Hotel or Shortlet Apartment? Which One Should You Book and Why
Hotel or Shortlet Apartment? Which One Should You Book and Why
01 Nov 2025 02:01 PM
Oluwatayo Oladele
Cribsfinder Guide
14 mins

If you ever planned a getaway, work trip, or weekend staycation, youe probably faced the classic dilemma Should I book a hotel or a shortlet apartment?
It sounds simple until you start comparing comfort, convenience, cost, and vibe. The truth is, both hotels and short-term apartments in Nigeria have their perks. It simply depends on the kind of experience you looking for. Let break it down together so you can make the right choice for your next trip and, of course, find the perfect stay easily on Cribsfinder.
The Hotel Life: Comfort and Convenience in One Place
Hotels are the go-to choice for many travellers, and for good reason. You walk in, drop your bags, and everything sorted. The bed made, the towels are fresh, and someone is always available if you need anything.
Why people love hotels:
- Zero stress: Zero stress is literal with a good hotel. You get access to room service, daily cleaning; the hotels take care of everything, so you can just relax.
- Central locations: Most hotels sit right in the middle of the action, near airports, city centres, or major attractions.
- Amenities galore: Think swimming pools, gyms, spas, restaurants, and sometimes a rooftop view that makes your stay feel premium.
But here the trade-off:
Hotels can start to feel a little too formal. The rooms often look the same, and if you staying more than a couple of nights, that comfort can start to feel cramped, especially for families or groups. Plus, all that convenience can come with a hefty price tag.
If you just in town for a quick business trip or short vacation, hotels are perfect. But if you staying longer or need more flexibility, you might want to check out what shortlets have to offer.
The Shortlet Apartment: Your Home Away from Home
Short-term apartments are changing how people travel and live, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. They blend the warmth of home with the comfort of a hotel, giving you space, privacy, and freedom to do things your way.
Why people love shortlets:
- More space: You get a full apartment; a living room, a kitchen, maybe even a balcony, not just a room.
- Homey feel: You can cook your meals, host friends, or just unwind without worrying about check-out calls or service interruptions.
- Budget-friendly for groups: Splitting a shortlet among friends or colleagues often costs less than multiple hotel rooms.
- Perfect for longer stays: If you are staying for at least a week or a month, or even more, shortlets make you feel settled, not like a visitor.
What to keep in mind:
Shortlets don always have 24/7 concierge services like hotels, so you have to handle little things yourself. But many hosts now offer cleaning services and support, so you still get convenience, just with a personal touch.
Hotel or Shortlet? Which Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your needs, budget, and how you like to travel.
Go for a hotel if you:
- Want everything handled for you, no chores, no stress.
- Are staying for a short time (nights).
- Love daily cleaning, room service, and other hotel perks.
Go for a shortlet if:
- You value space, privacy, and freedom.
- You are staying for several days or weeks.
- You are travelling with family, friends, or colleagues.
- You want something cozy, personalized, and cost-effective.
The best stay isn about what more expensive or trendy, it about what fits you. If you want pampering and simplicity, book a hotel. If you crave freedom and a homely touch, book a shortlet apartment. And if you want to easily explore your options? You already know where to go Cribsfinder.
Visit cribsfinder.com today to find verified shortlet apartments and hotel deals across Nigeria. Cribsfinder helps you find your perfect stay with just a few clicks.
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