Serviced Apartment vs Hotel in London: Which Should You Book?
London hotels are plentiful, but for many trips a serviced apartment is the smarter choice. Here is how the two compare on the things that actually matter.
Space
A central London hotel room averages a snug 15–25m². A serviced apartment gives you a separate living area, one or more proper bedrooms and a kitchen — the difference between sleeping somewhere and living somewhere. For families and groups, our two-bedroom apartments mean no one is sharing a bed or paying for two rooms.
Cost
Per night, an apartment can look similar to a good hotel — but it sleeps more people, includes a kitchen that cuts dining costs, and rewards longer stays with weekly and monthly discounts. Book direct and you also skip OTA service fees.
Kitchen & laundry
Every Regal Realms apartment has a full kitchen and the essentials for a real stay — a genuine advantage for families, longer trips and anyone tired of eating out for every meal.
Privacy & space to work
No corridors, no front desk, no housekeeping interruptions — just your own front door, fast Wi-Fi and a living space you can actually work or relax in.
When a hotel still wins
For a single night, or if you specifically want a restaurant, bar, gym and daily housekeeping on site, a hotel can make sense. For three nights or more — and almost always for families and business stays — a serviced apartment comes out ahead.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a serviced apartment cheaper than a hotel in London?
- Often, yes — especially for families or stays of three nights or more. An apartment sleeps more people for one price, includes a kitchen that cuts food costs, and offers weekly/monthly discounts. Booking direct also removes OTA service fees.
- What is the difference between a serviced apartment and a hotel?
- A serviced apartment gives you a private home with a separate living area, bedrooms and a full kitchen, professionally managed and cleaned. A hotel offers a single room with on-site services like a front desk and daily housekeeping.
- Are serviced apartments good for families?
- Very — separate bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen mean families stay together comfortably without booking multiple hotel rooms.