The following question & answer was posted on Wednesday October 4th 2006.
We?re relocating to Bristol from South America next month, but won?t be able to move into our rented house for six weeks. I can?t face the thought of living in a hotel for all that time - any suggestions as to where we can find decent short-term accommodation?
Fiona Murchie provided the following answer:
Serviced apartments have really come into their own in recent years. Fully furnished and supplied with all the basics from toasters and crockery to CD players, cable TV and broadband, they can offer the space, convenience and freedom you need.
Cleaning, laundry, office services and sometimes leisure facilities such as gyms are provided, too. They?re the ideal accommodation solution for expatriates like yourselves stuck between moves, or for business users ? such as the increasing numbers of international business commuters and those working on short-term projects.
Most apartments are bookable on a weekly basis, although some specify a longer period. As far as prices are concerned, a new industry price purvey puts the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Bristol at £590 for 4-12 weeks.
Apartments are usually part of a managed block, typically with an on-site porter/concierge service, and prices are fully inclusive of utilities, management and cleaning. Serviced apartments are increasingly to be found in major cities throughout the UK and indeed worldwide.
For details of serviced apartment providers, click on to the suppliers directory at www.relocatemagazine.com
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