Triple Rooms vs. Apartments - seems to be at the break even point!
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:26 AM
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Triple Rooms vs. Apartments - seems to be at the break even point!
Greetings Fodorites!
My family of three will be traveling to Italy in March 2008 (YAY!) and I'm starting to do my research.
DH and I have always stayed in hotels in previous vacations but it seems to me that the hike in price and limited availabilty of Triple Rooms (or 1 double + 1 single) is certainly making apartment renting more appealing.
I've read countless threads on the joys of apartment rental but I wonder if people which have rented once go back to hotel rooms afterwards or if they are converted forever.
Are people taking the rental route based on the quantity of travelers? The need for a kitchen? More space to relax in the evening?
We really don't return to our lodging during the day, we are on the go the entire day and return to the hotel only to sleep. We are not big breakfast eaters. I don't think that I want to cook when there are sooooo many foods and restaurants to try (even if I love to cook at home).
It seems that renting apartments requires a lot more planning and messing around with deposits. What if a flight gets delayed and one is not on time to meet the apartment person?
So when the pros and cons seem to be pretty much balanced out, I turn to fellow fodorites for advice!
Thoughts on apartment vs hotel would really be appreciated.
My family of three will be traveling to Italy in March 2008 (YAY!) and I'm starting to do my research.
DH and I have always stayed in hotels in previous vacations but it seems to me that the hike in price and limited availabilty of Triple Rooms (or 1 double + 1 single) is certainly making apartment renting more appealing.
I've read countless threads on the joys of apartment rental but I wonder if people which have rented once go back to hotel rooms afterwards or if they are converted forever.
Are people taking the rental route based on the quantity of travelers? The need for a kitchen? More space to relax in the evening?
We really don't return to our lodging during the day, we are on the go the entire day and return to the hotel only to sleep. We are not big breakfast eaters. I don't think that I want to cook when there are sooooo many foods and restaurants to try (even if I love to cook at home).
It seems that renting apartments requires a lot more planning and messing around with deposits. What if a flight gets delayed and one is not on time to meet the apartment person?
So when the pros and cons seem to be pretty much balanced out, I turn to fellow fodorites for advice!
Thoughts on apartment vs hotel would really be appreciated.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:35 AM
#2
Prices apart - the differences between a cramped European triple and a 1-bdrm flat (or even a large studio) are things like 2 to 3 times more space, possibly a washing machine, a separate room so if one wants to stay up late there is another room to sit in. Things like that.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:39 AM
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I prefer an apartment now that I've done it. I really enjoy the extra space as my DH is a late sleeper, I'm an early riser ... and either way I can just get up, go to the other room and not wake him up. Hotel room causes me to have to be too quiet.
No maid barging in at around 10:00 also is appealing to us...we social folks but pretty private as well. Ya' know? I'd be uncomfortable with turn-down service lets say.
We are not big breakfasters either but I don't get a start until I have a coffee or two. I never cuold do that.
My DH likes a quiet easy "wake up" to get unrumpled and time with a juice and coffee...
Waaaay too much information I'm sure ... but we could stay at some really nice hotels but we prefer to find the apartments. And, the price is definately comparable.
No maid barging in at around 10:00 also is appealing to us...we social folks but pretty private as well. Ya' know? I'd be uncomfortable with turn-down service lets say.
We are not big breakfasters either but I don't get a start until I have a coffee or two. I never cuold do that.
My DH likes a quiet easy "wake up" to get unrumpled and time with a juice and coffee...
Waaaay too much information I'm sure ... but we could stay at some really nice hotels but we prefer to find the apartments. And, the price is definately comparable.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:39 AM
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We usually stay in apartments for two reasons. 1) They are usually cheaper and 2) we can pretend to live like a local in interesting areas. We've stayed in apartments in terrific areas that would have cost quite a bit more had we stayed in a hotel.
We don't really use the kitchens with the exception of storing some wine in the fridge and maybe eating breakfast in the mornings. We do still stay in hotels but if we are staying somewhere for longer than 3-4 nights we prefer the "hominess" of an apartment. We don't really utilize all of the extras that come with hotels anyways (concierges, pools, etc), so this works out well for us.
Tracy
We don't really use the kitchens with the exception of storing some wine in the fridge and maybe eating breakfast in the mornings. We do still stay in hotels but if we are staying somewhere for longer than 3-4 nights we prefer the "hominess" of an apartment. We don't really utilize all of the extras that come with hotels anyways (concierges, pools, etc), so this works out well for us.
Tracy
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:41 AM
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We have always rented apartments, but this next trip we are trying an apartment/hotel (got tired of the slight but extra hassles of apartment rental, such as keys, contacts, etc., and missed the little extras a hotel can offer (getting a cab at AM rush hour on a rainy day, etc.) - check out la Residence Henri IV. We'll be there next June and will post after, but if you beat us to it please let us all know how it is!
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:41 AM
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Hi Marigross!
We usually like apartments, although sometimes are in the mood for hotels. There is a hotel we like in Rome, so we usually end up going back there. Other places, apartments are usually preferred as we have more room to spread out and more space for each person. Plus we try to rent an apartment with washing machine (and dryer, if possible).
When renting an apartment, it really helps to have a phone in order to call the owner in case of delays. Sometimes we just set up a general time and the owner asks us to call from the airport or train station to confirm the specific time. Other times, we arrange a ride through the apartment owner or agency and then it is very simple to meet up for the keys - the driver either has it arranged or at least keeps the owner apprised of our arrival time.
You pose an interesting question - I sometimes wonder about when we travel after the kids are grown, whether we will just take a hotel room (probably Priceline whenever possible) or if we'll spring for an apartment for the 2 of us.
We usually like apartments, although sometimes are in the mood for hotels. There is a hotel we like in Rome, so we usually end up going back there. Other places, apartments are usually preferred as we have more room to spread out and more space for each person. Plus we try to rent an apartment with washing machine (and dryer, if possible).
When renting an apartment, it really helps to have a phone in order to call the owner in case of delays. Sometimes we just set up a general time and the owner asks us to call from the airport or train station to confirm the specific time. Other times, we arrange a ride through the apartment owner or agency and then it is very simple to meet up for the keys - the driver either has it arranged or at least keeps the owner apprised of our arrival time.
You pose an interesting question - I sometimes wonder about when we travel after the kids are grown, whether we will just take a hotel room (probably Priceline whenever possible) or if we'll spring for an apartment for the 2 of us.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:43 AM
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On our last several trips, my husband and I try to rent an apartment whenever possible.
This does take a lot of planning. We prefer it because of the extra room. I do cook sometimes, but am not chained to the kitchen. After all, it is your vacation. But it is nice to have snacks available. We never eat lunches there.
What I really enjoy is the ability to be able to retire if hubby wants to watch late night tv. He is fascinated by the programs he cannot understand. Or if one of us choses to read to relax late at night we do not disturb anyone.
If you are looking for concierge service or someone to provide you with directions you are out of luck. But careful planning will help.
All of the places we have rented were able to be contacted by phone. If they are in the rental business, they have come up against late planes and missed flights.
I envy your your planning. Have a great trip.
This does take a lot of planning. We prefer it because of the extra room. I do cook sometimes, but am not chained to the kitchen. After all, it is your vacation. But it is nice to have snacks available. We never eat lunches there.
What I really enjoy is the ability to be able to retire if hubby wants to watch late night tv. He is fascinated by the programs he cannot understand. Or if one of us choses to read to relax late at night we do not disturb anyone.
If you are looking for concierge service or someone to provide you with directions you are out of luck. But careful planning will help.
All of the places we have rented were able to be contacted by phone. If they are in the rental business, they have come up against late planes and missed flights.
I envy your your planning. Have a great trip.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:45 AM
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I don't know the Italy vacation apt. rental market, so it could be different there -- I'm only familiar with it in Paris and have done it twice.
I travel solo, and think apt. rental for a short vacation is generally too expensive and doesn't offer me much that it is worth the drawbacks (as you note, the deposits, prepayment, etc.). I don't have any great need for the things some people want in apartments, like a kitchen. I can afford a nicer hotel than apartment in Paris and get more for my money in a hotel, I think. A lot of cheap rental apartments in Paris are not that nice and have a lot of drawbacks and peculiarities. While I liked the location of both I rented (I knew Paris pretty well already), neither had that comfortable a bed nor reading lights and both were very hot with little air flow in summer. Even with the windows open (and one owner deliberately put a large desk in front of the sole bedroom window, which I literally had to move or suffocate, the air flow wasn't that great and it was noisy. I also usually go to Paris in summer, so want AC, and that is rare or expensive to find in an apt.
In your case, it seems clear it's the space that would be the main attraction, so you do have to weight that against the drawbacks. So it might be worth it in your case, and I think the Italian rental market isn't as overpriced as the Parisian one.
As for the late arrival, etc. -- you'll have to figure all that out, some owners have someone onsite or nearby. I personally don't rent from small owners and just go to pick up the key at a Parisian rental agency on my own time, when I make it.
I travel solo, and think apt. rental for a short vacation is generally too expensive and doesn't offer me much that it is worth the drawbacks (as you note, the deposits, prepayment, etc.). I don't have any great need for the things some people want in apartments, like a kitchen. I can afford a nicer hotel than apartment in Paris and get more for my money in a hotel, I think. A lot of cheap rental apartments in Paris are not that nice and have a lot of drawbacks and peculiarities. While I liked the location of both I rented (I knew Paris pretty well already), neither had that comfortable a bed nor reading lights and both were very hot with little air flow in summer. Even with the windows open (and one owner deliberately put a large desk in front of the sole bedroom window, which I literally had to move or suffocate, the air flow wasn't that great and it was noisy. I also usually go to Paris in summer, so want AC, and that is rare or expensive to find in an apt.
In your case, it seems clear it's the space that would be the main attraction, so you do have to weight that against the drawbacks. So it might be worth it in your case, and I think the Italian rental market isn't as overpriced as the Parisian one.
As for the late arrival, etc. -- you'll have to figure all that out, some owners have someone onsite or nearby. I personally don't rent from small owners and just go to pick up the key at a Parisian rental agency on my own time, when I make it.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 08:46 AM
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I would only go back to renting a hotel room if I was staying for a night or two. Otherwise, I'm hooked on staying in apartments or houses. It's nice when traveling with my daughter, but I rented an apartment just for myself in Paris.
Why? I like having a kitchen - I don't cook a lot, but I will cook a little or pick up prepared food at a deli or outdoor market. One of the best meals I had in Paris consisted of steamed asparagus and some Lebanese dishes that I picked up at an outdoor market in the 5th arrondissement.
I also like having a washing machine, having extra room to spread out and living in a real neighborhood with neighbors. (Unfortunately, my conversations were limited as nobody else spoke English & I only speak a little French.)
But it really comes down to what you personally prefer & what you can afford.
Hope this helps.
Why? I like having a kitchen - I don't cook a lot, but I will cook a little or pick up prepared food at a deli or outdoor market. One of the best meals I had in Paris consisted of steamed asparagus and some Lebanese dishes that I picked up at an outdoor market in the 5th arrondissement.
I also like having a washing machine, having extra room to spread out and living in a real neighborhood with neighbors. (Unfortunately, my conversations were limited as nobody else spoke English & I only speak a little French.)
But it really comes down to what you personally prefer & what you can afford.
Hope this helps.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 09:15 AM
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WOW! I guess this is a hot topic!
The way our itinerary is taking shape we will spend 3 nights in Venice upon arrival, 4 nights in Florence, 10 days driving around Tuscany and Umbria and 5 nights in Rome.
I <i>think</i> that I will try an apartment in Florence and in Rome. Maybe Venice if 3-night stays are available.
The way our itinerary is taking shape we will spend 3 nights in Venice upon arrival, 4 nights in Florence, 10 days driving around Tuscany and Umbria and 5 nights in Rome.
I <i>think</i> that I will try an apartment in Florence and in Rome. Maybe Venice if 3-night stays are available.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 09:46 AM
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Travelling as a family of four we prefer apartments for the space.
Even if we don't cook we like the option of having a kitchen and an area to sit with a table to eat at or play cards.
We often eat out only once a day and prefer to graze while travelling so I buy fruit, bread, cheese, wine, soft drinks etc (whatever the local specialities are...)so we like to have a refridgerator.
When we do stay in hotels we tend to not return during the day until it's time to sleep just because we prefer to sit at a restaurant rather than pack ourselves into one room at the hotel.
We sometimes book a hotel for our first night or last night to avoid the hassles you mentioned such as delays and feel we get the best of both worlds.
For solo travelling I'd pick hotels as the benefits of an apartment aren't as numerous.
Even if we don't cook we like the option of having a kitchen and an area to sit with a table to eat at or play cards.
We often eat out only once a day and prefer to graze while travelling so I buy fruit, bread, cheese, wine, soft drinks etc (whatever the local specialities are...)so we like to have a refridgerator.
When we do stay in hotels we tend to not return during the day until it's time to sleep just because we prefer to sit at a restaurant rather than pack ourselves into one room at the hotel.
We sometimes book a hotel for our first night or last night to avoid the hassles you mentioned such as delays and feel we get the best of both worlds.
For solo travelling I'd pick hotels as the benefits of an apartment aren't as numerous.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 09:53 AM
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Well...we are also a family of three and it is much cheaper and easier (for us anyway) in a house or apartment...but...I DO ike hotels sometimes (and I actually am a vacation home owner
)...like when it is just the two of us for a day or so...and do I enjoy them in the bigger cities - like to splurge on something special.
)...like when it is just the two of us for a day or so...and do I enjoy them in the bigger cities - like to splurge on something special.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 10:32 AM
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I came accross this site by accident and I'm really enjoying it. I'm also glad to see that many of you prefer apartments when travelling. I have one to rent in Toledo, Spain. Has anyone any suggestions as to where I could advertise it? If possible I'd like it to be free ie owner/renter but maybe that's asking too much!
PS Why do so many people only come to Toledo for the day - it's so much nicer than Madrid!!!!!!
PS Why do so many people only come to Toledo for the day - it's so much nicer than Madrid!!!!!!
Jul 23rd, 2007, 11:10 AM
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meabh, I don't know the Spanish rental market at all, there are probably some websites that do Spain very well. But, in general, lots of owners use www.vrbo.com from lots of European countries. I have no idea what their fees are, but a lot of people look at that website.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 11:34 AM
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marigross:
We are in a similiar situation for Rome June 2008. We always prefer apartments in Paris, but we don't know Rome so it's difficult. What we have reserved is one apartment for us and a nearby convent for my other family members. I can't comment on the convent yet, but it sounds interesting, they have quad rooms and take credit cards.
We are in a similiar situation for Rome June 2008. We always prefer apartments in Paris, but we don't know Rome so it's difficult. What we have reserved is one apartment for us and a nearby convent for my other family members. I can't comment on the convent yet, but it sounds interesting, they have quad rooms and take credit cards.
Jul 23rd, 2007, 11:41 AM
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We had an apartment in Rome, near Piazza Navona, and it was truly a wonderful experience. We were close enough to the action but far enough away from the tourists. There were many great neighborhood restaurants nearby and it was just a great experience overall. With that being said, this was our third trip to Rome so we knew exactly where we were staying.
Tracy
Tracy
