Finding the best place to stay in Swansea can be difficult especially when choosing between a hotel and a serviced apartment. If you plan to stay longer or just want more space and freedom, a serviced apartment can be the perfect option. It gives you a homely feel, with some hotel-like comforts. This guide will walk you through everything from searching to check-in.
What is a Serviced Apartment in Swansea?
How is it different from a hotel?
A serviced apartment is a mix between a hotel and a rental home. Hotels usually give you just a room, while serviced apartments include a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and dining area. You can cook your own meals and don’t need to dine out every time.
Cleaning services are also different. Unlike daily cleaning in hotels, serviced apartments usually offer cleaning once a week. Some may provide 24/7 support but not all.
Based on my experience, staying in a serviced apartment feels more like living at home. You can keep your routine, make your morning coffee, work at the dining table, or relax on the sofa instead of the bed.
Types of Serviced Apartments in Swansea
Depending on your budget and needs, here are the different types of apartments:
- Studio Apartments: Ideal for one person or a couple. Everything is in one open space.
- One-Bedroom Apartments: Separate bedroom, kitchen, and living area. Great for couples or solo business travelers.
- Two or Three-Bedroom Apartments: Perfect for families or groups of friends.
- Executive Apartments: High quality, great locations, and extra features like parking, gym, or business center.
Benefits of Serviced Apartments
If you’re staying for more than a few days, a serviced apartment may be perfect overall. Even if the nightly rate is higher, you save by cooking your own meals and avoiding extra fees.
Top benefits:
- More space: A separate living room is a big plus, especially for work trips.
- More freedom: Come and go as you like, do laundry, cook, and relax like at home.
Why Serviced Apartments Are Great Options For Children
Let’s break it down step by step and understand why serviced apartments are an ideal option for kids and parents alike.
1. More Space for your Kids
Hotel rooms tend to be cramped. With a bed, desk, and bags and all, children can feel trapped or uneasy. But in a serviced apartment, you have separate bedrooms, a lounge area, and a kitchen. This provides kids with room to move, play, watch TV, or read in peace but you have your own privacy.
Example: If your child requires an afternoon nap, you can have him sleep in the bedroom and make use of the living room as a place to relax, work, or watch TV something that is impossible in a hotel.
2. Better sleep for children
When children sleep, you also prefer to have some peace of mind. In a serviced apartment, separate rooms facilitate this. Children can sleep soundly in one room, while parents can read, watch television, or complete work in another.
In hotels, it can wake up children’s sleep, or parents are stuck waiting for them to sleep. This is not an issue in apartments.
3. You Have laundry option
Dirty clothes are one of the biggest travel issues with children. Serviced apartments typically have a washing machine and sometimes a dryer, so you can wash clothes at any time.
Best Areas for Tourists Near Historic Sites
- Wind Street Close to restaurants, nightlife, and Swansea Castle.
- Uplands Quiet, peaceful, and more affordable.
- Maritime Quarter Near museums and Swansea’s main attractions.
Plan Your Stay Budget and Length
Before booking, decide on your budget and how long you’ll stay.
- Don’t just look at nightly rates also check cleaning fees (£30–80) and security deposits.
- Less than 7 days may cost 20 to 30% more.
- 7 to 14 day stays often get better deals.
- Monthly stays can save 40 50%.
Avoid peak times like July, August, and local events. Weekday check ins (like Tuesday or Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekends.
For Long Stays Near Swansea University
If you’re a student, professor, or researcher, Uplands and Sketty are ideal. They’re close to campus and usually affordable.
- Some offer academic-year packages with weekly cleaning and 24/7 support.
- One-bedroom apartments: £800–1200/month (often includes bills and internet)
Choosing the Right Location in Swansea
It depends on your purpose:
- Marina/Maritime Quarter: Beautiful views but parking might be an issue.
- Uplands, Sketty, Mumbles: Quiet, residential, more budget-friendly, but farther from downtown.
- City Centre: Great for shopping, dining, nightlife. But crowded and expensive.
Know What You Need
Make a list of what’s essential and what’s nice to have:
Must Haves:
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Access to washing machine
- Reliable Wi-Fi
Nice to Have:
- Gym
- Parking
- Balcony
If you’re on a work trip, make sure the apartment has a desk, good lighting, and quiet surroundings. Some offer business centers or meeting rooms too.
Read Reviews Carefully
Reviews for serviced apartments focus on different things than hotels:
- Kitchen equipment
- Internet speed
- How management responds to problems
Look for reviews from people who stayed for similar lengths as you. Be cautious of listings with very few or only new reviews.
Compare Prices and Packages
Look beyond nightly rates. Include:
- Cleaning fees
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Extra services
Some include everything; others charge more later.
Many offer packages like:
- Airport transfer
- Grocery delivery
- Restaurant vouchers
Check if these add real value.
Prices change with seasons summer and event times are more expensive. Spring and autumn are cheaper and have nice weather.
Weekend Specials for Couples
Some apartments offer weekend packages for couples, chocolates, restaurant discounts, or attraction tickets.
Especially in Mumbles, waterfront apartments offer romantic deals.
Usually requires 2-night stays. Some give the 3rd night free. Includes:
- Late check-out
- Welcome champagne
If these are things you planned anyway, such packages can be a good deal.
How to Book a Serviced Apartment Online
Steps:
- Choose dates and apartment type.
- Check what’s included.
- Confirm total cost before paying.
You may need to create an account and provide more info than for a hotel:
- Travel purpose
- Number of guests
- Emergency contact
Payments:
- Some require full payment upfront
- Others ask for a deposit and the rest later
- Credit card is standard; long stays may accept bank transfer or PayPal
Understand Cancellation Policies
Serviced apartments usually have stricter cancellation policies than hotels.
- Hotels: free cancellation 24–48 hours before
- Serviced apartments: need 7–14 days’ notice for a refund
Security deposit: £100–300, refunded after checkout if there’s no damage
In busy seasons (like summer), cancellation may need 30+ days’ notice and may be non-refundable.
Required Documents & Payment Options
Unlike hotels, you may need:
- ID
- Proof of address
- Proof of job (for long stays)
Business travelers may need to give company details.
Payment options:
- Credit card is common
- Bank transfers allowed for longer stays
- Some allow cash (rare)
Travel insurance is important due to stricter cancellation terms.
Getting Ready for Check-In
Check-in is more personal than a hotel. A staff member may:
- Show you around
- Explain how things work
- Share local info
Takes 15–30 minutes. No 24/7 reception, so contact the host ahead.
Some places use key lockboxes for self-check-in.
Ask about:
- Security systems
- Maintenance contact
- Check-out instructions
What to Pack for a Serviced Apartment
They usually provide:
- Basic sheets and towels
Bring your own:
- Favorite pillow (if needed)
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap)
- Extra toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
Entertainment like books or games can be nice. Apartments usually have more space, but fewer entertainment options than hotels.
Contact Management Before Arrival
Reach out a few days before arrival to confirm check-in time and request anything special (e.g., parking, help with bags).
Ask about grocery delivery or nearby stores. Some hosts can stock your apartment for you.
Confirm the exact check-in location. Sometimes it’s different from the apartment itself.
Summary
This guide helps you fully plan and book a serviced apartment in Swansea from research to check-in.
Take time to:
- Understand your needs
- Compare options
- Communicate clearly with hosts
With the right planning, a serviced apartment can be perfect for work or vacation—and a great way to enjoy beautiful Swansea.
FAQs
Q: When should I book a serviced apartment in Swansea? A: For best prices, book 2-4 weeks ahead for short stays, or 1-2 months ahead for long stays or busy seasons.
Q: What’s the minimum stay? A: Usually 3-7 nights. Some allow shorter stays with extra charges.
Q: Are utilities and internet included? A: Yes, most apartments include them but always double-check.
