What is better: a hotel or an apartment? In this article let’s analyze the pros and cons of different types of accommodation and try to put a point in the eternal dispute.
1. Location
Hotels are usually located either in the historic center or very close to it. This is a great option for those who want to go on an adventure or sightseeing trip right after checking in.
If you’re visiting for work and it’s important to keep up with meetings and appointments, it’s easiest to get there from the hotel. And you probably won’t have to pay for parking. In addition, there are hotels with conference rooms to take care of business on the spot. And walk around the center in between events https://ipotechnyibroker.ru/.
Before you rent an apartment, think about what you want: to live in the center or relax in the quiet in the suburbs. The selection of apartments and flats is really wide. Even on peak dates, when all the hotel rooms are occupied, you can find several options for apartments in any part of the city. Choose which location is more important to you: on the waterfront, near your favorite restaurant, the main hangout spots, or in the woods on the outskirts.
If you plan to rent a car, find out if there is parking nearby and how much it costs. Even if you save on rent, paid parking can add up to a lot of money.
2. Price
A hotel room costs more than an apartment or condo in almost all cities. Especially if you like to travel in comfort and choose four or five stars. But here, too, you can use some tricks and save money:
- Keep an eye out for special offers. Hotels often offer discounts on certain rooms or dates.
- Some hotels have their own loyalty program. If you often stay at the same place, become a regular customer and get bonuses.
- Set up a price range in your search that suits you. That’s how you get to know small but nice hotels. They don’t have a big name, but they’re cozy and nicely priced.
3. Coziness and comfort
You always know what to expect from a room. If you compare four-star hotels around the world, they are very similar. The hotel may have many nice options: its own restaurant and bar, gym, swimming pool and spa complex. So if you don’t want any surprises, book a room that meets your requirements.
If you value your time, so you don’t have to run around in the morning looking for coffee and a bun, choose a hotel with breakfast included.
Another nice thing is the hotel service. It’s a few days of bliss for those who want to forget about everyday worries for a while. You don’t even need to buy shampoo and soap – you can find them in your room. Maid service, linen changes, booking tickets, excursions and transfers – it’s all done for you by the hotel staff.
If you want to live like a local – choose an apartment and feel at home. You can connect to the Internet and work in silence. Or watch your favorite TV show. You don’t have to share Wi-Fi with anyone, so the signal in apartments is usually stronger than in hotels. There’s also a private bath, washing machine, iron, ironing board and a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove. Buy groceries and cook your own favorite meals. Then you won’t have to wake up early and rush to breakfast before you’ve eaten all the croissants. And in the evening, get glasses, your favorite drink, cut cheese and fruit – what’s not dinner?
If you’re traveling with kids, your own kitchen is indispensable. At any time of the day you can prepare everything the baby eats at home. And store snack foods in the fridge.
4. The company
Most hotels rent a room with a large bed for two people, called a Double. A room with two separate beds is called a Twin. If possible, put an extra bed for a child. Family rooms are less common and more expensive. If you want to live with a family in a hotel, book three or four months in advance. Or look for several rooms in one hotel. Some large chain hotels have Connected Rooms, which are connected by a door.
The hotels keep order and make sure everyone is comfortable. That means you’ll sleep sweetly at night instead of hosting guests and partying noisily.
If you want to have fun, stay in hostels or book an apartment for the whole company. You can have late-night get-togethers and birthday parties there. The main thing is to find out in advance if parties are allowed in the apartment.
In apartments much more often than in hotels, guests are allowed to live with pets.
5. Service
When there is a front desk – and even more so 24 hours – you are knee-deep in the sea. Any problem – whether it’s a lack of hot water, sudden Wi-Fi outage or ordering food to the room – is solved immediately. You can check into the hotel later if your plane arrives in the evening. And after checking out you can leave your suitcase at the reception and walk around the city before your flight.
If you’re worried about valuables, lock them in a safe or locker.
You are your own boss in the apartment. You may see your landlord twice – when you arrive and when you leave. And not always – some landlords ask you to leave the key on the nightstand and close the door. On the one hand, that’s good: you have a key and you can come and go as you please. Even if you sit on the beach all night admiring the stars, you don’t have to wake up the receptionist when you come back. Only if something doesn’t go according to plan, you have to contact the host. And, alas, issues are not always resolved promptly.
If you’re happy with everything and there are no emergencies, no one will come to your apartment. Including the maid – the cleaning is up to you. Keep this in mind when inviting guests or leaving your dog in the apartment all day.
6. A Taste of the City
You want to enjoy life as an introvert, choose a hotel. Order room service and enjoy a quiet breakfast. If you get bored, you can go down to the lobby or talk to someone on the treadmill at the gym.
It is ideal for those who came on a business trip and want to focus on business.
When you live in an apartment, you see the real life of the city. Furnishings in houses in different countries will be different. The view from the window is also different. The landlord will tell you where to go for the freshest produce and local delicacies. Neighbors in the yard will smile at you, say hello in the elevator, and maybe invite you for tea, coffee, or a glass of wine. If you want to get to know the city better, check out the guidebooks.
The debate about where to live will go on and on. There is no universal answer, but every traveler has many options for where to stay. Make your choice and feel how, with the first turn of the key, your adventures in a place still unfamiliar, but surely full of pleasant surprises and amazing stories begin.