Serviced Apartments

Half classic hotel, half apartment, the apart-hotel is a fusion of service and privacy that's great for travellers who like to have their own space but still enjoy the frills of a catered stay. Cranking up the square metre count, these sorts of pads tend to be far more spacious and roomy than a traditional hotel suite. They'll regularly pack in beds and workspaces, seating and dining areas, bringing a whole host of new possibilities to your stay. A self-cooked meal with the whole family in the evening? No problem. A chilled bout of TV and slippers on the sofa when you're done with the sightseeing? That's do-able. And when it's all finished, you still get to enjoy features like housekeeping and room service and dedicated tour desks. It's the best of both worlds.

But it's not just about having that extra space to relax in. It's also about style, design and feeling like a real local. Take apart-hotels in London, which pepper the bustling city and the banks of the Thames with their open-plan living spaces and chic interiors. You'll be strutting through Soho like a bona fide bohemian or bringing out your inner Westminster socialite in no time. Then there are apart-hotels in Athens, hidden in the blocks around the Acropolis with their kitchens and balconies that spill out to views of the great landmark on the hill. Apart-hotels in Barcelona, meanwhile, are a great way to enjoy the culinary culture of Catalonia. With your own kitchen and lounge, you can cook up storms of Spanish pintxos dishes with ingredients fresh from the local veg and fish markets.

Of course, there are countless apart-hotels to pick from all across Europe. From Greece to the UK, Portugal to Poland, these welcoming pads are fast becoming one of the most popular accommodation choices, particularly in big cities and capitals. It's easy to see why. Spots like the Acropolis Stay in Athens offer oodles of space to spread out in, elegant interior design, neat kitchens and even a location right below the iconic rises of the ancient Parthenon. Others, like the Wilde Aparthotels in London, are laced with boutique features, plush beds, flat-screen TVs, individual espresso machines and more, all on the bustling Strand. They really do cover every base when it comes to that perfect family trip to the metropolis.