flat screen monitor inside room

Travel Tips & Temporary Accommodation

Serviced Apartment or Hotel? Why choosing an apartment is especially worthwhile today

When booking accommodation today, travelers face a wider range of options than ever before. Traditional hotels, boutique hotels, holiday apartments, aparthotels, and serviced apartments are all competing for guests’ attention.

The short answer first

Hotels are ideal for short stays, traditional services, and daily conveniences. Apartments, on the other hand, offer more space, flexibility, and privacy — and are often the more economical and comfortable choice for stays of three nights or more.

For longer stays, family trips, or business travel where a comfortable “home-like” atmosphere matters, a serviced apartment is usually the significantly better option.


Criterion

Hotel

Serviced Apartment

Average size

18–25 m²

50–80 m²

Private kitchen

No

Yes

Living area

Limited

Separate

Privacy

Medium

Very high

Cost per night (1 night)

Often more affordable

Comparable

Cost for 3+ nights

Increases significantly

Significantly more affordable

Family-friendly

Limited / restricted

Ideal

Workation / long-term stay

Unsuitable

Perfectly suitable


1. Space and comfort

A typical mid-range hotel room measures about 18 to 25 square meters. It usually contains a bed, desk, wardrobe, and bathroom — and that’s about it.

In contrast, serviced apartments often offer 50 to 80 square meters with separate sleeping, living, and working areas. Our stylish apartment in Düsseldorf-Hamm, for example, offers around 72 square meters, including a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living area, and Rhine views.

More space means less stress, more relaxation, and a true “home away from home” feeling — especially for longer stays.

2. Private kitchen – flexibility and cost savings

Hotel guests depend on breakfast services, room service, or restaurants. While convenient, this can quickly become expensive. Three meals a day can easily cost €60–100 per person — and much more for families.

A private kitchen gives you full flexibility:

  • Breakfast whenever you want

  • Simple meals from nearby supermarkets

  • Home-cooked dinners with Rhine views

This not only saves money but also allows you to eat exactly what you prefer — whether vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply your favorite comfort food.

3. Privacy and peace

Hotels are lively — and that’s not always an advantage. Service carts in the morning, conversations in the hallway, breakfast noise, and general guest traffic are part of the experience.

In an apartment, you enjoy significantly more privacy:

  • Come and go as you please

  • Receive visitors without restrictions

  • Enjoy quiet, uninterrupted evenings

  • Shut out the world when you need to relax

4. Travel with family or friends

Families know: booking two hotel rooms plus extra charges for children and breakfast can become very expensive.

In an apartment:

  • Parents and children stay together in one space

  • No need to “live on top of each other”

  • Children can sleep peacefully while adults relax in the living area

  • Shared space makes trips with friends more enjoyable


More space. More peace. More freedom.

72 instead of 20 m², with a private kitchen and Rhine view book directly with the host, with no commission fees.

Close-up of dark green velvet dining chairs around a white table with decorative accents

5. Longer stays and workation

Anyone staying in a city for several weeks or even months — whether for a project, further training, or a workation in Düsseldorf — is rarely happy in a hotel. This is where serviced apartments show their greatest strength: laundry service and cleaning can be booked as needed, while still enjoying all the comforts of a private home. Many providers, including Chrisma Apartments, offer attractive weekly and monthly rates.

6. Costs – when is what cheaper?

The honest answer: hotels are often cheaper for a single night. However, after two to three nights, the balance frequently shifts in favor of apartments — especially during trade fairs or major events, when hotel prices in Düsseldorf can rise significantly.

If you also factor in saved restaurant visits and breakfast fees, the comparison quickly becomes even clearer.

7. When a hotel is the better choice

Honesty matters: there are situations where a hotel makes more sense. For example:

  • A one-night stay without plans in the evening

  • Very short-term travel without preparation

  • When you specifically value concierge service, wellness areas, bar, and on-site restaurant

  • When 24-hour reception is essential for very late arrivals

Hotels offer convenience and full service under one roof.

8. What to look for in a serviced apartment

Not every apartment automatically guarantees a good experience. When booking, pay attention to:

  • Location – quiet yet central, well connected to public transport

  • Full equipment – kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, ironing facilities

  • Fast Wi-Fi – ideally at least 50 Mbps

  • Parking – a major advantage in big cities

  • Cleaning service – bookable for longer stays

  • Personal contact person – good service matters in apartments too

Chrisma Apartments – the best of both worlds

The Chrisma Apartments in Düsseldorf-Hamm combine the advantages of a stylish apartment with hotel-level service. The concept is backed by a family-run business operating since 1995, bringing over 30 years of hospitality experience into every detail.

Guests enjoy:

  • 72 m² living space with Rhine view

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Private parking space

  • Fully equipped kitchen

  • Personal service and a quiet location directly by the Rhine

This creates a stay that feels both independent and comfortably taken care of.

FAQ

Everything you need to know.

FAQ

Everything you need to know.

What is a serviced apartment?

A furnished apartment with its own kitchen and bathroom that can be booked like a hotel room — including cleaning service and a dedicated contact person, but with significantly more space and privacy.

What is a serviced apartment?

A furnished apartment with its own kitchen and bathroom that can be booked like a hotel room — including cleaning service and a dedicated contact person, but with significantly more space and privacy.

From when does an apartment become more worthwhile than a hotel?

Usually from two to three nights onwards, especially for trade fairs, family trips, or when self-catering.

From when does an apartment become more worthwhile than a hotel?

Usually from two to three nights onwards, especially for trade fairs, family trips, or when self-catering.

Are serviced apartments cheaper than hotels?

Not usually for one night — but from three nights onwards, apartments are often more affordable, especially when you factor in saved restaurant and breakfast costs.

Are serviced apartments cheaper than hotels?

Not usually for one night — but from three nights onwards, apartments are often more affordable, especially when you factor in saved restaurant and breakfast costs.

Do I also get cleaning service in the apartment?

Yes, cleaning is included in the price and can be flexibly adjusted for longer stays.

Do I also get cleaning service in the apartment?

Yes, cleaning is included in the price and can be flexibly adjusted for longer stays.

Is breakfast included?

You cook for yourself in the apartment — giving you full flexibility to choose your own food. Fresh bread rolls and coffee are available within walking distance.

Is breakfast included?

You cook for yourself in the apartment — giving you full flexibility to choose your own food. Fresh bread rolls and coffee are available within walking distance.

CTA

Ready to experience the difference for yourself?

More space. More peace. More freedom. Book your apartment directly with the host no commission, no intermediaries.

Close-up of dark green velvet dining chairs around a white table with decorative accents