Airbnb vs Serviced Apartment in Winter: What’s Best for Your Group Getaway?

hotel concierge
Author
15 min Jul 15th, 2025
airbnb vs serviced apartments

What’s the Difference Between an Airbnb and a Serviced Apartment?

Airbnb refers to short-term rentals of privately owned homes or apartments. These can vary widely in layout, cleanliness, and service depending on the host and location.

Serviced apartments, on the other hand, are professionally managed accommodations with hotel-style service and apartment-style amenities. They typically come with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and consistent standards across every stay.

For groups looking for warmth, convenience and predictability in winter, the differences between these two options are worth considering.

What Is an Airbnb Apartment?

airbnb apartment

Airbnb apartments are privately owned homes or units available for short-term stays. From cosy spare rooms to entire houses, each listing is different and complete with its own style, amenities, and house rules.

Choosing an Airbnb in Winter:

  • Can be affordable, especially in suburban areas
  • Often offer unique or stylish interiors
  • May feel more “local” or home-like

Limitations for Groups:

  • Inconsistent heating and insulation
  • Limited or no customer service
  • Varying levels of cleanliness and amenities
  • Space may not be optimised for groups, especially in compact apartments

What Is a Serviced Apartment?

A serviced apartment is a professionally operated space combining the benefits of a hotel with the functionality of a home. Most include one or more bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, laundry facilities, and reliable customer service.

Winter Benefits for Groups:

  • Spacious layouts allow everyone to spread out and relax
  • Full kitchens make cooking group meals easy
  • Shared living areas create space to gather, dine, or unwind
  • Consistent amenities like heating, free Wi-Fi, in-room laundry, and plush bedding
  • On-site or on-call support ensures any issues are quickly resolved

Airbnb vs Serviced Apartment: A Winter Comparison

Feature Airbnb Serviced Apartment
Space Varies; may be compact or open-plan Spacious with separate living and sleeping areas
Best For Solo travellers or couples Groups and families needing shared private spaces
Kitchen May be basic or inconsistent Fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances
Living Area Sometimes limited or combined with bedroom Separate and designed for group use
Cost per Person Can be higher with hidden fees Often lower when split among guests
Support Depends on host availability On-site or responsive service teams
Cleanliness Varies by host and cleaning standards Professionally cleaned to hotel-grade standards

Winter Travel Needs for Groups

Travelling in winter means prioritising warmth, convenience, and comfort, especially with a group. Here’s what matters most:

  • Heating and Comfort: Well-insulated spaces with reliable heating, thick bedding, and warm lighting are essential.
  • Shared Spaces: Lounges and dining areas allow groups to connect without being confined to bedrooms.
  • Self-Catering: Kitchens are a must for preparing hearty winter meals or hot drinks on chilly nights.
  • Access to Events & Dining: Staying close to winter festivals, markets, or city dining means less time in the cold and more time enjoying your getaway.

Best Locations for Group Winter Stays

When it comes to group accommodation in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane this winter, Veriu and Punthill properties offer standout options:

Melbourne

Sydney

  • Veriu Green Square – A sleek, modern stay with easy access to the city and airport.
  • Veriu Broadway – Ideal for groups exploring Chinatown, Newtown, and Sydney’s vibrant inner west.

Brisbane

View Punthill Winter Offers

All are conveniently located near public transport, restaurants, and seasonal activities, making them ideal bases for your winter group getaway.

Which Stay Option is Best for Your Group?

If your group values reliability, space, and winter-ready comfort, serviced apartments are the smarter choice. While Airbnbs can be cosy and unique, the unpredictability of heating, support and layout can make winter travel trickier.

Serviced apartments from Veriu and Punthill provide the consistency, amenities, and group-friendly spaces that make winter getaways warm, memorable, and stress-free.

Ready to Book Your Winter Group Stay?

Explore Veriu and Punthill’s range of serviced apartments designed for groups, families, and friends travelling together this winter.

Browse Veriu Group Accommodation