Key Home Appliances To Include In Your Serviced Apartments

In cities with high population density like Melbourne, it can take time to find ideal accommodation to suit your lifestyle and needs. Thankfully, Melbourne is filled to the brim with quality serviced apartments that offer ideal living solutions for both long-term guests and short-term holiday or business travellers. Offering all the modern comforts, convenience and practicality of a hotel, the demand for serviced apartments is only going to grow.

The key to ensuring a reduced vacancy rate for your serviced apartments is by making sure that you’re offering more than just bare bones accommodation. If your guests have access to key home appliances and cleaning devices that are in good working order, they’re more likely to feel comfortable living in a serviced apartment for a longer period of time.

But what are the top home appliances that you should be looking to include in your serviced apartments as a long-term rental provider? From microwaves to cordless stick vacuums, working smoke alarms and energy-efficient light bulbs, here are the top homey appliances that can boost the practicality and livability of your serviced apartments. 

1. Space Saving Cleaning Tools

Having a clean and hygienic living space in a serviced apartment is one of the most important aspects to ensure there is no build up of dust, dirt or grime. The last thing guests want is a dirty living space that can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria leading to all kinds of illnesses. By providing cleaning appliances, guests can easily maintain their space and improve their overall experience. 

Appliances that should be accessible in serviced apartments can include:

• A compact mop
• A hand-held or cordless stick vacuum
• A dustpan and broom
• A disposable and eco-friendly cleaning wipes

Lightweight and easy to use, these foundational appliances and tools will ensure guests can clean up mess and spills quickly and easily without taking up storage space. 

2. A Well-Equipped Kitchen

As the old saying goes, home is where the heart is, and the kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of any home. That’s why having the right appliances is essential in a serviced apartment. 

As many guests enjoy cooking, having the right appliances will positively impact their stay. These include:

• A microwave for easy reheating and quick meal prep.
• A toaster and kettle for tea, coffee, and breakfast preparation.
• A coffee machine with pods for convenient coffee making.
• A blender for easy smoothies, soups, food processing, and more.
• A refrigerator, ideally with an attached freezer compartment for guests to store groceries, frozen foods or leftovers. 
• A dishwasher, ideally with a good energy star rating to make washing up not only more convenient but also more sustainable too.

• A multi-cooker for easy one-pot meal preparation and other functions. 
• An air fryer for offering quick and easy meal preparation without the added mess or clean up time. 

If you’re advertising your serviced apartment as fully furnished, chances are your guests will be expecting most if not all of the appliances listed above to be available within that accommodation.

3. Laundry Appliances

Many travellers, particularly those with extended stays really value having the ability and space to do their own laundry. A washer/dryer combo is the ideal, space-saving solution for serviced apartments. Not only are they compact and convenient, guests don’t have to use external laundry services, saving them time and money. 

If space is sufficient, consider investing in a foldable drying clothes rack as well as an iron and ironing board. These additional extras are practical and ensure that guests can have well ironed clothes, which is important for those on business trips.

4. Heating and Cooling Systems 

Heating and cooling is amongst the most essential features for all accommodation as climate control has a big impact on comfort in serviced apartments. The solution? A reverse-cycle air conditioning unit offers both heating and cooling functionalities that are energy-efficient and easy to install. 

If these units are not feasible for installation in your serviced apartment, then portable fans and heaters are the next best solution as these are easy to store and provide extensive coverage in a space. Although not a necessity, an air purifier can be a great appliance for guests that have respiratory issues or are conscious about the air quality in their accommodation. 

5. Entertainment 

After a long day, there is no better way to unwind than to sit back on a comfortable couch and watch a show or movie. Many guests enjoy the added luxury of having access to a TV (smart TV if applicable) with a wide range of streaming options. Along with the option of a soundbar or bluetooth speaker, guests can listen to their favourite music or podcasts. However, the most important feature is access to fast and reliable Wi-Fi, as it allows guests to work and stay connected with others during their stay. 

6. Bedroom and Bathroom Essentials

We all know the importance of getting quality sleep and a quality mattress is a must. Along with either cotton or linen sheets, as these natural fibres breath better than synthetic can really improve sleep quality. For appliances, a quality bedside lamp with a dimmable globe or touch sensitivity keeps the room well-lit without being overpowering. Another feature that can really improve a bedroom is USB charging ports that are either built into bedside tables or standalone chargers that will help keep all mobile devices charged.   

As many bedrooms in serviced apartments have their own bathroom or ensuite, a hair dryer and towel rail is the bare minimum needed. However, providing quality toiletries and towels can really go a long way in enhancing a guests stay. For the energy-efficient, consider low-flow showerheads and LED lighting to help save water and energy in the long run. 

7. Safety and Security 

All guests want to feel safe in their accommodation when travelling and serviced apartments are no exception. To ensure your property is safe, make sure that is properly fitted with:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

By law, smoke alarms must be properly installed and changed every two years as they are essential for meeting safety regulations.

A Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blankets

Accidents are bound to happen so it is best to have some fire suppression equipment installed in your apartment’s kitchen facilities on the off chance that it will need to be utilised. Alongside this, ensure that your building (if managed by an external owners corporation) conducts fire sprinkler testing and all other health and safety testing in accordance with Australian Fire Safety Standards to keep all fire suppression solutions operating optimally.

A Safe for Valuables

A small digital safe provides guests with safety and peace of mind for storing their passports, money, and other valuables.

Design a Serviced Apartment that Looks, Feels, & Functions like a Home

The demand for serviced apartments is strong and expected to grow over the next few years, so it is vital that these properties are equipped with the right home appliances. Not only do they add value to the property by they help improve your guests satisfaction, which leads to patron retention. By investing in appliances and amenities that offer convenience, comfort, and sustainability, you can create a home away from home for your guests, which improves both their stay and your reputation.