Xando

I'm looking to take my first solo to Europe and because I'm looking at 7-10 days in London and another 5-7 in Paris, was wondering about getting apartments in each.

Does this save enough money for a single compared to low-middle end hotels? I may still eat most of my meals out, but there may be occation where I'll stay in.

Thanks!

Xando

I should have also included that this isn't so much about saving money on lodging as much as it is about feeling a bit more like a local and a like I have a "home." If that makes sense.

freiamaya

Hi there!
I have done both, and in my opinion, an apartment rental for the length of time that you want definitely makes sense. I know you might want to eat out all the time, but keep in mind that there are three meals a day and this might tend to add up a bit.
It really is nice to have a cup of coffee and a pastry over the local paper in the morning while in your pajamas, then get ready for the day, and perhaps even pack a lunch. Please keep in mind that food in London tends to be $$$ (Paris a little less so), so you might like the flexibility of eating breakfast/lunch at your own place. Also, an apartment rental is a bit more homey and you will feel more like a resident than having to vacate your room for the cleaners, and listening to in-hall traffic!
The internet is a great resource.
Have a great trip!!!
Cheers!

Xando

Hey freiamaya, thanks for the reply and the good info!

I won't go into the reasons, but this trip would be a big deal in my life and I'm pretty excited and anxious at the same time.

The biggest reasons for me to get an apartment is simply to feel like a local. One reason for my trip is to get a feel for Europe as I'm wanting to make some major changes in my life. My employer is a huge company with offices in London and Paris and I am considering a move. I think work visas are easier to get when you move within a US company.

I don't know that I WANT to eat out all the time, just that it's been a very long time since I've had a vacation and being out with people is a lot of what I need. Might just be a picnic, not necessarily cafes and restaurants. But point taken about the money. Packing a lunch is a great idea.

Also, good point about getting out for maid service. Hadn't really thought of it that way. Might want to hang out one morning at "home."

Do you know if most of the apartments for rent like this are in buildings with regular apartment tenants or is it more likely other vacation rentals?

I think this might be the only topic I have for solo travel, so I might hop over to Europe next for details of my stay.

Thanks again and any other help would be greatly appreciated!

freiamaya

Hi there!
Most apartment rentals can be found through internet sites. These sites are usually (but not always!) sites run by travel agents/real estate agents in the area who list private apartments for rent. For example, if I have an investment property such as a second small apartment in town, I might list this property with a real estate agent who will manage the rentals for me on my behalf and in turn get paid a percentage of the rental costs. So, most of the apartments (but not all!) are in private buildings, amongst other private apartments. Most are stocked completely with kitchen supplies (but check!) and some come with washer/drier facilities. A quick websearch will direct you to a number of these sites. Don't be afraid to use them, but of course make sure that they have a bricks and mortar address and do your usual homework. Other than that, part of my interest in travel has been to shop at the local markets for groceries, and try to blend in as much as I can to really enjoy my experience. Apartment rental is definitely one way to do that.
Have a great trip!
Cheers!

Statia

I agree that the apartment would be a great alternative to a hotel for that length of time. I rent apartments for all trips over four days and love the additional space and extra conveniences it affords, not to mention the money it saves in the long run.

Xando

Generally speaking, what do most apartment rentals provide? Phone, TV, maid service, kitchen stuff, bedding, etc? I'm sure each is different, just curious.

Thanks again for all the help.

suze

I prefer a small hotel when I travel alone. I make use of the help from the front desk often. I've tried it and feel much too isolated in an apartment solo in a foreign city. I have found you actually have more interaction with locals staying in a hotel.

Even without a kitchen I sometimes have picnic style meals in my hotel room, and always set up a "bar" on the dresser for snacks and beverages.

suze

Also if something goes wrong or is not as you expected it's very easy to change hotels, just check out and walk down the street to another one... not so if you are committed to an apartment that turns out to be not so great.

Seamus

Cast my vote for the apartment. I've come to really like being in apartment rather than a hotel, even if it is just for a few days. Of course, if someone wanted to pay my way at a five star property and give me unbridled access to room service I might feel differently, but I really like having a place where I can have my morning coffee (in more than a mini-machine with bad prepackaged coffee), and also like having a kitchen(ette). One thing I do look for is internet access and it is becoming more common to see this. While a week is hardly sufficient to really feel like a local, it is at least a better taste of it than a hotel.
Most places provide the basics - dishes, pots and pans, bed linens and towels, though you may have to provide your own toiletries.
If you want to see what is available, a good place to check out is www.vrbo.com, or look on www.craigslist.org for vacation rentals. You can also just google "vacation rentals in (city)".

Statia

Xando, they are all a bit different, but you would definitely want to look for one that is all inclusive, with no hidden costs for utilities, final cleaning. etc.

Also, some agencies offer services just like a concierge would at a hotel. Not all, but some. Most do at least provide a 24-hour emergency number.

As far as ammenities, those vary as well, but most apartments include everything you would have in a hotel room. Phone, TV, appliances and cooking items, linens, etc. At times they will provide maid service during your stay, but that always cost extra. Quite frankly I like the idea of not having someone coming into my rented space every day and it's not that big of a deal to pick up and clean after myself.

It is also always a good idea to research any agencies that interest you to see if other people have been happy with them.

Statia

I have to add that I ususally stay in apartments with my DH and I agree with suze that you might have more interaction with people staying in a hotel if you are traveling solo.

I like to think I wouldn't mind staying in an apartment alone in a foreign city, but it might also get a little lonely. So, that is something to consider with going solo in an apartment.

suze

I'm not against apartments -don't get me wrong- but I do not enjoy them at all in a city when I am traveling alone. I find it too lonely and isolating.

You can "live like a local" easily enough and I seek out those kinds of activities daily: libraries, grocery stores, street markets, post office, church, etc. and I enjoy the small talk with people coming and going from the hotel lobby, desk staff, room maids, etc.

As far as getting out for maid service in the hotel being a problem, well I have never found it so. I'm usually out touring when they come, or if I'm asleep or want privacy just have them come back at a different time or skip that day's service.

A couple times my apartment rentals turned out to be much less centrally located than a similar priced hotel I could have found. This added to the feeling of isolation for me and was not convenient for taking a break mid-day.

Of the favorable posts above, I can't tell, but have the other posters been traveling alone? That really does make a big difference in the experience, I believe.

Xando

Thanks to everyone for the great help!

suze, I appreciate the advice on loneliness when solo. I'm a pretty private, quiet guy to begin with so being alone is OK with me, but I admit to feeling lonely sometimes.

Stepping out of my comfort zone is certainly a part of what this trip is about, so I will seriously consider a hotel as well. I don't plan to be in the room that much if I can, so maid service is not a big deal, just like the feeling of having my own "home."

I'm hoping to be part tourist and part local on this trip.

For an early May 06 trip, is it getting late to make arrangements, or do I have time?

Thanks again everyone!

suze

My pleasure Xando and wishing you a wonderful adventure.

I live alone at home and it's not a big deal in the least, I am never to rarely lonely. But something about sitting in an apartment a long LONG way from home... well doesn't sit well with me -LOL.

One recent trip I even left a paid for rental the last few days and moved back to a favorite cheap hotel nearby (this was Mexico)... telling the story to my waiter over breakfast he laughed and said "Yes, You need to be with the people, the human people" which cracked me up (actually funnier hearing it in his voice knowing english is his second language).

Buena suerte, s.

freiamaya

Hi there!
Most rental sites will list exactly what the apartment includes. In Paris, I have found that often you get a kitchenette, which means a mini fridge, a microwave, and a 2 or 4 burner stove. You may or may not get an oven. You may or may not get a washing machine. However, it will be clear as to what is included. And, with kitchenette comes the utensils/pots/pans/knives/etc. required to cook. Linens are also included, but make sure that towels are included too (so you can bring your own if they aren't). Hope this helps!