Why do you want to stay in apartments when you travel?
Jan 5th, 2016, 06:50 AM
#41
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 8,219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
we travel as a couple, so some of our reasons may not apply.
Dh gets up earlier than I do, so it's wonderful to have a living room where he can go while I sleep.
I REALLY like coffee when I first get up; outside of the US, we haven't often found coffee makers in a hotel rooms--but my research isn't exhaustive.
We like to leave our laptops set up on a table; if a hotel room has a desk, there's only one.
I like a light breakfast as I'm getting ready, rather than a hotel or restaurant breakfast.
we don't cook on vacation, but occasionally get take out; like to have a real table and chairs in a room other than our bedroom to eat.
On our last (month long trip), we stayed in a hotel in one place, which just reminded us how much we prefer apartments.
Dh gets up earlier than I do, so it's wonderful to have a living room where he can go while I sleep.
I REALLY like coffee when I first get up; outside of the US, we haven't often found coffee makers in a hotel rooms--but my research isn't exhaustive.
We like to leave our laptops set up on a table; if a hotel room has a desk, there's only one.
I like a light breakfast as I'm getting ready, rather than a hotel or restaurant breakfast.
we don't cook on vacation, but occasionally get take out; like to have a real table and chairs in a room other than our bedroom to eat.
On our last (month long trip), we stayed in a hotel in one place, which just reminded us how much we prefer apartments.
Jan 5th, 2016, 07:35 AM
#42
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Travellerkaren.. there is an alternate to those big fancy American style chain hotels in Europe.I have never ever stayed in one of those types of hotels in Europe.
I usually stay ( when I choose a hotel ) in small.. often family run hotels. . those often provide a slice of local character.. with a cheaper price tag, no elevator maybe.. .. but all other comforts .. lol
We stayed in this one hotel in a small beach town in Spain. Momma was the dinner hostess, dad was the breakfast room host, and daughter and son in law ran the desk.
One dinner the family beside us had a crying baby.. and the daughter comes out of office,, takes the baby.. and walked it about for entire meal so parents could enjoy themselves and eat in peace. The whole time she would stop and chat with folks.. smiling away.. and this went on for at least 45 minutes.. Of course the parents felt comfortable with baby sometimes out of sight .. because in a small family run hotel you sort of get to know the family..
I usually stay ( when I choose a hotel ) in small.. often family run hotels. . those often provide a slice of local character.. with a cheaper price tag, no elevator maybe.. .. but all other comforts .. lol
We stayed in this one hotel in a small beach town in Spain. Momma was the dinner hostess, dad was the breakfast room host, and daughter and son in law ran the desk.
One dinner the family beside us had a crying baby.. and the daughter comes out of office,, takes the baby.. and walked it about for entire meal so parents could enjoy themselves and eat in peace. The whole time she would stop and chat with folks.. smiling away.. and this went on for at least 45 minutes.. Of course the parents felt comfortable with baby sometimes out of sight .. because in a small family run hotel you sort of get to know the family..
Jan 5th, 2016, 08:09 AM
#44
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We (couple) prefer to stay in small hotels, always on a bed & breakfast basis.
We have rented apartments/houses but only for stays of more than one week and mostly with hotel service (daily cleaning, beds made, towels, ...).
I never cook when on holiday. Going out to dinner and exploring new restaurants/cuisines, to us, is one of the pleasures of travelling.
We have rented apartments/houses but only for stays of more than one week and mostly with hotel service (daily cleaning, beds made, towels, ...).
I never cook when on holiday. Going out to dinner and exploring new restaurants/cuisines, to us, is one of the pleasures of travelling.
Jan 5th, 2016, 10:41 AM
#46
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,858
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Travellerkaren.. there is an alternate to those big fancy American style chain hotels in Europe.I have never ever stayed in one of those types of hotels in Europe.>>
I never have either, obviously there are zillions of other kinds of hotels than a Hilton, etc. In fact, I think I interact more with "locals" when in a hotel than in an apt where you are shut off by yourself. I have met other guests and often find a night clerk or other person whom I chat with some, also. I remember once I was even giving advice to the night clerk at one hotel for his mother about a show I'd seen, and we were having such a good time some guest got mad at the noise (they had one of those terrible rooms just off the lobby). They were right, I wouldn't have liked that room, either. And another person wanted to talk about everything I'd done that day and look at my purchases, etc., I've just had really nice experiences with people in hotels. Never met anyone in an apt (and I wasn't supposed to, as these rentals are illegal in many places, I was told to lie about who I was if someone asked me in the hall, which I didn't like).
And there are lots of apts that are cheap modern things that are solely rented out to tourists, also, and many that are not someone's home. I have found more character and charm in hotels than tourist rental apts when I travel -- my budget isn't as much as what some people spend on apts, however. In fact, I don't really like renting an apt that is someone's home, it's just icky to me to have to deal with only getting one drawer, etc in a place that the closests and dressers and cupboards are full of someone else's stuff. Now I now that is exactly what is being outlawed due to Airbnb, though (apts that are solely for vacation rental).
I can understand the idea of wanting some extra space for different schedules with a couple, though, that makes sense to me. And many hotel rooms are fine for one person traveling lightly, but start getting pretty crowded with two people and two people's stuff.
I would never rent an apt for 2-4 days in city, that's for sure, and often it is very difficult to do so as few want to rent for that short a time.
I never have either, obviously there are zillions of other kinds of hotels than a Hilton, etc. In fact, I think I interact more with "locals" when in a hotel than in an apt where you are shut off by yourself. I have met other guests and often find a night clerk or other person whom I chat with some, also. I remember once I was even giving advice to the night clerk at one hotel for his mother about a show I'd seen, and we were having such a good time some guest got mad at the noise (they had one of those terrible rooms just off the lobby). They were right, I wouldn't have liked that room, either. And another person wanted to talk about everything I'd done that day and look at my purchases, etc., I've just had really nice experiences with people in hotels. Never met anyone in an apt (and I wasn't supposed to, as these rentals are illegal in many places, I was told to lie about who I was if someone asked me in the hall, which I didn't like).
And there are lots of apts that are cheap modern things that are solely rented out to tourists, also, and many that are not someone's home. I have found more character and charm in hotels than tourist rental apts when I travel -- my budget isn't as much as what some people spend on apts, however. In fact, I don't really like renting an apt that is someone's home, it's just icky to me to have to deal with only getting one drawer, etc in a place that the closests and dressers and cupboards are full of someone else's stuff. Now I now that is exactly what is being outlawed due to Airbnb, though (apts that are solely for vacation rental).
I can understand the idea of wanting some extra space for different schedules with a couple, though, that makes sense to me. And many hotel rooms are fine for one person traveling lightly, but start getting pretty crowded with two people and two people's stuff.
I would never rent an apt for 2-4 days in city, that's for sure, and often it is very difficult to do so as few want to rent for that short a time.
Jan 5th, 2016, 11:04 AM
#47
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 13,617
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I travel by myself, I don't stay in apartments. I generally don't feel like the benefits of an apartment apply when traveling alone. I choose hotel types based on the situation - location, what I want to do, the places available. I tend to favor smaller, local hotels to the larger ones, but it depends. Sometimes in a large city, a large hotel is just the thing - many are in the middle of things and very conveniently located.
Jan 5th, 2016, 02:25 PM
#48
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that one of the advantages of traveling in Europe (over the US) is that there are more small, family run hotels where getting to know the owners is one of the perks. Staying in hotels in Europe is generally a whole different experience than in the US. Obviously there are family run B&Bs in the US but there are just lots more of the small family run businesses in Europe with lots of character (both in the people and the building) - definitely I think more so than most of the short term rentals I've found.
Jan 5th, 2016, 02:29 PM
#49
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Advantages of apartments: More space, a fully equipped kitchen (I usually don't cook but being able to make a salad or coffee, my own breakfast, having a fridge etc.), more privacy as no cleaner enters during my stay, and less costs.
Jan 5th, 2016, 02:47 PM
#50
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Three nights or more I look for an apartment. I like having a kitchen, at least good coffee in the morning and hate to get dressed to go get it. One of our hotels, an Ibis did not have a coffee or tea maker in the room for five nights. It was a last minute trip and booked the hotel and was happy for what we got with it being Oktoberfest but I was happy to get to Paris and our huge apartment after that place.
I like the washing machine, I like having a balcony and comfy chair or sofa.
Just booked the most amazing place in Westport, Ireland for five nights and another place in Dublin for seven nights. The Westport place is an old mill. The one in Dublin has a huge balcony overlooking Smithfield square close to Jameson. We got a great price on both so with four women we should be good. We wanted two bathrooms. A fifth might come so have room for her if she does. I just like trying out new places and some of these apartments are so creative with space and decor.
I like the washing machine, I like having a balcony and comfy chair or sofa.
Just booked the most amazing place in Westport, Ireland for five nights and another place in Dublin for seven nights. The Westport place is an old mill. The one in Dublin has a huge balcony overlooking Smithfield square close to Jameson. We got a great price on both so with four women we should be good. We wanted two bathrooms. A fifth might come so have room for her if she does. I just like trying out new places and some of these apartments are so creative with space and decor.
Jan 5th, 2016, 03:20 PM
#51
Two more things that some others have brought up that I like about renting apartments (and I do rent solo when it's a week+ trip, but not because I'm trying to save money):
I appreciate the privacy of an apartment. While I certainly don't mind it, I have no real desire to interact with the people working in the hotel or my fellow guests. I never stay in B & Bs for that reason.
And I love having a washing machine!
But in your situation, Peg, I'd stay in hotels. You're not really parking yourself long enough to warrant some of the hassles, you don't mind having a picnic in your room (I, for one, hate doing that), and you don't want to spend too much money. An apartment wouldn't make sense for you and the way you travel.
I appreciate the privacy of an apartment. While I certainly don't mind it, I have no real desire to interact with the people working in the hotel or my fellow guests. I never stay in B & Bs for that reason.
And I love having a washing machine!
But in your situation, Peg, I'd stay in hotels. You're not really parking yourself long enough to warrant some of the hassles, you don't mind having a picnic in your room (I, for one, hate doing that), and you don't want to spend too much money. An apartment wouldn't make sense for you and the way you travel.
Jan 5th, 2016, 03:46 PM
#52
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We are a family with 2C and so we like the space and having a fridge. I also enjoy not having to get dressed to eat breakfast in a restaurant.
That said, if I was a solo traveller and a hotel was cheaper in a better location I would choose that as I also enjoy having the room cleaned and bed made for me!
That said, if I was a solo traveller and a hotel was cheaper in a better location I would choose that as I also enjoy having the room cleaned and bed made for me!
Jan 5th, 2016, 04:46 PM
#53
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I travel for long periods of time, so I prefer an apartment so I can "spread out." Laundry, my own coffee, and being able to cook for myself are occasional necessities. (The cooking part, to get some "nesting" in and because I get sick of eating out. When traveling with friends or with my mother having the space in an apartment is much better than hotel rooms (for us.)
It has to be three days or more though.. one or two, I just go for a hotel.
It has to be three days or more though.. one or two, I just go for a hotel.
Jan 5th, 2016, 05:37 PM
#54
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RIALTOGRL, I also get tired of eating out. I thought I was the only one. Some days after walking and seeing everything it is just nice to come back and fix a light supper and open a bottle of wine. I enjoy the markets and trying things in our apartment kitchen. In Paris we would stop and buy a roasted chicken, salad items at the markets and then the bakery and the grocery for water and wine. I love Picard and it was fun to try their frozen entrees.
Jan 5th, 2016, 08:42 PM
#55
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flpab there is nothing I love more than a roasted chicken! Then the next day I make fab dishes with the leftovers 
and I travel with oil, vinegar and salt. One can work wonders.
Paris makes it pretty easy though.
and I travel with oil, vinegar and salt. One can work wonders.Paris makes it pretty easy though.
Jan 5th, 2016, 08:57 PM
#56
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
flpab wrote, "I also get tired of eating out. I thought I was the only one" -- Not at all! But then, if you'd ever had my cooking, you would realize that eating out would be the better of the choices. ;-)
rialtogrl wrote, "I travel with oil, vinegar and salt." -- BYH! I need to find ways to make my travels intersect with yours as often as possible.
rialtogrl wrote, "I travel with oil, vinegar and salt." -- BYH! I need to find ways to make my travels intersect with yours as often as possible.
Jan 5th, 2016, 10:34 PM
#57
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think I eat about 150+ meals per year in restaurants.
I don't like to cook in holidays for 2 reasons :
1 I can't find my stuff ( pans, oil etc)
2 it takes too much time that I prefer to use for visiting.
A restaurant is part of thevisit for me.
I have never felt as s local in an apt I feel like a guest.
I don't like to cook in holidays for 2 reasons :
1 I can't find my stuff ( pans, oil etc)
2 it takes too much time that I prefer to use for visiting.
A restaurant is part of thevisit for me.
I have never felt as s local in an apt I feel like a guest.
Jan 5th, 2016, 11:15 PM
#58
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another few reasons for my personal decision, as a solo female traveler, to prefer hotels or B&Bs (etc.) to apartments, triggered (in part) by the many intriguing comments already offered,:
I seek neither the anonymity of a large Western-style hotel nor the intimacy of a very small B&B that demands interaction with others, but have found lots of delightful options in between -- places with unique, local elements and welcoming, but non-intrusive staff, breakfast rooms with private tables, etc. If I want a recommendation for a local restaurant, or directions for how to best reach X, or could I please have an extra pillow, someone is there to assist me. And someone is there to monitor access, providing a layer of protection that I did not always feel (but admittedly did not always think I needed) in the few apartments in which I have stayed.
Too, as someone who has had some rather scary moments on solo hikes in recent years (thankfully, nothing that prevented me from ultimately completely those hikes), I've become aware of the value of thinking that someone might notice if I failed to show up somewhere (i.e., at the hotel) and knew where I was supposed to be before then -- just a little extra bit of protection that does not feel to me at all intrusive. I've taken to checking in with someone at the desk beforehand with a question about (say) the weather, noting that I'm thinking of hiking from A to B that day ... nothing that would cause them undue notice, but something they might remember if I disappeared. (And yes, of course, I have also taken lots of lessons on board on how to ensure safer hikes!)
Also: I did totally "bomb out" with one apartment that I rented when I could not find an affordable alternative. I got there, found the key, and discovered that the place was completely filthy and without sufficient sheets or towels. And no way to contact the owners.
That was before smart phones or wifi, etc., and so is probably less a concern now than then.
This thread provides some wonderful examples of cases for and against apartments -- great topic, IMO!
I seek neither the anonymity of a large Western-style hotel nor the intimacy of a very small B&B that demands interaction with others, but have found lots of delightful options in between -- places with unique, local elements and welcoming, but non-intrusive staff, breakfast rooms with private tables, etc. If I want a recommendation for a local restaurant, or directions for how to best reach X, or could I please have an extra pillow, someone is there to assist me. And someone is there to monitor access, providing a layer of protection that I did not always feel (but admittedly did not always think I needed) in the few apartments in which I have stayed.
Too, as someone who has had some rather scary moments on solo hikes in recent years (thankfully, nothing that prevented me from ultimately completely those hikes), I've become aware of the value of thinking that someone might notice if I failed to show up somewhere (i.e., at the hotel) and knew where I was supposed to be before then -- just a little extra bit of protection that does not feel to me at all intrusive. I've taken to checking in with someone at the desk beforehand with a question about (say) the weather, noting that I'm thinking of hiking from A to B that day ... nothing that would cause them undue notice, but something they might remember if I disappeared. (And yes, of course, I have also taken lots of lessons on board on how to ensure safer hikes!)
Also: I did totally "bomb out" with one apartment that I rented when I could not find an affordable alternative. I got there, found the key, and discovered that the place was completely filthy and without sufficient sheets or towels. And no way to contact the owners.
That was before smart phones or wifi, etc., and so is probably less a concern now than then.This thread provides some wonderful examples of cases for and against apartments -- great topic, IMO!
Jan 5th, 2016, 11:40 PM
#59
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stay in an apartment in central London as I like to shop at markets and cook. Did this once in Paris at a Citadines and enjoyed that too .in other places when we don't have friends or family to stay with we stay in hotels. I do like the comfort of a front desk.
Jan 6th, 2016, 01:09 AM
#60
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<<I like the washing machine, I like having a balcony and comfy chair or sofa.>>
I don't like the washing machine. It's one of the things I don't miss when I'm from home.
And most of the hotels have rooms with balcony/terrace and a comfy chair or a sofa ... And service, which I don't have at home (OK, my husband will bring me a cup of tea from time to time).
I don't like the washing machine. It's one of the things I don't miss when I'm from home.
And most of the hotels have rooms with balcony/terrace and a comfy chair or a sofa ... And service, which I don't have at home (OK, my husband will bring me a cup of tea from time to time).
