Most people that are searching for a mid-range accommodation during a vacation consider hotels as their only option. However, there is a great alternative that not only works out to be cheaper but has much more to offer. The alternative is serviced apartments. A serviced apartment is basically an apartment that is fully furnished and offers the comfort and privacy of a home. It is run like a hotel, with housekeeping staff that service the apartment. One misconception is that you have to rent these apartments for long periods of time but as so many serviced apartments have popped up, you can book them for shorter stays as well. Here are a few more benefits of staying at serviced apartments instead of hotels:

You Get More Space
This is a great advantage especially if you are looking for a long-term stay. Serviced apartments usually have separate living rooms and dining areas giving you a lot of space to work with. So unlike a hotel, you are not just confined to one small room and have more space to make yourself comfortable.

Better for Families
Serviced apartments quite often come with several bedrooms and bathrooms that are linked through a main lounge. This can be great for families or couples traveling with friends or children as they can all socialize while maintaining privacy in their rooms.

You Can Do Your Own Laundry
Even though most hotels do laundry for you, it is usually an expensive service. At a serviced apartment you can use the washing machine and dryer to wash your clothes for free just like at home.

Like a Hotel
Serviced apartments are pretty much like a hotel when it comes to facilities. In some cases you will find all the facilities of a standard hotel building such as a pool, a fitness center, conference rooms, and restaurants and bars.

Kitchen
Even though you might not plan on cooking during a vacation, a kitchen with a fridge and microwave can a handful for heating up left overs or storing drinks and snacks. You can also get ready to eat meals and cook a quick breakfast. This will save you a lot of money.

Cost Effective
Service apartments usually work out to be a lot cheaper than a hotel. Even though some of them may require you to book for at least a month or a week in some cases, they have reasonable rates. The fact that you can cook your own meals and wash your own clothes also saves up a lot of money. Therefore, they can be a great option for long-term vacationers for whom 30 nights at a mid-range hotel would be a lot more expensive than a serviced apartment.