Why not switch things up by booking an apartment for your next holiday? Our tips will help you get it right!
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Booking a hotel abroad is something most leisure travellers can do in their sleep. You’ve probably done it tens or even hundreds of times.
However, booking a corporate apartment is a different story. There’s more to think about, more variation in what you’ll actually get and more ways to get caught out if you don’t know what to look for.
Here’s what to get right before you confirm your booking for a corporate apartment abroad.
Check What ‘Fully Furnished’ Actually Means
Listings that describe a property as ‘fully furnished’ can mean very different things depending on the operator.
Some apartments will have everything you’d expect, such as bedding, towels, a fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi. Others might include the bare minimum in your rental fee and charge extra for basics.
Before you book, look for a detailed inventory or ask the provider directly. You’ll want to know whether there’s a washing machine, what the WiFi situation is and whether the kitchen equipment goes beyond a couple of pots and pans.
If you’re staying for more than a few nights, these details matter more than you’d think.
Know the Difference Between Airbnb and a Managed Serviced Apartment
This is probably the most important thing to get your head around before you start searching.
An Airbnb listing is typically a private property rented out by an individual. Quality, cleanliness and communication standards can vary significantly between hosts, and there’s no guarantee of consistent standards.
A managed serviced apartment is run by a professional operator. This means the properties are subject to regular quality checks and maintained to a consistent standard. There’s also usually support available if something goes wrong during your stay.
If you search through specialist platforms, such as corporate apartments by Situ, you’ll find properties sourced from verified partner networks. You can feel reassured that what you see in the listing should match what you actually arrive to find.
Read the Cancellation Policy Before You Pay
This one catches out more people than anything else. Many apartment bookings carry strict cancellation terms. Some are non-refundable from the moment of booking, while others offer a short window before penalties kick in.
Always read the full cancellation policy before you enter any payment details. Check what happens if your travel dates change and whether there’s any flexibility for emergencies.
You should also note what the refund timeline looks like if you do cancel within the permitted window.
Look Carefully at the Location, Not Just the Pin on the Map
A central-looking pin on a map doesn’t always tell the full story. In some cities, a short distance on a map can translate to a very inconvenient journey on foot or by public transport.
Check which neighbourhood the apartment is actually in, whether it’s within walking distance of the things you want to do and how close it is to public transport.
It’s also worth checking:
- Whether car parking is available on-site or nearby
- How far the nearest supermarket or local shop is
- Whether the building has a lift to apartments on high floors
Street view tools can be helpful here, and a quick look at the surrounding area will tell you more than the listing photos.
Confirm Check-In and Check-Out Arrangements in Advance
Hotels have a front desk, but apartments don’t always have them. Some managed apartments will have staff on-site or a building manager who can let you in, while others use a key safe or a digital entry code.
Any of these situations can work perfectly well, but you need to know what to expect before you arrive.
Before you travel, find out what the check-in time is and whether you can request an early check-in. It’s also a good idea to note who to contact if there’s a problem when you arrive.
Similarly, check-out times can catch you off guard if you have an afternoon flight and nowhere to store luggage. Clarify this before you book, not the morning you’re due to leave.
What It All Comes Down to
Renting an apartment abroad can give you more space, more flexibility and a better base than a standard hotel room. This is particularly true for longer stays or trips where you want to cook your own meals.
The key to a successful trip is doing a bit more homework upfront than you would with a hotel.
Be clear who you’re actually booking your stay with, check the detail in the listing and confirm the practical arrangements before you travel. Get those things right and a holiday apartment can be a big step up from a standard hotel room.