Complete Guide to Serviced Apartments in Dhaka
Whether you are relocating to Bangladesh for work, visiting on a diplomatic assignment, or planning an extended family stay, a serviced apartment offers the perfect balance of home comfort and hotel convenience. This guide covers everything you need to know -- from costs and locations to amenities and booking tips.
1. What Is a Serviced Apartment?
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished residential unit that combines the space and privacy of a home with the convenience and services of a hotel. Unlike traditional rentals, serviced apartments include:
- ✓ Complete furnishing -- beds, sofas, dining table, wardrobes, and decor ready for move-in
- ✓ Full kitchen -- refrigerator, stove, microwave, cookware, and utensils
- ✓ Hotel services -- daily housekeeping, linen changes, front desk support
- ✓ All utilities included -- electricity, water, gas, high-speed WiFi
- ✓ Flexible rental terms -- daily, weekly, or monthly stays with no long-term lease
Think of it as having your own apartment in Dhaka without any of the setup hassle -- no furniture shopping, no utility connections, no security deposits. You simply check in and start living.
2. Serviced Apartment vs. Hotel Room vs. Regular Rental
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right option for your stay:
| Feature | Serviced Apartment | Hotel Room | Regular Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space | 900 - 2,400 sqft | 200 - 450 sqft | 800 - 2,000 sqft |
| Kitchen | Full kitchen | None / kettle only | Full kitchen |
| Housekeeping | Daily included | Daily included | Not included |
| Utilities | All included | All included | Separate bills |
| Minimum Stay | 1 night | 1 night | 6-12 months |
| Cost (per month) | BDT 150,000 - 400,000 | BDT 200,000 - 600,000 | BDT 50,000 - 150,000 |
| Security Deposit | Minimal / none | Credit card hold | 2-3 months rent |
Bottom line: If you are staying for more than 3-4 nights and want space, privacy, and the ability to cook, a serviced apartment offers the best value. You get hotel services at a fraction of the hotel cost, with none of the hassle of a traditional rental.
3. How Much Does a Serviced Apartment Cost in Dhaka?
Prices vary based on size, location, and rental duration. Here is a breakdown of typical pricing in Dhaka's premium areas:
Nightly Rates
2-Bedroom Studio
BDT 7,000 / night
~$65 USD | 900 sqft
2-Bedroom Large
BDT 10,000 / night
~$94 USD | 1,200 sqft
3-Bedroom
BDT 15,000 / night
~$140 USD | 1,800 sqft
4-Bedroom
BDT 17,500 / night
~$145 USD | 2,400 sqft
What Is Included in the Price?
- ✓ Full furnishing and kitchen equipment
- ✓ Electricity, water, and gas
- ✓ High-speed WiFi
- ✓ Daily housekeeping and linen change
- ✓ 24/7 security and front desk
- ✓ Satellite TV (85+ channels)
Monthly Discounts
Most serviced apartment providers in Dhaka offer 20-30% discounts for monthly stays. At Babylon, long-term guests receive preferential pricing, making it significantly more affordable than comparable hotel stays. Contact the front desk for a custom monthly quote.
4. Best Locations for Serviced Apartments in Dhaka
Baridhara DOHS (Top Recommendation)
Baridhara DOHS is a military-administered residential compound that offers the highest level of security in Dhaka. It is the preferred neighborhood for diplomats, UN staff, and international business travelers.
Gulshan
Dhaka's main commercial and diplomatic hub. Gulshan offers excellent dining, shopping, and proximity to major embassies. Serviced apartments here tend to be 20-40% more expensive than Baridhara DOHS due to commercial land value.
Banani
A vibrant commercial district popular with younger professionals and startups. Banani has a lively food scene and is well-connected to both Gulshan and Baridhara DOHS.
5. What Amenities to Expect
A quality serviced apartment in Dhaka should include these amenities as standard:
In-Room
- Air conditioning in all rooms
- LED TV with satellite channels
- High-speed WiFi
- Electronic safe box
- Iron and ironing board
- Wardrobe and storage
Kitchen
- Full-size refrigerator
- Gas stove and oven
- Microwave
- Rice cooker and kettle
- Cookware and utensils
- Dining table and chairs
Services
- Daily housekeeping
- Fresh linen and towels
- Laundry service
- 24/7 front desk
- Airport pickup available
- Room service / restaurant
Building
- 24/7 security with CCTV
- Backup power generator
- Elevator access
- Parking space
- Swimming pool (select properties)
- Fitness center (select properties)
6. Who Rents Serviced Apartments?
Diplomats and Embassy Staff
Many embassies in Dhaka book serviced apartments for newly posted staff while they find permanent housing. The flexibility and security make it ideal.
Corporate Travelers
Business travelers on assignments lasting weeks or months choose serviced apartments for the extra space, kitchen access, and cost savings over hotels.
NGO and UN Workers
International aid workers and consultants on project-based assignments prefer serviced apartments for their flexibility and proximity to organizational offices.
Families in Transition
Families relocating to Dhaka or between homes use serviced apartments as comfortable temporary housing with space for children to play and study.
Medical Tourists
Patients traveling to Dhaka for medical treatment often prefer serviced apartments for longer recovery stays, as they offer more comfort and kitchen facilities.
7. How to Book the Right Serviced Apartment
Follow these steps to find the best serviced apartment for your needs:
- 1
Define Your Requirements
How many bedrooms do you need? How long is your stay? Do you need parking? Kitchen? Pool? List your non-negotiables first.
- 2
Choose Your Location
Consider proximity to your workplace, security level, and access to restaurants and amenities. Baridhara DOHS offers the best security-to-value ratio.
- 3
Check What Is Included
Always confirm whether utilities, WiFi, housekeeping, and linen are included in the quoted price. Hidden costs can add 15-25% to your budget.
- 4
Ask About Long-Term Discounts
If staying a month or more, negotiate. Most providers offer 20-30% off the nightly rate for extended stays.
- 5
Request Photos and Virtual Tour
Always ask for recent photos or a video tour of the specific unit you will be staying in, not just generic marketing images.
8. Why Babylon Serviced Apartments
Since 2007, Babylon Hotel & Serviced Apartment has been hosting diplomats, corporate travelers, and families in Baridhara DOHS. Here is what sets us apart:
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What is a serviced apartment?
A serviced apartment is a fully furnished residential unit that comes with hotel-like services such as daily housekeeping, linen changes, WiFi, and utilities included in the rental price. Unlike a regular apartment, there are no separate utility bills or maintenance hassles.
How much does a serviced apartment cost in Dhaka?
Serviced apartments in Dhaka range from BDT 7,000 to BDT 17,500 per night depending on size and location. A 2-bedroom studio starts at BDT 7,000/night ($65 USD), while a premium 4-bedroom apartment costs around BDT 17,500/night ($145 USD). Monthly rates offer 20-30% discounts.
What is the difference between a serviced apartment and a hotel room?
Serviced apartments offer 3-10 times more space than hotel rooms, include a full kitchen, separate living and bedroom areas, and laundry facilities. They cost 20-40% less per night while still providing hotel services like housekeeping and front desk support.
Which area in Dhaka is best for serviced apartments?
Baridhara DOHS is the top choice for serviced apartments due to its 24/7 military security, proximity to embassies and the airport, and quiet residential environment. Gulshan and Banani are also popular for their restaurants and shopping options.
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