Hotel apartment vs renting an apartment – what’s right for you?
When it comes to residential options in Dubai, home seekers are spoiled for choice, thanks to the exciting inventory of properties available in the city. And whilst it’s fair to say that a larger percentage of the expat community choose apartment-living, an interesting decision tenants often find themselves weighing up is the hotel apartment vs apartment dilemma. What option makes more financial sense? Which living circumstance would suit you better? In this guide, we provide a basic comparison of both scenarios to inform the reader on which option is potentially preferable for their circumstances.
LIVING IN A HOTEL APARTMENT VS AN APARTMENT IN DUBAI
The hotel apartment vs residential apartment in Dubai comparison has three fundamental parameters that you need to consider – the rent, the savings and the lifestyle amenities. To compare each factor, have a look at some of the areas which feature a mix of apartments and hotel apartments.
THE RENT
Whether you rent an apartment or are more inclined towards the hotel lifestyle – the annual rent you pay is one of the most substantial elements of your cost of living in Dubai.
AREA | LOWEST HOTEL APARTMENT RENT | LOWEST RESIDENTIAL FLAT RENT | DIFFERENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Barsha | LOWEST HOTEL APARTMENT RENT AED 80,000 | LOWEST RESIDENTIAL FLAT RENT AED 35,000 | DIFFERENCE AED 45,000 |
| Dubai Marina | LOWEST HOTEL APARTMENT RENT AED 119,998 | LOWEST RESIDENTIAL FLAT RENT AED 44,000 | DIFFERENCE AED 75,998 |
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1162 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1099 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 720 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 601 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1118 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1516 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 721 SQFT
According to the listings on Bayut, the hotel apartments in Dubai have average annual rent ranging between AED 35k and AED 1.2M. If you look at serviced apartments, particularly in the Al Barsha and Dubai Marina areas, the starting rent is AED 80k and AED 119k, respectively.
In contrast, the rent for apartments in Dubai ranges between AED 15k and AED 3M annually. The minimum rent you can expect to pay for apartments in Al Barsha is AED 35k per annum. The starting annual rent for flats in Dubai Marina amounts to AED 44k as per current listings on Bayut.
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1348 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 761 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 999 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 676 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 670 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1370 SQFT
If you consider living in a hotel vs an apartment in Dubai, solely based on the rental cost, residential apartments are the cheaper option. However, most of these apartments are not furnished, contrary to the fully-furnished hotel apartments in Dubai.
THE LIFESTYLE AMENITIES
AMENITIES | HOTEL APARTMENTS | UNFURNISHED FLATS | FURNISHED FLATS |
|---|---|---|---|
AMENITIES Furniture | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS Yes |
AMENITIES Kitchen Facilities | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS Yes |
AMENITIES WiFi connection | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS No |
AMENITIES DEWA connection | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS No |
AMENITIES TV/Cable | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS Yes |
AMENITIES Valet Parking | HOTEL APARTMENTS Mostly | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS No |
AMENITIES Laundry | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS No |
AMENITIES Housekeeping | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS No | FURNISHED FLATS No |
AMENITIES Gym | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS Mostly | FURNISHED FLATS Mostly |
AMENITIES Swimming Pool | HOTEL APARTMENTS Yes | UNFURNISHED FLATS Mostly | FURNISHED FLATS Mostly |
The availability of lifestyle amenities is another aspect to look at when comparing hotel apartments and apartments in Dubai. Both these accommodations come with the usual amenities like swimming pools and gyms.
Some apartments also grant you access to saunas, steam rooms and other lifestyle amenities. Unless you opt for a furnished apartment in Dubai, most rental flats in the emirate are completely void of furniture and kitchen facilities.
Living in a Dubai hotel apartment has its perks – they come with furniture, TV connections, Wi-Fi access, valet parking and cleaning service. One of the fundamental differences between hotels and apartments is that there are usually no utility costs to pay, which is not the case when renting an apartment in Dubai.
SAVINGS IN HOTEL APARTMENT VS APARTMENT
In the hotel apartment vs apartment comparison, you must also consider the saving factor. There are two ways to look at it – the savings on rent and the savings on amenities and services. The savings on rent are higher if you choose a flat.
As the rent comparison table above shows, renting an apartment in Al Barsha and Dubai Marina can save you up to AED 45k and 75k per year, respectively. This equates to around AED 3,750 to 6,000 in monthly savings.
The difference is still substantial when you compare these monthly savings to the amount you end up paying for utility and other amenities. However, if paying a higher annual rent for the added amenities and convenience in serviced apartments is not one of your concerns, hotel apartments are a better choice.
LIVING IN A HOTEL APARTMENT VS APARTMENT – OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Besides the factors mentioned earlier, a couple of other things should be considered when making the hotel apartment vs apartment decision.
PROPERTY SIZE
Apartments for rent in Dubai come in a variety of sizes. You can find anything from a small studio to a spacious 5-bed unit. In contrast, the serviced apartments in Dubai are usually available in just studio, 1 and 2-bed configurations.
PERSONAL DECOR CHOICES IN HOTEL APARTMENTS VS APARTMENT
Another thing to keep in mind is the décor. Hotel apartments have certain limitations. The hotel apartments are fully furnished, so you cannot decorate your space according to your preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR HOTEL APARTMENTS IN AL BARSHA?
Abidos, Adagio Premium and Al Khoory Hotel Apartments are some of the most popular hotel apartments in Al Barsha.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN AL BARSHA?
Some of the most popular areas to rent in Al Barsha include Al Barsha 1 and Al Barsha South.
WHAT ARE THE MOST SEARCHED FOR BUILDINGS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN DUBAI MARINA?
Marina Diamonds, Marina Gate and DEC Towers are some of the most popular buildings to rent apartments in Dubai Marina.
There you have it – a complete comparison of living in hotel apartment vs apartment in Dubai. If you end up opting for hotel apartments, you’ve got a plethora of options to consider. The serviced apartments in Downtown Dubai are upscale and luxurious. You can find the same level of luxury with good value for money in the hotel apartments in Business Bay.
Another avenue to explore is the long-stay hotels in Dubai, offering luxury residences for anyone who wants to enjoy the hotel lifestyle. For cheaper options, you can always consider some of the best hotel apartments in Deira.
It might also be wise to look for apartments near the metro stations in Dubai if you depend on public transport for your daily commute.
