Shortlet Apartment vs Hotel: Best Stay for a Family Vacation
Before planning activities like beach visits, sightseeing, or holiday shopping, the first thing to decide about a family vacation is where to stay. If you are stuck trying to choose between booking a hotel or a shortlet apartment for your next family holiday, this article will help make that choice easier.
What is a Shortlet Apartment?
A shortlet apartment is a fully furnished home available for short-term stays. Unlike hotels, shortlets often come with a full kitchen, a living room and multiple bedrooms, making them feel more like a home away from home.
Shortlet Apartment vs Hotel: The Key Differences
Space and Comfort
Shortlet Apartment: More spacious, often featuring separate bedrooms, a living room, and even a dining area. Perfect for families who need extra room to relax.
Hotel: Standard hotel rooms can be cramped, especially when traveling with kids. Suites offer more space, but they can be very expensive.
Privacy and Freedom
Shortlet Apartment: No crowded lobbies, no housekeeping interruptions, and no noisy neighbours in the next room. Your family gets a private, quiet space to enjoy.
Hotel: They come with shared spaces like lobbies, pools and dining areas. Great for socialising, but not ideal if you prefer peace and quiet.
Cost-Effectiveness
Shortlet Apartment: Typically offers better value for money, especially for longer stays. You get more space and amenities for the price of a standard hotel room.
Hotel: Nightly rates can add up quickly especially when booking multiple rooms for family members. Extras like room service, laundry and WiFi can also increase costs.
Cooking and Dining
Shortlet Apartment: Comes with a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to cook meals instead of eating out every day. This is great for saving money and catering to dietary needs.
Hotel: Most hotels don’t offer kitchen facilities, meaning you have to rely on restaurants or room service, which can be expensive and limiting.
Amenities and Services
Shortlet Apartment: Many shortlets include WiFi, streaming services, laundry facilities, and sometimes, even housekeeping.
Hotel: Hotels provide daily cleaning, concierge services, restaurants, pools, and sometimes, kids’ clubs (but they usually come at an extra cost).
Family-Friendly
Shortlet Apartment: Fells like home, making it easier for your kids to settle in. You can stick to your family’s routine without hotel restrictions.
Hotel: While some hotels cater to families with kid-friendly activities, the environment can feel less personal than a shortlet.
Which Should You Choose?
If your family values space, privacy, and cost-effectiveness, a shortlet apartment is the way to go. It offers more room for everyone, the flexibility to cook, and a home-like environment that makes traveling with kids easier.
However, if you prefer luxury services, room service, and access to hotel amenities, then a hotel might be a better fit.
Get the Best of Both Worlds
We have highlighted the benefits and differences between both vacation stay options. But what if you could have both?
At Dreamfield Nest, we bring you the best of both worlds. Our fully furnished shortlet apartments in Lagos and Nairobi offer the space, privacy, and comfort of a home, making them perfect for families. Beyond that, our concierge services, including airport pickup and customised vacation packages, ensure your trip is as seamless and stress-free as a luxury hotel experience. Whether you’re planning a laid-back retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, we tailor your stay to match the dream vacation you’ve envisioned.
Book your stay with Dreamfield Nest today and let’s make your family vacation truly unforgettable!
