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The Savvy On-Line Consumer's Guide to Short-Term Apartment Rentals
Uploaded Courtesy of:
Barclay International Group
150 East 52nd Street ~ New York, New York 10022
For more information/reservations/brochures, call:
800-845-6636 or 212-832-3777
Fax: 212-753-1139
Note to On-Line Travel Agents: Bulk shipments of this pamphlet are available
to your agency free of charge, for distribution to interested clients.
Please call, fax, send an on-line message or contact us through SABRE
(Y/HHL/FBI) for more information.
Why Choose a Short-Term Apartment Rental Over a Hotel?
The key word in travel today is VALUE. And there is no greater accommodations
value than a short-term apartment rental. How else can you enjoy the space of
a one-bedroom suite for less than the cost of a single hotel room? How else
can you bypass expensive room service and restaurant charges by cooking for
yourself, if and when you choose? And how else can you truly experience and
understand a city, just as a native would?
Most apartments are available for as short as a one-night's stay! Many
combine the services of a fine hotel (maid service, concierge services,
business services, health club) with the space, privacy and comfort of
a home-away-from-home. Available in most major cities and vacation spots
around the world, these flats range in size from studios to five bedrooms
and are priced to suit every budget, from modest to deluxe. Short-term
rentals are usually located in the most convenient areas of town, right
near public transportation.
The secret's out! Short-term apartment rentals, once the choice of only
the most sophisticated travelers, are one of today's hottest travel
bargains. Book one and you'll enjoy the comfort, the space--and the
savings!
Which Travelers are Best-Suited to Apartment Rentals?
Large Families or Groups of Friends:
Such travelers love apartments because hotel rooms can never affordably
give them the privacy of individual bedrooms while allowing them to share
a common living/entertainment area.
Families with Small Children:
Small children need space to play, as well as cribs, high chairs and baby
-sitting--all of which are available at most apartment properties. In
addition, the convenience of a kitchen gives you the option of when and
what to eat, without the hassles of restaurant dining. And by placing
children on cots or sofabeds in the living room, a family of four can
often save even more money by renting a one-bedroom flat instead of a
two bedroom.
Business Travelers
Executives appreciate the spaciousness of an apartment, where they can
conduct meetings in their living room, instead of renting out additional
meeting space. They can also trim expenses by preparing their own
breakfast and can easily bring along companions without exceeding their
budget--usually impossible in a single hotel room.
Cost-Conscious Travelers
Anyone, from honeymooners on a budget to college students to mature
travelers on fixed incomes will find true value for their travel dollar
when staying at an apartment. With costs as low as $35 per person per day
(based on a one-week stay at a Barclay International Group apartment),
combined with the cost-savings of preparing their own meals, travelers
will often find this option less expensive than bed-and-breakfast stays.
Health/Fitness-Conscious Travelers
With kitchen facilities to prepare special meals, combined with elaborate
health club facilities and pools at many properties, apartments let health
-conscious travelers enjoy their trip without interrupting their regimen.
Deluxe Travelers
Celebrities often stay at London's 47 Park Street, Les Suites Saint Honore
and the Relais Carre d'Or in Paris and the apartment wing of Amsterdam's
Grand Hotel--all Barclay International Group apartment properties that are
run less like hotels than private clubs. Apartments provide deluxe travelers
with the privacy they need and the space they expect, all at prices that
help the wealthy stay wealthy.
What to Consider Before Reserving a Flat
The whole raison d'etre behind using an apartment rental service is their
ability to counsel you--and save you the time and expense of calling each
property directly. By having the answers to the following questions in
mind when calling, the rental service will be able to best serve your needs
and place you in an appropriate flat.
What are your goals while traveling?
What are your primary travel goals? Theater-going? Shopping? Sight-seeing?
Business? By considering the purpose of your visit and your special
interests, you'll be able to request an apartment in a location that
best suits your needs.
What are your special needs?
These are the questions that you should be able to answer before calling
an apartment rental service to place a reservation: How many people will
be traveling? What type of bedding will you require (double beds, twins,
sofabeds, extra cots, etc.)? With larger parties, would you prefer that
two people sleep in the living rooms on sofabeds or cots to save money?
Can everyone in your party climb stairs or do you need an apartment that's
accessible by elevator? Do you or anyone in your party use a wheelchair
(many apartments are not wheelchair-accessible)? Do you plan to cook
extensively or just butter a roll at breakfast-time? Are you independent
travelers or do you require the services of a concierge? Do you need
business services (fax machine, secretarial services, photocopier, etc.),
a health club, a restaurant in the building? Would you prefer an apartment
with a balcony, washer/dryer, dishwasher or a microwave oven? How often
will you require maid service? By assessing all of your travel requirements,
you'll be able to choose an apartment intelligently.
Where have you stayed in the past?
Often, travelers are hesitant to reveal their travel budget, but since
apartments range in price from modest to deluxe, it's important to
establish what you want to pay. Consider what hotels you've stayed at
in the past and how they've met your expectations. Then relay this
information to your apartment rental service by requesting the same
"class" of apartment that you enjoyed as a hotel guest. When pricing
these apartments, be sure to assess if taxes, service charges and maid
service are included as well as the cost of any extra beds you may be
requesting. And remember, as with all things: you get what you pay for.
Don't go for the least expensive apartment available if your tastes
run more upscale; you'll only be disappointed.
What are your dates of stay and form of payment?
Many apartments have deposit and cancellation penalties. For that reason,
put off making apartment reservations until your plans are definite and
be sure to understand the need for trip cancellation insurance. Also
consider the flexibility of your trip. The apartment you requested might
be sold out for your first set of dates but available a few days earlier
or later. Also--let the rental agencies know at the time of booking if
you'll be paying by check or credit card. This will save you a call later.
What additional services do you require?
Airport transfers by bus or limousine? Theater tickets? Sight-seeing? Rail
passes? Car rentals? Don't just stop at air tickets and apartment stays--
by suing an apartment agency that books additional services, you'll be able
to fulfill all your requests with just one phone call.
How to Locate the Best Apartment for your Needs
It seems like everyone today has an apartment rental agency. To protect
your vacation and hard-earned travel dollars, be sure to use a well-
established company with a reputation for good service, perhaps one
recognized by tourism agencies like the British Tourist Authority and
one that has received the commendation of such publications as Good
Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, Gourmet, Business Week and]
USA Today.
Beware of rental companies that don't work through travel agents.
Travel agents receive feedback from their clients--feedback that
might save your vacation from disaster. Trust the "experts" to
place you through a reputable firm. Good apartment rental companies
will spend time with travel agents and travelers, acting as counselors
to ensure that they book the best choice of flat. They are well-staffed,
with well-informed reservationists who are easily accessible--not just a
machine answering the phone during working hours. Their apartments can
be booked through agents' computer reservations systems and have brochures
that clearly explain their listings and booking policies.
Some agencies' selection of apartments consist of individual condominiums
whose owners have vacated them temporarily. Such apartments often lack
concierge services and uniformity of standard. But, by using a service
whose listings consist primarily of apartment buildings used exclusively
for short-term lets (buildings run like hotels but with apartment
accommodations), you are guaranteed consistent quality.
Make sure the service you use has a local US office. It's easier to
handle disputes when the agency is local. The very best services will
have a local US office plus toll-free emergency lines, accessible from
around the world, so no matter where you go, you can get help and at no
additional expense.
Use a service that makes life easy for you. Such agencies accept checks
as well as credit cards as payment, and include all charges (taxes,
service charges, maid service) in their rental fees. They also guarantee
rates in US dollars, saving you from any currency fluctuation. They will
also help you book supplemental services (train tickets, car rentals,
sight-seeing, transfers, theater tickets, even discounted phone cards)
with the same phone call--saving you research, time and effort.
Use a service that has extensive listings in cities and resort areas
around the world. The listings should consist of several apartment sizes
and budget levels, so no matter what you request, the agency will be able
to service your needs for this trip--and trips in the future.
Copyright 1994 Barclay International Group.