How Did Serviced Apartments Become Popular In India?

By Author: Adopremium
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India’s real estate and hospitality sectors have undergone remarkable changes over the past two decades. Among the most significant shifts has been the rising popularity of serviced apartments—a hybrid model that blends the comfort of a home with the services of a hotel. What was once a niche concept catering to expatriates and corporate travelers has now become a mainstream accommodation choice for urban professionals, business travelers, families, and even medical tourists.

This article explores how serviced apartments became popular in India, the key drivers of their growth, and why brands like Adopremium are playing a pivotal role in shaping this modern lifestyle solution.

Early Beginnings of Serviced Apartments in India

The idea of serviced apartments in India can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, when multinational companies began setting up operations in major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. With a surge of expatriates and corporate executives relocating to India for extended projects, the need for flexible and comfortable housing emerged. Traditional hotels were often ...
... too expensive for long stays, while regular rental apartments lacked essential amenities.

This gap gave rise to the first generation of serviced apartments—properties that offered:

Fully furnished living spaces

Housekeeping and concierge services

Kitchen facilities

Security and maintenance

Initially, these serviced apartments were concentrated around business hubs and IT corridors, catering primarily to expatriates and corporate employees on assignments.

Key Factors Behind Their Popularity
1. Growth of Corporate and IT Sectors

The expansion of India’s IT and corporate sectors, particularly in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram, created a steady demand for long-term yet flexible accommodation. Serviced apartments became the go-to choice for employees relocating for months-long projects, offering cost savings compared to hotels while ensuring comfort and convenience.

2. Rising Business Travel

India’s rapid integration into the global economy led to a surge in domestic and international business travel. Business travelers sought accommodations that combined professional facilities (Wi-Fi, meeting spaces) with homely comfort. Serviced apartments met this demand perfectly.

3. Affordability and Value for Money

For extended stays, hotels often proved financially unviable. Serviced apartments, on the other hand, offered significantly more space at competitive rates, especially when amenities like kitchens allowed guests to save on dining expenses.

4. Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes

As urban India became more cosmopolitan, young professionals and nuclear families sought flexible living arrangements. The modern workforce, with frequent job relocations and travel, preferred serviced apartments over long-term rental commitments.

5. Growth of Medical Tourism

India emerged as a leading destination for affordable and quality healthcare, attracting international patients. Serviced apartments became popular among medical tourists who required a homely environment for recovery and extended stays near hospitals.

6. Pandemic Influence

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated demand for serviced apartments. Travelers and corporates alike preferred private, self-contained spaces that minimized contact with others. With remote work becoming common, many individuals even rented serviced apartments as temporary work-from-home solutions.

The Role of Technology in Expansion

Technology has been instrumental in the rise of serviced apartments in India. With the growth of digital booking platforms and property management systems, customers could easily compare, book, and review serviced apartments online. Platforms like Airbnb introduced Indian audiences to the concept of alternative accommodations, further normalizing the serviced apartment lifestyle.

Brands like Adopremium leverage technology not only for customer acquisition but also for enhancing guest experience—offering seamless check-ins, app-based housekeeping requests, and personalized services.

Comparison with Traditional Hotels and Rentals

Serviced apartments occupy a unique space between hotels and traditional rental housing.

Feature Hotels Rentals Serviced Apartments
Cost (Long Stay) High Moderate Affordable
Flexibility High Low (leases) High
Amenities Luxury Limited Balanced
Space Compact Varies Spacious
Services Extensive Minimal Essential & Customizable
Target Audience Short-term travelers Residents Long-term travelers, professionals, families

This hybrid positioning has made serviced apartments particularly attractive to India’s evolving urban demographic.

Contribution of Adopremium in Shaping the Market

As demand for serviced apartments grows, brands like Adopremium are redefining the standards of modern living. With a focus on premium design, cutting-edge amenities, and tailored guest experiences, Adopremium is creating spaces that meet both professional and personal needs.

By combining hospitality expertise with the comforts of home, Adopremium ensures that travelers—whether on business, relocation, or medical visits—find the perfect balance of luxury and practicality.

Changing Consumer Perception

When serviced apartments were first introduced, they were often seen as a stopgap solution rather than a primary accommodation choice. Today, consumer perception has shifted significantly. Many individuals view serviced apartments not just as temporary housing, but as a lifestyle choice that offers freedom, privacy, and value.

The younger generation, in particular, values experiences and flexibility over traditional ownership models, making serviced apartments an attractive option for both short-term and long-term living.

The Future of Serviced Apartments in India

The serviced apartment market in India is expected to grow steadily, fueled by:

Increasing corporate relocations

Expanding start-up ecosystems

Greater acceptance of flexible living solutions

Rising demand for affordable premium accommodation

With continued investment, better regulation, and professional management, serviced apartments will likely become a mainstream part of India’s hospitality and real estate landscape. Brands like Adopremium will lead the way in setting new benchmarks for comfort, design, and service quality.

Conclusion

The popularity of serviced apartments in India is a result of changing lifestyles, growing corporate demand, affordability, and evolving consumer preferences. From being an option primarily for expatriates, they have now become a favored choice for a wide range of audiences—business travelers, medical tourists, families, and professionals seeking flexible living arrangements.

With trusted brands like Adopremium elevating the concept, serviced apartments are not just filling a gap between hotels and rentals—they are shaping the future of modern urban living in India.

FAQs
1. What is a serviced apartment?

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished residential unit that offers hotel-like services such as housekeeping, security, and maintenance, making it ideal for short or long stays.

2. Why are serviced apartments becoming popular in India?

They are popular due to affordability, flexibility, comfort, and the rising demand from business travelers, expatriates, medical tourists, and urban professionals.

3. How are serviced apartments different from hotels?

Unlike hotels, serviced apartments provide more space, private kitchens, and long-term affordability, while still offering essential services like cleaning and security.

4. Who typically stays in serviced apartments?

Business travelers, expatriates, relocated professionals, medical tourists, families on extended visits, and individuals seeking flexible housing prefer serviced apartments.

5. What role does Adopremium play in this market?

Adopremium offers premium serviced apartments that combine luxury, functionality, and hospitality, catering to modern travelers and urban residents with customized solutions.

Source URL - https://www.adopremium.com/blog/serviced-apartments-explained-definition-history-and-types

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