Improving Your Serviced Accommodation Unit

In this short blog, I want to talk through my Serviced Accommodation Unit in Phoenix, Arizona. This is with the intention of showing what I really like about it and what I think they can improve, so you can use these hints and tips for your own investment.

So I’ve been investing in property for over 26 years. I’m the author of the Amazon number one best seller Property Magic and founder of the Property Investors Network. But Serviced Accomodation is something I don’t really do very much. I’m just starting to get into it. So I’m really interested to look at all the serviced accommodation units I go to, so that I can understand how to do it properly. There are lots of people doing it very well and some people doing it not so well.

SA Property vs Hotel

I made a last minute decision to stay in this one specific Serviced Accommodation Unit in Phoenix, due to a business event I go to every year. I believe it’s really important to put yourself around like-minded, successful people.

I had originally booked an amazing hotel, we came a few days early but the hotel was fully booked. We then stayed in another hotel in Phoenix which had a central location and great length pool, one of the best features for me.

When we reached the hotel, we were told the pool was temporarily closed. Unfortunately this wasn’t the only thing, we went down to dinner later on in the evening and the restaurant wasn’t available either. They had food at the bar but it wasn’t an extensive menu, especially for my wife who is vegan.

“The first thing I liked about this apartment was that they had instructions on how to find the building.”

We came to the conclusion that this hotel really wasn’t suitable and booked ourselves into this last minute Serviced Accommodation. I picked it because of its location again, and it actually had a pool that I could use. Above all else, we were able to get this accommodation at a discounted rate.

Meeting Serviced Accommodation Standards

The first thing I liked about this apartment was that they had instructions on how to find the building. This was a big complex of probably a couple hundred apartments, so being given really clear directions was a good touch.

Sometimes in a serviced accommodation people actually meet you there. They check you have everything, but this is very much the kind of ‘check in yourself’ style.

We were told there was a lockbox on the door. This is one of the features I really like. The main door also had an electronic pad, which is better than having to scan your phone as it may have run out of battery. You can simply type in the code, and the code they decided to use was the last four digits of my phone number. This is really convenient for your guests because you are less likely to forget the codes.

I also noticed that there was a doorbell camera, meaning the owner who runs the AirBnb can keep an eye on who enters the property. Something that happens often with AirBnb’s is that people book them to have parties, so this is very useful for you as a SA Property owner.

“Some AirBnb’s have an information pack prepared which lists the local restaurants and supermarkets. This is something this unit didn’t do, but one tip I think is very helpful for anyone staying at your property.”

Right by the front door, we had a little key fob which got us into the pool area and actual complex. The pool is protected by two gates, so only people who are part of the accommodation community can get in. This is pretty good.

The main living room was nice and clean, expected of every accommodation you pay to stay at. The room has a good sized TV, alongside Netflix on it. Netflix is especially beneficial to include in your services, even if you have the free view channels already. I was expecting to log into my personal Netflix but it was already logged in. I’m not sure if that’s the owner of the property or maybe just the last guest who forgot to log out.

Serviced Accommodation Rooms

A couple of things about the kitchen, it was fairly well equipped. It had a good size oven with 5 hobs. There were lots of knives, coffee maker, toaster and kettle. Very often you only get a coffee maker but having a kettle is thoughtful, it’s hard to make tea in a coffee maker.

Serviced Accommodation is all about the service elements. There was nothing else in here. I think it would be really nice if there was a bottle of water in the fridge. Even if there were some tea bags, sugar, honey, herbal tea bags or some instant coffee so people can make themselves a drink. There should also be a tiny carton of milk in the fridge as good practice, so your guests don’t have to go to the shops straightaway.

There was an ice maker, but unfortunately they’ve not put any water in the ice maker, so there’s no ice available. Little details like this would actually make it a lot better.

Lastly, the owners of this property didn’t think to put a lot of cutlery in the drawers. I had to open the dishwasher and take them out myself which is a shame. I would suggest always making these little changes to your accommodation, as they make your guests feel looked after.

I now want to talk about the bathroom and bedroom of this Serviced Accommodation unit. Small towels were used, and I think you should definitely have bigger towers for the bathroom. They left toiletries for us to use which is great and plenty of extra toilet roll, which is important.

The bedroom had a big storage cupboard which is appreciated by your guests. In terms of our bed, you would normally expect a duvet cover, but here we had to experience sleeping in several sheets. Some people might not be keen on sleeping on sheets that don’t entirely cover your duvet, so definitely think about this.

Overall it was an interesting experience being in this AirBnb. I’d say it was a last minute booking. But I hope you were able to gain some hints and tips on what you should consider if you are investing in your own SA.

Some AirBnb’s have an information pack prepared which lists the local restaurants and supermarkets. This is something this unit didn’t do, but one tip I think is very helpful for anyone staying at your property.

I hope you have gained massive value from reading this blog, as always, Invest with Knowledge, Invest with Skill.

Join the UK’s Leading Property Investment Community

Want to stay ahead in the world of property investing? Get expert insights, tips, and updates delivered straight to your inbox. Be part of a thriving network of investors and take action towards your goals today!




The Biggest Property Investing Mistake That Could Cost You Millions
The Biggest Property Investing Mistake That Could Cost You Millions

Over the past three decades, I’ve seen thousands of people start their property journey. Many of them share the same challenges, and most fall into the same traps. One of the most common property investing mistakes is looking only at the price of a property, without...

The Biggest Opportunity in the UK Property Market in the Last 30 Years
The Biggest Opportunity in the UK Property Market in the Last 30 Years

Right now, we are facing some of the most exciting UK property market opportunities 2025 has to offer, in fact, they may be the biggest I’ve seen in my 30 years of investing. Yet, despite the scale of this opportunity, most investors are going to completely miss it....

Property Market Crash: How to Profit When Others Lose
Property Market Crash: How to Profit When Others Lose

If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines warning about falling house prices, rising interest rates, and predictions of a looming UK property market crash. For many, that sounds like bad news. If you’re an investor or thinking of...

UK Housing Market 2025: What You’re Not Being Told
UK Housing Market 2025: What You’re Not Being Told

If you’ve been watching the news, scrolling through social media, or chatting with friends, you’ve probably heard the big question: “Is the UK housing market about to crash in 2025?” For some, the idea sparks panic. For others, it signals opportunity. In this blog,...

Why Property Investors Fail: 4 Mistakes That Cost Beginners in the UK
Why Property Investors Fail: 4 Mistakes That Cost Beginners in the UK

Property investing is one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth but many beginners still fail before they ever complete a deal. And no, it's not because of interest rates or house prices. After mentoring thousands of UK investors over the last two...

Should You Buy a Property That’s Vacant or Tenanted?
Should You Buy a Property That’s Vacant or Tenanted?

If you're looking to buy an investment property, you may come across listings described as “sold with a tenant in situ” or “vacant possession upon completion.” On the surface, buying a tenanted property might seem like a no-brainer. After all, there’s already a tenant...

Why Rent Caps Could Destroy the UK Rental Market
Why Rent Caps Could Destroy the UK Rental Market

If you’re a landlord or thinking about becoming one, there’s something important you need to know: Rent caps don’t work. They might sound good in theory. The government introduces a cap on rent increases, tenants save money, and everyone’s happy... right? Not quite....

Why Your Home Might Be a Liability (And What to Do About It)
Why Your Home Might Be a Liability (And What to Do About It)

Most people grow up believing that buying your own home is the smartest financial decision you can make. It feels like a rite of passage. A sign of success. But what if I told you that your home might not be the asset you think it is? In fact, in many cases, your home...