Aparthotel laundry: washing machines, drying and alternatives

Do aparthotels have washing machines?

Often, but not always. Wikipedia's entry on apartment hotels says extended-stay hotels typically have self-serve laundry facilities. Operators describe their own provision more specifically: Quest, for example, says on its FAQ page that most of its apartment types feature a washing machine and dryer, and also lists valet laundry and dry cleaning, with costs that apply and vary.

That is one operator's wording, and others will differ. A studio may have a shared laundry room on another floor; a larger apartment may have a machine of its own; a smaller building may offer neither and point you to a service. Treat the listing's amenity line as the answer, and ask about anything vague, such as washing machine in building.

If you are planning a week or more, laundry is one of the features that makes a serviced apartment practical. The same logic runs through weekly serviced apartments: a machine in the flat turns a week of clothes into a manageable job.

Washer, dryer or washer-dryer combo: what is the difference?

Wikipedia says front-loading, horizontal-axis machines are the dominant design in Europe and most of the world, while top-loading, vertical-axis machines have dominated in the United States and Canada, and top-loaders in Asia use impellers rather than agitators. If you move between regions, the machine may look unfamiliar even when the controls are similar.

A washer-dryer combo is a separate case. Samsung's buying guide describes a combo as a front-loading washer paired with a condenser dryer, which dries without an external vent. The catch is capacity and time: most combos have a smaller dryer capacity than wash capacity, and a full wash-and-dry cycle can take over six hours, according to the same guide. Some users run only the washing stage and dry the rest another way.

Practical advice: in a flat with a combo, wash a modest load, start it before bed or before you go out, and do not expect a full drum to come out completely dry.

How do you dry clothes in a small apartment?

Drying is where small apartments struggle. Wikipedia's entry on clothes dryers explains the difference between types: vented dryers send humid air outside, condenser dryers reuse the air and take somewhat more time, and heat-pump dryers typically use under half the energy per load of a condenser model. Ventless dryers need no external duct, which makes them a practical fit for flats.

Without a dryer, an airer or line is the fallback. Smart Energy GB says drying clothes outside is usually the lowest-energy option, and for indoors it suggests a well-ventilated room and keeping radiators uncovered. Whether you can hang washing on a balcony or window depends on the building's rules, so ask before you do.

Plan for heavier items. Towels, jeans and bedding take longest, so wash them early in the stay or take advantage of any linen service. How aparthotel housekeeping works explains what the operator usually handles.

What detergent should you use in a rented apartment?

Detergent is not always supplied, so ask. Wikipedia says laundry detergent is manufactured in powder and liquid form, and that front-loaders need to use low-sudsing detergents. Because many aparthotel machines are front-loaders, a detergent labelled for automatic machines is the safer choice. If you use pods or capsules, check the machine's instructions first.

Buy or bring a small amount, enough for the stay. Follow the dosing on the pack; using more does not clean better and can leave residue in a machine you do not own.

Temperature and care labels matter more than people expect. Smart Energy GB recommends 20°C or 30°C cycles where care labels allow, because heating the water drives much of a machine's energy use. Wikipedia's entry on laundry symbols explains how to read the labels in your clothes.

What if there is no washing machine? Launderette and laundry service options

A self-service launderette is the standard alternative. Wikipedia defines a self-service laundry as a facility where clothes and some household textiles are washed and dried by the customer. Most are paid by coins or, increasingly, cards, many are unstaffed, and UK launderettes may be fully staffed, staffed only during certain hours or unstaffed. Hours vary: many US laundromats open around the clock.

Some also offer drop-off wash-and-fold, where staff wash, dry and fold your clothes, typically priced by weight. For a stay of one to two weeks that can be easier than machine-hopping, though it costs more per load than doing it yourself. Ask the operator for the nearest option, or search near your apartment before you arrive.

On a short stay, packing enough clothes can be simpler than managing any of this; the aparthotel packing list and long-stay accommodation checklist help you decide.

What to ask about laundry before you book

A few questions settle most of it. If you are choosing between neighbourhoods, laundry access is a practical tie-breaker alongside the kitchen; cooking in an aparthotel kitchen covers the other everyday feature. Cities such as London, Tokyo, Berlin and New York have many aparthotels, but laundry provision varies by building, so read each listing rather than assuming.

• Is there a washing machine in the apartment, a shared laundry room or a service?
• Is the machine a washer only, a separate dryer or a washer-dryer combo, and what is its capacity?
• Is detergent supplied, and is there an airer or drying space?
• If the laundry room is shared, what are the hours and how is it paid for?
• If there is a service, what is the turnaround and what does it cover?
• Where is the nearest launderette if the machine is out of order?