Holiday apartments are lately a matter of great discussion. They have their supporters as well as detractors. Have you ever wondered why someone would choose a private apartment instead of a hotel? The differences are greater than you might imagine, from the price to the benefits, going through to the very concept of the trip.
The latter is perhaps the main distinguishing feature of holiday apartments. They allow travellers to soak up more of the local culture than they would by staying in a hotel. To begin with, in one of these apartments there is some contact with the host who in many cases will offer recommendations on what to visit or how to get around the city. In other cases, there is even a coexistence with the owner, with which the cultural exchange is much deeper.
Hotels undoubtedly offer some comforts, though they’re often out of touch with the local culture. Apartments, on the other hand, offer a different experience. Who hasn’t dreamed of staying in a typical New York building during his visit to the Big Apple? Or in a beautiful attic apartment during a trip to Paris?
Despite the amenities that hotels offer, they lack the extra authenticity that more and more travellers are looking for when planning their holidays. Holiday apartments offer the possibility of experiencing a city or a destination as we imagine it in our dreams. The good news is that sites like Wimdu offer thousands of apartments spread all over the world. With Wimdu you can always find a place that best suits your preferences.
Discover in this infographic the many other differences between staying in a hotel or a holiday apartment. You decide!
Food and Meals
In an apartment…
Do you like to cook and enjoy a good after-dinner chat around the table? In a holiday apartment, you have the possibility to sit down with your friends or your family to enjoy your own culinary creations made from local products that you’ve bought in the local market.
In a hotel…
Did you enjoy a visit to the local market but would prefer to buy a meal rather than prepare your own food? The good news is that you have room service; the bad news is that eating will become a risky activity while trying not to stain the bedspread.
Privacy and Freedom
In an apartment…
Have you gone on holiday wanting to stick to your own schedule and do what you want without anyone bothering you? If so then what you’re looking for is an apartment. Nobody will bother you in those most unexpected moments and you’ll feel as if you were in your own home.
In a hotel…
Don’t you mind having to get up early while on holiday? If you feel uncomfortable about having your space invaded by room service at odd hours, you’ll know what we’re talking about. You don’t have to worry about the cleaning part, but since you’re only going to be staying for a couple of nights you might not have to clean anyway.
Group Activities vs Isolation
In an apartment…
Do you travel with family or friends? If it is your case, a holiday apartment is the best option. You’ll share communal spaces with sofas, tables and chairs, and at the same time, you’ll have your own room and plenty of privacy. There is no doubt that an apartment offers more comfort and space.
In a hotel…
Does the hustle and bustle in the corridors of hotels bother you? Many times it is due to groups of friends or families that stay in different rooms, with the subsequent traffic that this creates. The isolation of staying in separate rooms makes hotels far from ideal for group travel.
Space and Comfort
In an apartment…
Are you overwhelmed by small spaces? If you want to enjoy the charms of the place you’re visiting and you’d like to rest between walks and outdoor activities, there’s nothing better than a holiday apartment. If you’re travelling with pets also, it’s a much better option to get an apartment or holiday home rather than a hotel room.
In a hotel…
How much importance do you give to rest? At the hotel, a comfortable bed awaits you and a TV with which you can escape and relax, but that’s the end of it. Beyond the bed, there is no more physical space or any possibilities for recreation. We all know that the hotel room is not just for going to sleep, but it is essential to rest during the day.
Cheaper to Eat at Home
In an apartment…
Do you know what’s so great about having a kitchen in your holiday accommodation? It’s not only the pleasure of buying and cooking the local products yourself but the money you will save on restaurant bills. A large part of the budget of our holiday goes on eating in bars and restaurants. Don’t let your pocket suffer and enjoy the trip without constraints!
In a hotel…
Do not you feel annoyed that the pleasure of going out to lunch or dinner outside becomes an obligation during your holiday? We all love eating in restaurants. The problem is when we have to do so compulsively every day because we are away from home. There is nothing more comfortable than the hotel restaurant service, but it will decimate your budget!
