What Is an Apartment Hotel? Definition and Differences

Apartment hotels blend the space of a serviced apartment with the booking flexibility of a conventional hotel, creating a category designed for stays of a week or more. Properties in this category generally provide more space than standard hotel rooms, with separate living and sleeping areas (Booking.com for Business), making them suited to longer trips. Knowing the distinction between apartment hotels and standard hotels helps travellers choose the right option for short visits and extended stays alike.

Last checked: 2026-10-02

Definition: Serviced apartment complex using a hotel-style booking system · Also known as: Aparthotel, residential hotel, extended-stay hotel · Typical amenities: Fully equipped kitchen, flexible booking, laundry facilities, lounge · Example operator: Staycity Aparthotels

What do you mean by an apartment hotel?

The term apartment hotel refers to a serviced apartment complex that operates with a hotel-style booking system (Wikipedia). Guests book a self-contained unit—similar to a private apartment—through a standard hotel reservation system, with the flexibility to stay for a few nights or several weeks.

Apartment hotels are commonly known under several names. Aparthotel is common across Europe, extended-stay hotel is the preferred term in the United States, and serviced apartment is widely used in the UK and Asia. Despite the different labels, the core formula remains generally consistent: a furnished unit with a kitchen, separate living space, and hotel-style support services.

What are hotel apartments called?

Hotel apartments are most commonly called aparthotels, residential hotels, or extended-stay hotels. In the UK, “serviced apartment” is often used interchangeably, though some operators reserve the term for business-oriented properties with additional corporate services. Three primary alternative names dominate the sector: aparthotel, residential hotel, and extended-stay hotel, with serviced apartment functioning as a close synonym.

How does an apartment hotel differ from a serviced apartment?

In most practical respects, the two terms describe the same product. The distinction is widely understood to be primarily one of branding and regional preference. “Serviced apartment” tends to appear more in business-travel contexts, while “apartment hotel” or “aparthotel” is broader, covering leisure and long-stay travellers. Housekeeping, for instance, is often scheduled weekly or on request rather than daily in serviced apartments—a notable difference from the daily service in conventional hotels. A review should always check what specific services are included regardless of the label.

What is the main difference between an apartment hotel and a hotel?

The most frequently cited difference is the living space. Apartment hotels generally include a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, and stovetop, plus a separate living area—amenities that standard hotel rooms do not provide. A conventional hotel room typically offers only a mini-bar, a desk, and a bed in a single multi-use space.

Housekeeping frequency is another key contrast. While hotels clean rooms daily as part of the standard rate, serviced apartments and apartment hotels schedule cleaning weekly or on request. Guests who expect daily towel changes and bed-making may need to check whether these are available for an additional fee.

Hotels also provide a wider range of on-site facilities. Restaurant dining, room service, concierge desks, gyms, and swimming pools are common in full-service hotels, while apartment hotels focus on the apartment experience with fewer shared amenities. Business travellers comparing the two categories should weigh the convenience of on-site dining against the cost savings of cooking in a private kitchen.

Aparthotel vs hotel: key contrasts

Which is better for long stays?

For stays of a week or longer, apartment hotels offer clear advantages: the ability to prepare meals, more living space, and often lower nightly costs when booked by the week or month. A guest staying for two weeks in an aparthotel can buy groceries and cook dinner, eliminating the expense of restaurant meals. The trade-off is less frequent housekeeping and fewer daily services.

The takeaway: for extended visits where residential space and kitchen access matter, an apartment hotel is the stronger choice. For short trips where daily service and on-site dining are priorities, a conventional hotel suits better.

Can you legally live in a hotel in the UK?

Staying long-term in a hotel or aparthotel is not the same as establishing a permanent residence under UK law. Apartment hotels generally operate under hotel licensing, not residential tenancy agreements, which affects rights around eviction, notice periods, and deposit protection.

Major UK aparthotel operators such as Staycity do not publicly state a maximum stay limit, and guests can book consecutive weeks or arrange monthly rates directly. However, these bookings remain hotel stays, not residential tenancies. Anyone planning a long-term stay should understand the operator’s cancellation policy, notice terms, and whether any local housing regulations apply.

Can you live in an aparthotel?

You can stay in an aparthotel for extended periods—weeks or months—but this is not a permanent residence arrangement. Aparthotels are generally licensed as hotels and operate with hotel-style agreements rather than tenancy contracts. The operator can set conditions on length of stay, payment terms, and house rules more flexibly than a residential landlord.

Can I stay in a hotel for 1 year?

Staying in a hotel for a full year is uncommon but generally not impossible. It depends entirely on the operator’s policy and local licensing regulations. Travelodge, for instance, offers pay-later bookings on its website, but this is a payment option, not an invitation to establish permanent residence. Guests interested in a year-long stay should contact the property directly to negotiate terms and understand their rights under UK housing law.

The takeaway: Aparthotels accommodate long stays, but guests do not gain residential tenancy rights. Anyone considering a stay of several months should confirm the booking agreement in writing and understand the operator’s policies on notice periods and deposit protection.

How much does it cost to live in a hotel permanently in the UK?

Apartment hotel rates vary significantly by city, season, length of stay, and included services. London aparthotels typically command higher rates than those in Manchester or Birmingham. No single price applies across the category, but these factors give a general picture.

Can you live in a hotel and pay monthly?

Many aparthotel operators offer monthly rates that undercut the nightly rate significantly. Staycity and independent operators such as aparthotelbirmingham.co.uk list weekly and monthly pricing directly on their websites. The monthly rate typically covers the room, utilities, and Wi-Fi, but guests should verify whether cleaning fees, parking, and any taxes are charged separately.

What’s the longest you can live in a hotel?

No universal maximum exists. UK aparthotel operators do not advertise a fixed cap on stay length. The practical limit depends on the property’s licensing, availability, and the guest’s willingness to pay ongoing hotel rates rather than a residential lease. For stays beyond six months, some guests negotiate a discounted long-term rate directly with the operator.

The trade-off: Monthly aparthotel rates can make extended stays more manageable than nightly hotel bookings, but the total cost for a permanent stay—without residential tenancy protections—will almost certainly exceed renting a flat in the same city. Anyone considering a permanent hotel stay should compare the monthly aparthotel rate against local rental prices and factor in the cost of eating out if the kitchen is not used.

Where to find apartment hotels in the UK

Apartment hotels are concentrated in the UK’s major cities. London has the highest number of options. Manchester and Birmingham also have significant clusters, with dedicated operators serving each city. Independent properties such as aparthotelbirmingham.co.uk offer locally based alternatives to national chains like Staycity. For an example of a suite hotel review, see Elba Castillo San Jorge Antigua Suite Hotel photos & reviews. For airport accommodation choices, read City Airport Hotel vs City Centre: London City Airport Options.

Frequently asked questions about apartment hotels