Whathello

'OK, my husband will bring me a cup of tea from time to time'

All (good) belgian husbands do that...

I love the concept of a washing machine as I thought it would reduce the amount of luggage but discovered it doesn't play a role when we have a washing machine : we take the same amount of clothes but come back with clean ones.

So I'm stuck carrying 25 kgms per woman in the family.
All (good) belgian husbands/fathers do that too.

MyriamC

@ Whathello
Hm ... I beg to differ on your last paragraph. My (good) Belgian husband never carries my 25 kgms of luggage. I will have to remind him.

flpab

<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 could never afford those hotels with my budget. I did have a tiny balcony in one hotel in Belgium and one time in Germany. But all the apartments had terraces or a balcony. One of the things I look for the most in an apartment. I pack very light and find the washing machine helps me to do that. Much better than washing in the sink.

Nikki

I prefer apartments for stays of more than three or four days even when I am solo. I prefer the comfort. Inexpensive hotel rooms frequently have no comfortable seating, and I am not comfortable sitting on a bed. I frequently find I do not want more than one restaurant meal a day (and almost never three). This doesn't mean I have to cook. It does mean I can bring home the extremely appetizing selections that catch my eye at the markets, and going to markets is a joy for me. Then there is a table and chairs at the apartment rather than a desk.

With careful selection, apartments can be every bit as charming as small hotels.

I appreciate the privacy and do not require maid service or room service. I am happy to relax in the apartment without having to leave for the housekeeper.

I am not on the go from morning till night sightseeing. I require some down time, and it is a wonderful luxury to me having my own space to live in.

When I am with my husband, it is important to have separate spaces for the times one is awake and the other wants to sleep.

thursdaysd

"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"

Depends on the hotel. Very few of the ones I stay in match that description.