Fully furnished serviced apartments for expats arriving in the UK

Serviced apartments vs hotels for expat arrivals: the practical choice

For stays of two weeks or more, a serviced apartment is almost always a better choice than a hotel room. The difference in day-to-day comfort is significant: being able to cook your own meals, do your own laundry and have a proper living space rather than a single room makes a multi-week transitional period considerably less stressful.

The cost comparison is also favourable. A hotel room in central London at a reasonable standard might cost £120–£200 per night. A serviced apartment with a kitchen and washing machine in the same area can often be found for similar or lower per-night rates on a weekly booking, while substantially reducing your spend on meals, laundry and daily expenses.

For employer-sponsored relocations, Silverdoor and Saco have established corporate account structures and can liaise directly with HR and mobility teams — useful if your employer is managing the cost of your initial accommodation. They can also provide formal invoicing and VAT receipts, which matters for expense claims.

For expats who want the ease of a brand-name aparthotel — consistent quality, a loyalty programme and simple direct booking — Staycity is well-represented across major UK cities. Their properties sit between a hotel and a full serviced apartment, offering kitchen facilities and hotel-level housekeeping without the corporate account process required by the specialist providers.