Aparthotel or hotel: which suits your trip?

An aparthotel is a building of serviced apartments run like a hotel. You get a kitchen or kitchenette and usually a separate living area, along with a reception and housekeeping. A hotel gives you a room and more services on site. Neither is better in general. The right choice depends on how long you stay, who you travel with and how you like to eat.

What an aparthotel usually includes

• A kitchen or kitchenette. Check what is in it, because two hot plates and a microwave are not the same as a full kitchen with an oven.
• More space, often with a sofa or a table away from the bed.
• A reception, although hours vary. Some have a 24-hour desk, others have limited hours or self check-in.
• Cleaning, often less frequent than in a hotel. Some clean daily, many weekly or on request.
• Fewer services, often with no restaurant, room service or concierge.

Every property is different, so read the property page for the details that matter to you.

When an aparthotel makes sense

Longer stays are the clearest case. After a few nights, a kitchen, a table and space to unpack make a real difference.

Families and small groups gain from the separate living area, because one adult can stay up while the children sleep.

If you like to cook, making breakfast and some dinners yourself can lower the cost of a trip, especially in expensive cities. It only saves money if you actually cook, so be honest about how often you will.

For work trips of a week or more, an aparthotel can work well if there is a proper table to work at.

When a hotel makes sense

For one or two nights, you will rarely use a kitchen, and a hotel room is simpler.

If you want services, such as breakfast downstairs, a restaurant or bar, daily housekeeping or room service, a hotel is the better fit.

For a late arrival, check the aparthotel's arrival instructions before you book. If reception closes early, a hotel with a 24-hour desk is easier.

Comparing the price

Compare the all-in total for the whole stay, not the nightly rate. Add the cost of breakfast at the hotel if it is not included, and check whether the aparthotel lists any separate cleaning fee or deposit.

How to search for both on myhoteloffers.com

• Browse aparthotels or hotels with a kitchen.
• For apartments and serviced stays in a city, start from the apartments pages, for example apartments in Paris or apartments in Lisbon.
• For a month or longer, search a 28-night stay on the monthly stays page.
• For a short family trip, compare with hotels that have family rooms. A family room can cost less than an apartment for two or three nights.