Cologne, 5. March 2026

What is a serviced apartment?

More space than a hotel, more service than a holiday rental: serviced apartments are the accommodation for anyone who doesn't want to compromise on feeling at home while travelling.

IN SHORT

Where 
apartment meets hotel, only better

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished living unit with its own kitchen and hotel-style services. You get cleaning, laundry service, Wi-Fi and a dedicated contact person – along with the freedom to shape your daily routine: cook, work, arrive.

The key difference to a hotel room? It's not about overnight stays – it's about living. A serviced apartment comes with a lounge area with sofa, a workspace, a fully equipped kitchen and, depending on the category, a separate bedroom. Add professional service running in the background as much as you need, as little as necessary.

And no: serviced apartments are no longer reserved for business travellers on long-term assignments. More and more city trippers, couples and families are discovering them as an alternative, for a weekend, a week or half a year.

Three things that define every serviced apartment

Berlin Mitte Apartment XL Küche

Crafted Kitchen

Your own kitchen

Your kitchen, your rhythm

At minimum a kitchenette with fridge, hob, sink, crockery and cooking utensils. Design concepts like ipartment take it further: bespoke designer kitchens where you can cook real meals – not just boil water.

Generous Living

Living and sleeping area

Space that adapts to you

At minimum functionally separated, with a dedicated bedroom in larger apartments. There's room to work, eat and relax. Not just a bed and a desk.

Invisible Care

Professional Service

Noticeably good. Invisibly organised.

Regular cleaning, laundry service including fresh bed linen and towels; in-house laundry rooms for your own clothes. Plus: concierge, 24/7 availability and digital processes from check-in to guest app.

Serviced Apartment vs. Hotel

At a hotel you get maximum service: daily housekeeping, round-the-clock reception, often a restaurant and spa. The price stays the same whether you stay one night or three months.

In a serviced apartment you get more space, your own kitchen and a homely atmosphere. You save significantly on longer stays – and still have someone taking care of cleaning and laundry.

Serviced Apartment vs. Holiday Rental

Holiday rentals offer space and often charm – but you're on your own. Cleaning? Sort it yourself. Key handover? Usually a private individual. Quality? Varies widely.

In a serviced apartment you get the same independence, but with professional backup: a commercial operation, consistent quality standards, an on-site contact person and full legal certainty.

Serviced Apartment vs. Furnished Flat

A furnished flat is often cheapest on monthly rent. But you need a tenancy agreement, pay a deposit and handle utilities, internet and cleaning yourself.

In a serviced apartment everything is included: utilities, electricity, Wi-Fi, cleaning. You can book from just one night and extend at any time – no flat-hunting, no notice period.

Design Serviced Apartments across Germany

1,200 apartments at 9 locations. Available from just one night.

ALL LOCATIONS

Who a serviced apartment is right for

WORK MODE

Business travellers and project teams

If you're working in another city for weeks or months, you need more than a hotel room. Your own kitchen saves on dining costs, the separate workspace allows focused work, and the price drops the longer you stay. Many providers offer corporate rates and direct company billing.

CITY ESCAPE

City trippers and
couples

Even for a weekend or a short break, a serviced apartment makes the difference. More space than a hotel room, a kitchen for morning breakfast and an atmosphere that feels like home. Design apartments combine this with urban flair and thoughtful interiors.

FAMILY BASE

Parents, children and maybe even a dog?

Larger units with a separate bedroom and living area are often more practical and cheaper than two hotel rooms. The kids sleep next door while you enjoy the evening on the sofa. And in selected apartments at most locations, your dog is very welcome too.

FLEX STAY

Trade fair visitors, commuters and spontaneous travellers

Locations near exhibition centres or airports offer a comfortable base – bookable from just one night. Unlike a hotel, a serviced apartment still feels like a retreat after the third day of a trade fair, not like a transit room.

What to look for when choosing

What most people consider when deciding which type of accommodation or serviced apartment is right for them.

  • Location:
    Central, near the airport or in the business district? The location should match the purpose of your trip. Good providers offer multiple locations per city.

     

  • Furnishing and design:
    Is there a genuinely separated living area – or just a bed with a kitchenette? That's the difference between "furnished" and "worth living in".

     

  • Range of services:
    What's included in the price? Cleaning, Wi-Fi and utilities should be standard.

     

  • Price structure:
    The longer the stay, the lower the nightly rate. For a month-long stay, savings can reach up to 50%.

     

  • Reviews:
    Genuine guest reviews on Booking, Google or similar platforms give the best insight.

Our tip for businesses

Ask directly for a corporate rate. Many serviced apartment providers offer business terms with individual pricing, centralised invoicing and a dedicated contact for your travel management. Especially with recurring project assignments or multiple employees at the same location, it pays off quickly – often from the very first stay.
ipartment Business Team

What does a serviced apartment cost?

Prices depend on city, location, size and length of stay. Compact studios start from around €50 per night or from €1,300 per month. Apartments with a separate bedroom range from €70–120 per night.

The key advantage: the longer you stay, the less you pay per night. And utilities, electricity, Wi-Fi and regular cleaning are usually included in the price.

frequently asked

FAQ: What you should know about serviced apartments

What is the difference between a serviced apartment and an aparthotel?
An aparthotel offers more hotel-style infrastructure: 24/7 reception, restaurant, spa. A serviced apartment has a more flexible level of service – the focus is on independent living with professional support when needed.
Can you book a serviced apartment for just one night?
Yes. Many providers offer bookings from just one night. However, the price advantages mainly apply to longer stays.
Who are serviced apartments better for than a hotel?
For anyone who wants more space, their own kitchen and a homely atmosphere. Particularly suitable from 3–4 nights, for families and for business travellers on longer assignments.
Are serviced apartments cheaper than hotels?
For short stays, prices are comparable. For a month-long stay, up to 50% cheaper thanks to degressive pricing. Plus savings from self-catering.
What does "serviced" actually mean in a serviced apartment?
In addition to the accommodation, professional services are provided: cleaning, laundry service, an on-site contact person and often extras such as concierge service.

ipartment – Design Serviced Apartments

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