So you’ve decided to book a serviced apartment instead of a traditional hotel in Dublin? Make your lodging in the bustling Irish capital your most unforgettable one with our tips and tricks!
Why Serviced Apartments are better than Hotels?
“You’ll get the best of both worlds” — we believe that’s the shortest answer as to why booking serviced apartments, a.k.a “aparthotels”, are a better choice than booking a standard hotel room.
Like home-like suites you can get from an Airbnb property, serviced apartments are equipped with everything you might need for a comfortable stay. They’re more spacious than standard hotel rooms and are complete with a living room, a bedroom or two, a bathroom, a dining space, and a fully-equipped kitchenette. Forget cooking unhealthy meals in a microwave or eating your dinner on your bed — serviced apartments will make you feel like you’re at home, but with extra-luxe amenities and refined interiors.
But unlike self-catering vacation rentals, serviced apartments let you enjoy the grandeur of staying in a luxurious hotel accommodation. You’ll enjoy housekeeping services, 24/7 reception service, round-the-clock security, Wi-fi, and grocery and restaurant delivery services. Most serviced apartments even have elevators, gyms, and swimming pools for your convenience and leisure needs.
Ready to book a serviced apartment in Dublin? The good news is you can find a wide array of attractive properties that’ll provide a perfect base for your city vacation. Similar to hunting the best hotels out there, here are 10 of the factors you should consider to ensure a great stay.
1. The hotel-like features
No serviced apartment is the same. From budget-friendly serviced apartments that cover only the basics to grandiose suites that’ll make you feel like a VIP, there’s a wide array of properties you’ll encounter during your search. So when comparing properties, prepare a list of your hotel must-haves.
Will you need an elevator? Serviced apartments housed in an old building might not have one. Do you need a 24-hour concierge or a reception service that functions during the daytime would suffice? How about a swimming pool? How often do you need housekeeping? Is there a free parking space?
2. The home-like features
Thanks to their homey features, serviced apartments can be considered as your “home away from. Just keep in mind that properties may differ in terms of the home-like features they offer.
Think about your budget and the duration of your stay. How spacious do you want the suite to be? If you’re planning to stay for an extended period, you’d surely need a bigger apartment. Are you planning to cook often throughout your stay? Will you need laundry, dry cleaning, and grocery services? Are there jogging trails nearby or an in-house wellness facility?
3. How close it is to groceries, 24/7 marts, malls, shopping centres
Eating out thrice a day, seven times a week can put a dent in your wallet. And let’s be honest: Dublin isn’t a cheap city. With this, a supermarket, mall, or 24/7 mart you can access on foot is indeed a lifesaver.
See if your accommodation has grocery delivery services too. This serviced apartment in Dublin Leeson Street has such services, stocking up your fridge without any hassles.
4. Nearby cafes, restaurants, pubs
Don’t feel like cooking? Make sure there’s a plethora of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars under the radar. That works wonders if you’re celebrating a special occasion with your loved ones, meeting a client over coffee, or casually partying after dark to get a taste of Dublin’s vibrant nightlife.
If you don’t feel like going out, make sure you can tap into a wide array of drinking and dining spots that deliver to your area via food delivery apps.
5. Proximity to Dublin’s tourist attractions, parks, etc
No matter how self-contained your apartment is, the best part of your Dublin vacation will still take place outdoors. Make the most out of Dublin’s charming streetscape, vibrant nightlife, and cultural heritage by booking a serviced apartment that’s close to the action.
Check your serviced apartment’s proximity to the city’s best attractions. See the tourist spots that are just a few minutes’ walk from the apartment, including museums, galleries, libraries, parks and gardens, nightlife districts, and monuments. Lastly, check the accessible public transportation from your serviced apartment.
6. Distance from Dublin bikes station
Speaking of transportation, how about getting around the city on two wheels? Sure, self-guided walking tours are nice but you can see and do more when you rent a Dublin Bike. These accessible bike rentals have dedicated stations dotted around the city, so make sure your accommodation has one nearby.
7. Your potential neighbors
Serviced apartments are great options for extended stays, whether it’s for leisure or business travel. With this, expect that the guest’s turnaround time isn’t as quick as the ones in hotels, which usually cater to short-term stays. You’ll likely have some permanent neighbors who may have rented the suite near yours for a longer time.
The question is, what kind of neighbors do you prefer? If you’re a business traveller, looking for a stay that fosters productivity, you might not want to be placed close to rowdy kids and loud guests who love throwing house parties. If privacy and peace are a primary concern, communicate your needs to your serviced apartment provider so they can find the best spot for you.
Do you smoke? Are you travelling with pets? Inform your host and ask about their policies. Serviced providers may have a different set of rules and regulations. You can even find serviced apartments that do not allow cigarettes and pets on their premises.
The same goes for travelling with kids. Make sure you book with a family-friendly serviced apartment that provides all the essentials for their comfortable stay.
Last but not least, ask about their cancellation and refund policy. The last thing you want is cancelling your trip at the last moment and NOT getting your money back.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited writer who loves exploring the great outdoors. She loves traveling, eating, taking food and streetscape photographs, and simply enjoying new experiences and writing about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES PLUS Dublin Leeson.
