Bangkok Serviced Apartments

As the commercial hub of Thailand and the gateway to onward travel within the country as well as the region, Bangkok has no shortage of exceptional hotels catering to both leisure and business travellers, offering outstanding facilities. Recently, a new type of accommodation has gained popularity. In line with the commercial expansion Bangkok has seen over the past few years, luxury serviced apartments have become a favourite choice of living style, especially among business executives on short stays.

Serviced apartments make an excellent alternative to hotels and are ideal if you're a frequent business traveller, need a base before permanently moving to Bangkok, or plan to stay in the city for a longer period of time than the average visitor. Bangkok's serviced apartment market is lead by three major groups The Ascott Group, the President Group and Centre Point, all of which offer first-class accommodation. However, there are several exclusive independent serviced residences clustered around the main business areas like Sathorn, Silom or Langsuan, and others continue to pop up elsewhere around town.

For a comprehensive list of Bangkok's finest serviced apartment residences, please check out our serviced apartment section.

Most serviced apartments are tastefully designed to meet the resident's essential needs. Nearly all serviced residences offer solutions to different types of guests, including those traveling alone or with a partner and/or children. You will find units fully furnished and equipped with home entertainment systems as well as basic kitchen amenities. Standard services are the same as those provided in a first-class hotel and typically include daily maid services, change of linen and towels, restaurant and recreational facilities, as well as parking.

Facilities and services may vary between different types of residences, but the increasing competition among serviced apartment properties has resulted in most places upgrading their facilities regularly. Many luxury apartment blocks offer laundry services, a convenience store, bakery, coffee shop, extensive recreational facilities such as swimming pool and gym, as well as corporate services, and of course 24-hour security and maintenance. Others simply provide secure and good value accommodation.

Costs will vary depending on the type of property, size, number of bedrooms, facilities and length of stay. Leases are usually available one to twelve months, or longer, and the equivalent of three months' rent is normally payable for a deposit. This may be forfeited if you move before the lease expires. For shorter stays, serviced apartments operate on a similar basis as hotels. In fact, most serviced apartments residences are licensed to operate as hotels.

Privacy

Since serviced apartment residences generally lay out their facilities with the executive in mind, some business travellers prefer them over hotels. Though the high-end hotels typically provide all types of state-of-the-art business facilities, those at serviced apartment buildings tend to be more intimate and secluded, and you'll experience less distraction from fellow guests or staff.

Competitive Rates

As room rates can be substantially lower on a weekly or monthly basis compared to daily rates at a hotel, serviced apartments also allow for a more cost-effective solution when here on business that takes beyond a few days. Likewise, rates for multiple room units can be considerably lower than in hotels, which make serviced apartments a good alternative for families and play areas for children tend to be better equipped.

Living Lifestyle

On the whole, a serviced apartment offers a less transitory and more comfortable lifestyle than a hotel room. Though living units and facilities remain very hotel-like, which means residents continue to enjoy high standard and quality, serviced apartment residences make a strong effort to enable their guests to feel as much at home as possible while away from home. For many people, the more personal the environment a serviced apartment provides, the more the living and working experience in Bangkok becomes a pleasurable and valuable one.

Your choice of property and location will depend on whether you want to be close to tourist or shopping areas, near to your business location, or perhaps both. Most serviced apartment properties are strategically located with the best of convenience in mind and easy access to public transport. Bangkok's Skytrain (BTS), an overhead rail system, has revolutionised travel through the capital over the last few years, linking the city and opening up new areas previously not well served by public transport.

The opening of the underground rail system (MRT) opened in April 2004 has made it even easier to get around the city, connecting the bus and BTS networks. For a quick area overview, see our local information.

To see a selection of serviced apartment residences, please check our accommodation section.