No sooner is one
school holiday out of the way and the next is already on the horizon.
As families trawl through the web to find the perfect mini break to
refresh themselves, some families are side stepping the idea of taking a city
break with the kids in favor of resorts and holiday parks. The feeling
could be that cities hotel rooms just don’t provide the space you need,
B&B's have a set breakfast time that doesn’t allow for your little ones’ 6 am demands
and will time in a busy city really keep them entertained? Well, city
breaks are ideal for families, and the best way to enjoy them is with serviced apartments as your accommodation of choice!
Here are the reasons why…
1) Space for all
the family
Serviced
Apartments come in all shapes and sizes. For families one, two and three
bedroom apartments mean that you can all have your own space, with communal
areas like separate living and dining areas for the family to get together and
relax. Unlike hotels, where you may all be cramped on a bed, elbowing
each other for a good view of the TV, serviced apartments are typically bigger
than equivalent hotels – most with comfortable seating enough for everyone.
2) Home cooking
Serviced
apartments come with their own fully equipped kitchen, meaning you can enjoy
your family’s favourite meals even when you’re in the Goa, and/or half way
around the world! For fussy eaters or children with allergies, having
your own kitchen on your travels is a huge bonus- plus if you’re looking to go
away on a budget, your own cooking facilities will mean you don’t have to
splash out in restaurants during your whole trip.
3) Home comforts
There’s nothing
worse than a sterile, clinical looking hotel room, particularly when you’re far
from home. Typically serviced apartments have a much more homely feel.
Many come with added home comforts, like wall hangings, cushions, and small accessories just to give
you that extra little piece of home. It may not seem like a big deal but
it’s amazing how much a little attention to detail can really make you feel at
home.
4) Familiarity in
an unfamiliar place
With your own
kitchen and separate bedrooms and living spaces, serviced apartments allow you
to maintain your normal family routine. If you’re used to 7 pm bedtimes and 6 am breakfasts, there’s nothing to stop you sticking to it with
ease. Being able to keep your usual routine means the younger ones will
be much more settled even though they’re in an unfamiliar place.
4) Hotel service
perks
On the one hand, you have all the familiarity and comforts
of home, but remember this is your holiday, so having some of the benefits
you’d expect with a hotel is a must as well. Many serviced apartments
have a reception and somebody to help you with any questions. They also
all have varying levels of maid and linen service.
5) Central
locations
One reason why
some families might not consider planning a city break with the kids is because
they’re unaware that you can get suitable accommodation in the most central
locations. It’s not just hotels and B&Bs that get the top spots close
to all the best attractions. Serviced apartments are also right
there in the heart of the action, so if you’ve had a busy day exploring,
sightseeing and visiting your chosen places you won’t be too far back to your
apartment to relax at the end of the day.
6) Costs per
apartment
This is especially
important for bigger families – some accommodation options can charge per
person, and even hike up the prices once your kids hit their teens!
Serviced apartments are charged per apartment per night. You have
the flexibility to stay just for one night, a full week, or even months – so it
really could begin to feel like home!
7) Separate space
to relax
Picture this:
you’ve had a long, active day with the kids and you finally get back to
your hotel, put them in bed and open a bottle of wine. The problem is the kids are lightly sleeping on
a pull out bed or sofa bed in your small family hotel room. Hardly ideal
for a complete unwind. On any family holiday, you are entitled to relax
yourselves and enjoy your own adult time – so having separate bedrooms and
living spaces is great for that added privacy from the kids.
8) Entertainment
facilities
Granted, the best
thing about being in a top city is getting out there, seeing sights and
experiencing the atmosphere – not sitting in and watching TV. But at the
same time, there’s only so much sight-seeing
you can do in a day – especially if you’re travelling with small children whose
energy comes in peaks and troughs! So having a range of entertainment
facilities in your apartment can be a welcome relief. The majority of
apartments usually come with a TV, DVD player, stereo,
and broadband to keep you entertained when you’re not out enjoying the city.
Planning a city break with the kids…
Once you have your
own home away from home, you’re free to explore your city of choice and make
the best from your holidays!
