cards at check-in
  3. Housekeeping schedules: Clarify cleaning frequency—weekly service is common, with additional services available on request
  4. Rate structures: Weekly and monthly rates often provide significant discounts compared to nightly pricing
  5. Cancellation policies: Review terms carefully, as they may differ from standard hotel policies

Pricing Comparison

FactorAparthotelTraditional HotelsVacation Rentals
Nightly rateSimilar to mid-range hotelsVaries widelyOften lower per night
Extended stay discountsSignificant weekly/monthly savingsLimitedVariable
Kitchen facilitiesFull or kitchenetteRarely availableUsually included
Professional servicesIncludedIncludedTypically none
Quality consistencyStandardizedStandardizedHighly variable
Total cost (2+ weeks)Often lowest due to meal savingsHigher due to dining costsComparable

When compared to a classic hotel, it becomes clear that aparthotels are generally the most cost-effective option for long visits because they let you cook your own meals and do laundry.

Target Guest Demographics

Business travelers on long trips need reliable Wi-Fi, quiet places to work, and a convenient location that is close to offices and public transportation. When companies send itemized bills, it makes it easier to report expenses for getting paid back for business trips.

Families like having separate bedrooms, full kitchens to prepare meals, and more space for kids to play without bothering other guests. Being able to stick to normal meal regimens is especially helpful during school breaks and so family bookings appreciate apartment living style while also knowing that apartment hotels are an economical alternative to classic hotels.

Digital nomads and remote workers appreciate aparthotels because they have the home-like facilities they require for long stays with professional supervision. This is hard to obtain in hotels or vacation rentals that aren't always available.

People who are moving to a new city use aparthotels as temporary housing while they look for a permanent place to live. They like that they may stay longer without having to sign a long-term lease.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Travelers can better plan and set realistic expectations if they know about the possible problems with apartment hotels.

Higher Nightly Rates Compared to Hotels

Even though the base nightly prices may be higher than those of budget hotels, the total cost calculation usually favors aparthotels for stays longer than a few days. Get aparthotels offers for weekly or monthly rates straight from the properties. For long-term bookings, discounts of 15 to 30% are frequent. Think about how much money you'll save by cooking your own meals instead of going out to eat all the time... that's the consideration for aparthotel guests.

Limited Daily Housekeeping

Many aparthotels only clean rooms once a week or when you ask, unlike luxury hotels that clean rooms every day. When you make a reservation, double-check the cleaning schedule and ask for extra services if you need them. Most places will do this for an extra price. This method works well for guests who are staying for a long time and don't want to be disturbed too much.

Minimum Stay Requirements

During busy times, properties may need a minimum number of bookings. Set aside extra time when making reservations, or call the establishments directly to talk about being more flexible. Some aparthotels don't have minimum stays at slow times or for visitors who have stayed there before. Think about how minimum stay limitations are generally linked to lower rates, which makes them good for visitors who can change their plans.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Aparthotels are a unique type of lodging that offers more space and flexibility than a normal hotel, as well as services and dependability that vacation rentals can't match. They are especially useful for long stays, family trips, and business trips because they have completely furnished living rooms, kitchens, and professional hotel services.

To book your next aparthotel stay:

  1. Determine your stay length to identify whether weekly or monthly rates apply
  2. Compare total costs including estimated meal savings from kitchen access
  3. Review amenities—prioritize fitness room, laundry, and workspace based on your needs
  4. Book directly through property websites or established platforms to ensure clear terms

If you're looking for similar options, serviced apartments (which may require longer commitments), extended stay hotels (which often have fewer kitchen facilities), and corporate housing programs made just for business travelers on long assignments are all good choices.

Additional Resources

Major aparthotel brands and platforms:

  • Citadines, Adagio, and Residence Inn operate internationally with consistent standards
  • Booking.com and Aparthotel.com aggregate properties across multiple locations and price points

Extended stay strategies:

  • Loyalty programs from major chains offer discounts and room upgrades for frequent guests
  • Corporate travel departments often negotiate preferential rates with specific properties
  • Direct booking frequently provides better rates and flexible terms than third-party sites

Corporate housing resources:

  • Many aparthotel chains offer dedicated corporate accounts with centralized billing
  • Relocation specialists can arrange aparthotel stays as part of comprehensive moving packages
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an aparthotel?
An aparthotel is a hybrid type of accommodation that offers the spaciousness and amenities of a private apartment—such as a kitchen and living area—combined with standard hotel services like a front desk, concierge, and housekeeping.
How is an aparthotel different from a regular hotel room?
The primary difference is space and self-catering facilities. While a standard hotel room usually consists of a bedroom and bathroom, an aparthotel unit typically includes a separate living space and a fully equipped kitchenette, allowing guests to cook their own meals.
Are linens and towels provided in aparthotel rooms?
Yes, just like a standard hotel, aparthotels provide fresh linens, towels, and usually basic toiletries upon arrival.
Is housekeeping included daily in aparthotels?
Service frequency varies. While traditional hotels offer daily housekeeping, many aparthotels operate on a weekly cleaning schedule for longer stays, though daily service is often available for an extra fee or upon request.
Who is best suited for staying in an aparthotel?
They are ideal for extended stay travelers, business professionals needing a workspace, families requiring extra room, or anyone who prefers the convenience and budget-friendliness of self-catering option.

Elevate Operations, Delight Guests, and Boost Revenue