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The Collins English Dictionary defines amenity as something that offers comfort, convenience, and is pleasant. However, the definition of amenity in real estate, hospitality, and other areas can differ. Typically, an amenity is designed to improve the quality of life for one person.

In the context of apartments, amenities include additional features to make the living space more comfortable. They can be community or in-unit amenity options. Let's learn more about them.

Types of Amenities Available

There are so many amenities out there. Here are a few amenity types and examples to help you understand things a bit more:

Community Amenities in an Apartment Building

The amenity choices for an apartment building can include:

  • A swimming pool
  • Parking
  • Fitness center
  • Social areas
  • Rooftop gardens
  • Bike parking
  • Covered parking
  • Package lockers
  • Party room
  • Building Wi-Fi
  • Greenery around the space
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Valet trash
  • Outdoor areas (pet-friendly spaces, walking paths, and playgrounds)
  • Billiards table
  • Clubhouse
  • Spa

Internal Amenities

However, those aren't the only amenities you can find in an apartment complex or condo. Internal amenities can include:

  • Online rent options
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Large bathtubs and bathrooms
  • Security systems
  • Intercoms
  • Smart home functionality
  • Balcony
  • Central air conditioning with heating
  • High-end fixtures and finishes
  • Dishwasher
  • Built-in washer and dryer units

Hotel Amenities

Ultimately, there are plenty of amenities to enjoy in a hotel. These can be in the room or community hotel amenities. They include:

  • Valet parking
  • Late check-outs and early check-ins
  • Refrigerator in the room
  • Large television with cable
  • Swimming pool
  • Health club
  • Two fireplaces in the room
  • Hot tub
  • Air conditioning
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Hairdryers in the room
  • In-room iron
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Lounge, bar, or restaurant
  • In-room toiletries (lotions, shampoo, etc.)
  • Personal care items (razor, shaving cream, shower cap, combs)
  • Coffee kit (creamer, coffee packets, the maker)
  • Tissues
  • Slippers and bathrobes
  • Option for hypoallergenic bedding
  • Mobile check-in
  • VIP shopping
  • Play area
  • Cocktail station
  • Microwave
  • Relaxation devices (radio, scent diffusers, etc.)

Basic Amenities Everywhere

A basic amenity can be just about anything. For example, the government provides running water, electricity, and roads.

Generally, a basic amenity in an apartment or hotel includes running water, electricity, electrical outlets, windows, bathroom, sink, and more. It depends on where you are, but these are considered important and are things that you normally have wherever you go.

However, some people argue that an amenity is something extra, such as A/C, toiletries, and all the rest. Regardless, most people come to expect certain things when staying at a hotel, such as a refrigerator and microwave, the little coffee maker, and cable television. Therefore, these could be considered basic amenities.

Social Amenities and Other Amenities

Social amenities can be anything that boosts social relationships or extends a social courtesy to others. Examples can include:

  • Infrastructural facilities (bus and taxi stands, car park, public restrooms, etc.)
  • Recreational facilities (playgrounds, parks, games court, sports fields, etc.)
  • Village and education management facilities (banqueting rooms, collaborative center, resource/computer center, multi-purpose hall, etc.)
  • Local amenities (libraries, shops, schools, etc.)

Ultimately, the city provides a useful or pleasant facility that everyone can use. Sometimes, they are called the graceful amenities of society because they offer pleasure, convenience, and comfort.

Get All the Amenities You Want

Whether you are searching for the best hotel to spend the night in or want to find the perfect apartment complex, the amenities are often what dictates where you go. Therefore, it might be best to make a list of the amenities you want before starting your search.

That way, you know what are deal-breakers and what you could live without. For example, some people don't care about large-screen televisions because they want to be out in the pool or sightseeing most of the time.

This is why many apartment complexes and hotels list their amenities and use almost anything they can to get you interested. The owners never know what might tickle your fancy, so it's important to put it all out there.

Benefits of Amenities

The biggest benefit of amenities is a better quality of life. For example:

  • An amenity like a park offers you a chance to relax and unwind without having to leave the apartment or hotel.
  • Clubhouses let you meet the other residents or guests to make friends with those around you.
  • Fitness areas and pools allow you to get fit and work on your wellness goals, making it an excellent amenity.
  • Built-in washers and dryers in apartments mean you can do laundry without having to go to a separate facility or sharing the space with other tenants.
  • A dishwasher is also an amenity that's highly beneficial. You get to do dishes efficiently without having to stand at the sink for hours.

Conclusion

Everyone wants to have the best and most pleasant life, and this often means adding convenience items whenever possible. There are very good amenities that you should consider in a hotel or apartment. It's a matter of finding out which amenity options work best for you and what you value most.

David is the co-founder & CMO of DoorLoop, a best-selling author, legal CLE speaker, and real estate investor. When he's not hanging with his three children, he's writing articles here!