You see these great pictures on the website and your agent paints you a beautiful image. Every serviced apartment in Singapore looks so perfect! But the reality is, that’s seldom the case. When going apartment hunting, you want to make sure your next home away from home is as close to perfect as possible.

There are many things to consider when choosing a serviced apartment. We’ve been doing it for a while so we’ve compiled a list of the top things you MUST AVOID when choosing your next apartment. Be it for long or short term stay guests, your next few steps are crucial; so allow these 11 tips to help you along.

What is a serviced apartment in Singapore?

Experience the best of both worlds with a serviced apartment – a luxurious and fully furnished space that combines the creature comforts of home and the convenience of hotel-like amenities and services. Serviced apartments are designed to offer temporary accommodation for individuals or groups who require a comfortable and convenient living space for a short time or a longer period.

Serviced apartments looks like a fully-furnished apartment, featuring amenities such as a fully-equipped kitchen or kitchenette, distinct living spaces, and personal bathrooms. They are often more spacious than traditional hotel rooms, providing a homely atmosphere. The spacious apartments are fully furnished with amenities such as furniture, appliances, linens, and housewares, allowing guests to move in with just their personal belongings.

On top of that, the key feature of serviced apartments is the range of services they offer. These can include housekeeping services, concierge services, 24/7 reception or security, on-site gym or fitness facilities, laundry services, and sometimes even restaurants or cafes within the building.

Serviced apartments are popular among business travelers, digital nomads, relocating professionals, families on vacation, and individuals who prefer the comfort and flexibility of a home-like environment while away from home. They provide a convenient alternative to hotels, offering more space, privacy, and the ability to cook meals, which can result in cost savings for longer stays.

In Singapore, the duration of your stay depends on the type of property you’re staying. The rules in Singapore dictate that short-term rentals can only last 3 months at the least, though there are designated serviced apartments that allow for stays that are less than 3 months. Others could offer flexible lease terms. Remember, Airbnbs are banned in Singapore, though renting in Singapore isn’t as daunting as it seems.

1. Avoid a serviced apartment in Singapore that are way over your budget, even if they look great

Budget is an important factor when choosing a serviced apartment. Thankfully, providers out there offer a range of apartment types and options. There are a wide variety of serviced apartments across different budget options. Most of these serviced apartments offer further flexibility in price by offering different packages; just pay for what you need! After all, even getting a studio for rent in Singapore is getting tough.

So no matter how good they look in pictures or how beautiful the sun enters the room in October, stick to that budget! It’s tough living in a new city so help yourself out and only go for options that are within your price range. After all, if a one-bedroom rental is out of your range, consider a studio apartment unit for rent in Singapore.

2. Avoid serviced apartments that do not offer the kind of convenience you require

One primary reason people opt for serviced apartments over hotel rooms is better convenience. As a business traveller or someone on a short trip, make sure the serviced accommodation meets all your needs. If you are going to stay for a long time, you might have to consider how this accommodation option can suit your living style.Is this property wheelchair friendly? Does it allow pets? Is there a fitness centre? How far is the shopping centre? Do you even need housekeeping services?

Is this property wheelchair friendly? Does it allow pets? Is there a fitness centre? How far is the shopping centre? Is your serviced apartment ready for your medical needs?

Sit down and make a list. Note down the important things you need and keep these items in mind when choosing your next apartment.

4. Avoid a serviced apartment in Singapore that do not have the amount of space you require

No matter how beautiful a serviced apartment in Singapore is, always check its location before making a choice. The location of a serviced apartment has a lot to do with the convenience level that you require. If you are on a trip that you will have to shop big so make sure it is located close to a shopping district. 

It’s good to have a look at the local map. If you are considering driving, be sure to check the main roads leading to this apartment. It’s best to make sure you pick an apartment that is close to work! It won’t matter if your apartment looks like the Four Seasons if it takes you 6 hours to get to work, even if there are stunning views of the Singapore River.

Prefer to immerse yourself in Singapore’s culture and the eclectic shops of Arab Street? Consider this apartment. Love the night life? The Central @ SOHO is just for you.

4. Avoid apartments that do not have the amount of space you require

Space is an important deciding factor when it comes to picking the perfect apartment. Depending on your needs, you want to choose an apartment that isn’t too small. Travellers with family generally need a bigger living area with an attached kitchen.

Those on business trips looking to work remotely could consider units with larger study areas to make into an office space or even to hold meetings in.

5. Avoid serviced apartments without a proper kitchen

Thinking of saving money while on a work trip? Go for a serviced apartment with an attached fully-equipped kitchen! Save money on always buying take-out and feel more at ease with home-cooked meals. You’ll also save the cost of having to always buy disposable utensils and you won’t need to worry about a toaster or kettle. And then all you need is some kitchen essentials.

With a fully equipped kitchen, you can even have the option of inviting people over and hosting dinners.

Need an apartment with a cute kitchen for your cooking needs? Check this option out – Right in the heart of Bugis.

6. Avoid serviced apartments without proper facilities and amenities

Here’s looking at the serviced aspect of serviced apartments. Always have a look at the types of facilities and amenities that a listing offers. Make sure to check services like laundry, cable TV, Wi-Fi and weekly cleaning.

Nowadays most apartments come with a swimming pool and/or hot tub but bear in mind that older properties do not have such amenities. There is a wide range of amenities you should consider depending on what you need for your stay. Start with these smart home gadgets that are under $300.

7. Avoid serviced apartments without adequate security

One of the most important things to check before booking a serviced apartment is how safe and secure it is. Consider things like CCTV cameras, in-room safes, and 24-hour call reception when making your choice. Long or short term, make sure it is safe and secure.

This is especially important when you are moving into a foreign country. You’ll never know the nature of your chosen area so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

8. Avoid serviced apartment in Singapore with poor customer reviews

Before booking a serviced apartment, make sure you look at the reviews of past customers. Reviews offer a great insight into the actual living conditions and experiences the chosen unit offers. You will also be able to take a peek into the quality of service provided.

Guest reviews are largely unbiased. So our pro-tip is to look at the worst of the lot. Scroll to the negative reviews and make your judgement from there. If the worst isn’t really that bad then you’re in for a good show. 

Here’s one with great customer reviews. Give our sales reps a call and about Serviced Apartments in Singapore

9. Avoid serviced apartments that are too far from what matters

Distances from places like work, school and family should take the utmost importance when deciding which apartment to choose. For those with families, you would want to make sure that your apartment is close to your children’s schools while not being too far from your place of work.

If you’re here from overseas and have family in the country, you might want to consider apartments that are within a short drive from your loved ones. You won’t realise it in the beginning, but the constant commute can take a toll on the body and mind.

10. Avoid serviced apartments with over-edited images

Those pictures look good on the website, don’t they? Be warned, most serviced apartment providers out there usually use over-edited images. More often than not, you’ll miss the fine print; ‘Images are for illustrative purposes only. The actual apartment might differ.’

Always request for an apartment viewing whenever possible. That awesome designer couch you saw on the website listing? It’s probably all staged. Take the option of going down to see the apartment of your ideal choice before making the decision.

At MetroResidences you can rest easy knowing that all the images on website listings are about as close to the original apartment as possible.

Here’s an example. This dream of a penthouse looks exactly like pictures!

11. Avoid serviced apartments that have bad mattresses

This last one sounds weird but is easily one of the most important tip. Test that mattress. Business travellers that choose to stay in serviced residences often neglect the benefits of a quality mattress. 

Just think about it, you use it for almost 8 hours a day (I know you’re working hard but at least try), every day, its the first thing that kisses you in the morning and the only thing you look forward to at night. So when you’re going for that next viewing, try to see how that mattress feels. 

Don’t launch a cannonball dive into it, just ask your agent if you could see how the bed feels. Trust me, they have had weirder requests. This small test could make your whole trip a lot better. To check on your service aparment’s bed, most operators would let you view the unit before you take it on.