What are aparthotels, and how do they differ?

When looking for accommodation, it is easy to come across the term “aparthotel”. The name sounds familiar, but it is not always immediately clear what to expect.

An aparthotel combines two things: the freedom of an apartment with the service and amenities associated with a hotel. It is for those who do not want to choose between an impersonal hotel room and renting an apartment independently.

In this guide, we explain what an aparthotel is, how it differs from a traditional hotel and who may find it the best choice.

What is an aparthotel?

An aparthotel is accommodation that combines hotel comfort with the convenience of an apartment. Guests have more space than in a standard hotel room, while still enjoying the amenities and support offered by a hotel.

Depending on the property, an apartment may include a living area, separate bedroom, kitchenette or workspace. Guests can also use the reception, contact the team and access services such as cleaning or assistance during their stay.

This combination of independence and hotel hospitality makes aparthotels increasingly popular for weekend city breaks, family trips and longer stays.

Aparthotel or hotel: what's the

The main difference concerns the stay itself. In a traditional hotel, guests usually book a room, while an aparthotel offers an apartment, often larger and better suited to multi-day or family trips.

In practice, this means more space, a clearly separate living area and, in some properties, a kitchenette or table where you can eat, work or plan the next day.

An aparthotel therefore offers more independence than a standard hotel room, while still providing what private rentals lack: reception, contact with the team, cleaning and assistance during your stay.

Simply put: a hotel mainly offers a room and service; an aparthotel combines hotel hospitality with apartment functionality.

Is an aparthotel a hotel?

Not always. “Aparthotel” primarily describes a type of accommodation: apartments combined with services associated with a hotel. However, it is not a separate type or category of hotel property under Polish law. Statutory types include hotels, motels, boarding houses, campsites and excursion hostels, among others.

That is why the name “aparthotel” alone says little about the standard or level of service. One property may have a 24-hour reception, regular cleaning and additional services, while another may operate more like rental apartments.

Before booking, check exactly what your stay includes: whether there is a reception, how often cleaning takes place, what equipment the apartment has and what assistance is available during your stay.

Aparthotel or apartment?

Though similar in name, they describe two different stay types in practice.

A private apartment offers independence but usually works like a self-catering rental. You collect the keys, use the apartment and contact the owner or manager if needed. Service is often limited, and there is usually no reception or team available to guests.

An aparthotel combines an apartment’s functionality with hotel-style care. Guests have a larger, more self-contained space but are not left to organise everything themselves. They can rely on reception, luggage storage, cleaning, city recommendations and help with everyday matters.

Bogoria House is a good example. Guests stay in spacious apartments in a historic tenement house while also benefiting from our team’s assistance. We recommend places to eat and things to see, help plan trips with children or dogs, assist with practical arrangements and make sure the stay feels unlike an impersonal apartment rental.

Simply put: an apartment gives you space, while an aparthotel gives you space and hospitality. At Bogoria House, we combine both—the freedom of your own apartment with people who truly know Krakow and enjoy looking after guests.

Who is an aparthotel best for?

An aparthotel is especially useful when you need more than a standard room with a bed and bathroom. It is a good choice for both a short city break and a stay of several days.

Families with children often choose them because more space makes daily routines easier. Couples appreciate the apartment’s privacy, while business travellers value a workspace and the freedom to relax outside meeting hours.

An aparthotel also suits guests staying longer or travelling with a pet. A more functional interior means the stay is about more than just a place to sleep.

At Bogoria House, we see this every day. Our guests include couples visiting for the weekend, families exploring Krakow with children, business travellers and people staying a little longer. What they share is a desire for an apartment’s independence together with an on-site team they can turn to for help or recommendations.

Is an aparthotel worth choosing?

If you like to travel at your own pace, an aparthotel is an excellent choice. It offers more freedom than a traditional hotel room while providing everything that makes a stay easier—reception support, help from the team and services on site.

It is for people who want to feel more like guests than apartment tenants. There is no need to worry about collecting keys, contacting the owner or organising your stay. You can focus on why you came to the city.

At Bogoria House, we believe a good aparthotel is more than a spacious apartment. It is a place where the comfort of everyday living, hospitality and a location that lets you truly discover Krakow come together. We created a space our guests are happy to return to—not only for the address, but above all for the atmosphere, the people and the feeling of being at home.

Planning a stay in Krakow? See the apartments at Bogoria House and book your dates.