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  • 48 Hours in Madrid (Part 1)

    48 Hours in Madrid (Part 1)

    48 Hours in Madrid (Part 1)

    November 7, 2022

    Madrid was chosen as the capital of Spain in 1961, due to its influence on the rest of the country, its central location and the warm weather its citizens enjoy throughout the year. Today, Madrid is still one of the most popular cities in Europe, as it reflects Spain’s diverse culture in its food, music and architecture.

    As trips to Madrid increase for the summer period, we’ve compiled a list of places we recommend visiting in the city – all close to a Roomspace serviced apartment, so you can explore Madrid even if you’re only around for the weekend!

    1. Puerta del Sol – Tour Guide and Kilometre 0 plaque

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    Right in the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city due to its historical and geographical influence on the rest of Madrid.

    Puerta del Sol’s stone plaque, known as Kilometre 0, marks the geographical centre of Spain and the starting point for all six major radial roads, from which distance is measured throughout the country. This is also where Madrid’s citizens gather on New Year’s Eve to take part in the countdown to the New Year, acting as a symbol of unity and progression.

    If you’d like to explore Madrid in a short time, the Tours Tilla team offers FREE guided tours with volunteer locals, so you can learn more about the city’s history, architecture and cuisine in a couple of hours. The volunteers gather every day at Puerta del Sol, in front of the statue of Carlos III – look for the red umbrella.

    The Puerta del Sol is close to Roomspace’s Castellana (9 minutes by bus), Sandoval (13 minutes by metro), Calle Goya (15 minutes by metro) and Fernán González (20 minutes by bus) serviced apartments.

    2. Plaza de Colón – Centro Cultural de la Villa

    Surrounded by the Serrano, Goya and San Juan streets, Plaza de Colón has been a key place in Madrid’s history for centuries. Although it was initially called Plaza de Santiago (St James’s Square), it was renamed Plaza de Colón after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón), in 1893.

    The Plaza features the Teatro Fernán Gómez (previously called the Centro Cultural de la Villa), which is the cultural and art centre of Madrid. Here, you can find everything from the Museo de Cera (wax museum) to frequent Spanish drama, opera and dance performances.

    Alongside the cultural and art centre, you can find the Torres de Colón (iconic twin towers designed in 1968 by architect Antonio Lamela), Platea (the gastronomic hub of the city, complemented by theatre performances), the Biblioteca Nacional (National Library) and the Jardines de Descubrimiento (Gardens of Discovery), amongst other landmarks.

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    The Plaza de Colón is close to Roomspace’s Sandoval (10 minutes by bus), Castellana (11 minutes by bus) and Calle Goya (16 minutes by bus) serviced apartments.

    3. Puerta de Alcalá – Plaza de la Independencia

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    The Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square) is host to the Puerta de Alcalá (the Gate of Alcalá), designed in 1868 under King Charles III after the Wall of Phillip IV – one of five walls which had surrounded the city centre since 1614 – was demolished.

    The Puerta de Alcalá was built to replace the older and weakened original wall. In 1968, a new proposal was put forward to build a square around the gate and the latter was officially inaugurated ten years later, in 1778. The Puerta de Alcalá was the first triumphal arch built after the fall of the Roman Empire and each side of the gate has a unique design. Along the top, there are statues of four children holding an object that represents each of the four cardinal virtues – prudence (mirror), justice (scales), strength (spear and shield) and temperance (stirrup).

    The gate has been a key factor in the history of Madrid, from the shrapnel that hit it during the 1930s Spanish Civil War (the remnants of which you can still see today) to the multicoloured lights that have reflected against it annually since the 1977 Madrid LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. The site is a symbol of Madrid’s resilience, acting as the place where the past and present coexist.

    The Plaza de Alcalá is close to Roomspace’s Fernán González (12 minutes by bus), Calle Goya (13 minutes’ walk), Calle Ibiza (13 minutes by bus), Castellana (15 minutes by bus) and Sandoval (20 minutes by bus) serviced apartments.

    4. Parque El Retiro

    One of the largest and most popular parks in Madrid, Parque El Retiro was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. The park features everything from monuments of key figures from Spanish history (including explorer Christopher Columbus, King Alfonso XII and painter Diego Velázquez) to the Palacio de Cristal (Glass Palace) – previously a conservatory and now frequently used for art exhibitions by the Reina Sofía Museum.

    El Retiro is perfect for children and adults alike, with historical landmarks, fitness classes, book fairs and art performances from all fields often seen around the park. Families can also rent out bicycles to ride around the park or boats to row along the lake. If you want to explore Madrid and learn more about everyday life in the city, El Retiro is the place for you. During the weekends, El Retiro even has staged puppet shows from the Teatro de Titeres team, aimed at children, families and everyone in between!

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    The Parque El Retiro is close to Roomspace’s Fernán González, Calle Ibiza and Calle Goya (all within a 6 -minute walk), as well as Castellana (15 minutes by bus) and Sandoval (19 minutes by bus) serviced apartments.

    5. Palacio Real – the Largest Royal Palace in Western Europe

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    The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) de Madrid is the sixth largest palace in Western Europe, the largest European palace by floor area and the ninth largest globally.

    The Palace was built in 1734 on the same site as a 9th century Moorish fortress. The Moorish people were Arabian occupants of Madrid and other parts of Spain during the Middle Ages. As a result, its location became symbolic of Spain’s national identity and strength over its previous conquerors.

    The palace was used by the royal family until 1931, after the exile of King Alfonso XIII. Although it is still recognised as the official residence of the Spanish royal family, they now live in the Palace of Zarzuela. Fifty of the Palacio Real’s rooms are open to the public seeking to explore Madrid, and used for state functions.

    The Palacio Real is close to Roomspace’s Sandoval (17 minutes by metro) and Calle Goya (20 minutes by metro) serviced apartments.
  • 48 Hours in Madrid (Part 2)

    48 Hours in Madrid (Part 2)

    48 Hours in Madrid (Part 2)

    November 7, 2022

    As we continue our whistlestop tour of things to do in Madrid, it’s time to soak up some culture (click here if you missed part 1). There’s something for everyone in this international business hub, from art and museums to football and shopping – not to mention plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine!

    Without further ado, here are Roomspace’s top recommendations for things to do in Madrid – all within easy reach of our serviced apartments.

    1. Plaza Mayor

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    Situated in the oldest part of the city, this pretty town square is a great place to relax. Whether you’re admiring the architecture, buying souvenirs or simply people watching, you’ll find plenty of cafes, bars, shops, musicians and street artists to help pass a leisurely hour or two.

    Designed by Juan de Herrera and Juan Gómez de Mora in the 16th century, Madrid’s main square has hosted local festivities, bullfights and coronations over the centuries. Don’t forget to admire the statue of Philip III in the centre!

    If you’re visiting in December, the square hosts a celebrated Christmas market, which has been running for 100 years. Otherwise, you can find San Miguel market just a few steps away, with its stalls of gourmet food and offerings from internationally renowned chefs.

    For those of you with more than 48 hours to spare, why not find more inspiration for things to do in Madrid from the tourist information centre in the square?

    The Puerta del Sol is close to Roomspace’s Castellana (14 minutes by metro), Sandoval (15 minutes by metro) and Calle Goya (19 minutes by metro) serviced apartments.

    2. Sala Canal de Isabel II

    Sala Canal de Isabel II houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary photography and audio-visual art, by acclaimed international artists. Every year it hosts an exhibition by a leading fashion designer, coinciding with Fashion Week, and in the dome is a small auditorium showing films.

    The building itself is a former water tank, built by the engineer Diego Martin Montalvo. With an eye-catching dome, circular floor and distinctive use of brick, it has an interesting architectural style dating back to 1907.

    One of Madrid’s best-kept secrets, the space is rarely busy and is free to enter.

    Sala Canal de Isabell II is close to Roomspace’s Sandoval (8 minutes by bus), Castellana (16 minutes by metro) and Cuzco (19 minutes by bus) serviced apartments.

    3. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

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    The iconic home of the Real Madrid football team is just a short journey from many of Roomspace’s Madrid apartments. One of the world’s most famous footballing venues and host to numerous international tournaments, it opened in 1947 and is currently undergoing refurbishment.

    The club is famed for buying the best players for exorbitant fees, so this is a great opportunity to enjoy world-class football at its finest and soak up a truly electric atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating or commiserating afterwards, there are plenty of bars in the vicinity to grab a post-match drink.

    The stadium is easily accessible from several of Roomspace’s serviced apartments like Cuzco (10 minutes by bus) and the Las Tablas area, including Azofra (13 minutes by car), Camino de Santiago (14 minutes by car) and Grañón (15 minutes by car).

    4. Gran Via

    Leading from Calle de Alcala to Plaza de Espana, the Gran Via is a major shopping destination. Filled with well-known international retailers, there’s plenty of space on the wide pavements to enjoy a spot of window shopping or to admire the architecture before you head inside to update your wardrobe. Whatever your style, you’ll be able to choose from boutique clothing shops, handmade accessories, luxury brands or high-street fashion.

    Fuel your shopping spree with a wide choice of Spanish and international cuisine from a selection of restaurants and fast-food options to suit all budgets.

    As well as shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, you’ll also find bustling nightlife and some of the most famous buildings in Spain running along this main artery.

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    The stadium is easily accessible from several of Roomspace’s serviced apartments like Cuzco (10 minutes by bus) and the Las Tablas area, including Azofra (13 minutes by car), Camino de Santiago (14 minutes by car) and Grañón (15 minutes by car).

    5. National Museum of Science and Technology

    With a collection of over 17,000 scientific instruments, technological devices, vehicles, machines and industrial tools, you’re sure to find something fascinating here if you’re interested in science and technology. The Madrid museum houses a library, archive and warehouse, with items dating as far back as the 16th century.

    Ideal for a rainy day in Madrid, the museum also hosts educational workshops and a planetarium and, best of all, it’s free to enter!

    The National Museum of Science and Technology is close to Roomspaces’ Las Tablas apartments (9 minutes by car) and Arturo Soria (15 minutes by car).

    Buen Viaje!

    Whether you’re visiting for tourism or business, we hope you enjoy your travel and find plenty of things to do in Madrid. If you do get the opportunity to visit the many landmarks and tourist attractions of this historic city, we’d love to hear how you got on and what you’d add to our list!

    If you have any questions about Madrid or Roomspace’s serviced apartments, our team would be happy to help – just give us a call or drop us an email.

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  • 4 Ways Roomspace Uses Technology to Enhance Guest Experience in Our Serviced Apartments

    4 Ways Roomspace Uses Technology to Enhance Guest Experience in Our Serviced Apartments

    4 Ways Roomspace Uses Technology to Enhance Guest Experience in Our Serviced Apartments

    November 7, 2022

    A lot has changed since Roomspace was established in 1995. In this post we look at the cutting-edge technology which has made us a leading operator in the serviced accommodation sector with more than 100,000 satisfied guests.

    1. Checking in with our guests regularly

    Our all-in-one property management system, res:harmonics, delivers the essential tools for high performance operations and excellent customer service. The platform enables automated email distribution sent from Roomspace to our clients. Automation is great for user experience, allowing us to send various emails to each guest, according to the stage they’re at in their stay.

    At Roomspace, we send an email to the guest at the time of booking, followed by contact through email and phone interactions before their stay. We also send post-stay emails personalised with the guest’s name, reminding guests that we value each one of them.

    “Working with Roomspace is a real pleasure. A pioneer in the serviced apartment world, Roomspace always delivers exceptional guest experience. res:harmonics software is specifically designed to help them take guest experience to the next level.”

    Giles Horwitch-Smith, CEO and Founder of res:harmonics

    2. Offering exclusive promo codes for new and returning customers

    Promo codes are a great way to give something back to our guests and bring in new clients. They provide incentives to engage with our services, whilst encouraging return customers to remain loyal to the brand.

    With res:harmonics PMS, we create exclusive promotional codes and easily apply them at the time of booking via our website. To check out our latest promotions, please visit our specials page here.

    3. A personal touch to your stay

    Our Customer Relationship Management system enables us to better manage customer interactions by keeping guest communications centralised across the company. Gone are the days of having to trawl through different mailboxes and systems to piece together issues and solve customers’ concerns.

    A modern CRM allows us to better manage guest interactions, provide support and maintain reliable systems and processes.

    4. Simplifying the booking process through efficient website integration

    The Roomspace website is constantly developed by website4bookings, a digital marketing portal which helps accommodation specialists with their online presence. By integrating res:harmonics software as the backbone structure for our website, website4bookings has created a bespoke website design that suits Roomspace’s brand and provides a smooth guest experience.

    The Property Management System is integrated to automatically populate information entered into the system and feed to our website and sales channels, such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Similarly, our website quotation portal automatically updates information from res:harmonics PMS regarding availability, special offers and amenities for each of our properties.

    This allows us to provide up-to-date information about our apartments to our customers, so that they are better informed when making a booking through our website.

    The cathedral regularly hosts local art exhibitions, cinema viewings and family events, for a wonderful summer evening in Guildford!

    4. G Live

    G Live is the main entertainment hall in Guildford, only a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The venue often hosts events such as live concerts and dance sessions, as well as theatre and comedy performances from local and national artists.

    Whether you want to unwind watching Casablanca or dance along to your favourite 90s Hits, G Live is the place to be!

    5. Stoke Park

    Stoke Park is Guilford’s largest park, with 52 hectares of land!

    With panoramic views of Guildford, a recently restored Japanese garden and even a paddling pool for those hot summer days!

    This wonderfully natural park is also a Green Flag award winner, offering high standards of service and a variety of events for children and adults alike. From a wide skate park range to daily mini-golf sessions between £4.75 (adults) and £13.45 (families), Stoke Park is perfect for families, couples and even business travellers looking for a day to unwind in nature.

    There are two kiosks in Stoke Park offering food and ice creams – and a direct view of the model boating pond!

    All venues described above are within 30 minutes (either by foot or by bus) from Roomspace’s Abbot’s Yard and Westnye House serviced apartments.

  • Five Things to do in Guildford When You Stay in a Serviced Apartment

    Five Things to do in Guildford When You Stay in a Serviced Apartment

    Five Things to do in Guildford When You Stay in a Serviced Apartment

    November 7, 2022

    Guildford is a vibrant town in southwest London. With plenty of restaurants, entertainment venues and sports facilities, it’s the perfect place for a family weekend away or to unwind during a business trip.

    With over 150,000 residents, Guildford is known for its lively atmosphere and safe environment for solo, couple and group travellers. Its central Surrey location means that Guildford provides a good balance between rural and urban landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy the diversity of Southwest UK.

    If you’re looking for relocation opportunities in and around Guildford, Roomspace serviced apartments are a great option for short- and long-term stays.

    1. Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex

    Guildford Spectrum provides swimming, ice-skating, bowling and fitness opportunities for visitors of all ages, with a variety of activities ideal for a family or a team-bonding exercise.

    The Spectrum hosts sports classes and clubs, from outdoor football and squash to gymnastics and dance. Visitors can also find an Olympic-size ice rink, where activities such as ice-skating classes and dancing-on-ice sessions (including wheelchair-on-ice) are held all year round, welcoming thousands of visitors every week!

    If a relaxing day out is what you’re looking for, the Spectrum also offers Tenpin Bowling sessions for as little as £12 – with food and drinks available on-site. You can often take part in themed nights or special games – just make sure to prebook online. The Spectrum also houses four different sized swimming pools – all supervised by a lifeguard – where children and adults can enjoy the venue regardless of their swimming abilities.

    2. The Mount

    The Mount is part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty, and a 7-minute walk from the town centre, making it the ideal place for a day out in nature.

    After walking to the top of the hill, you can take in astonishing views of Guildford, enjoy a picnic at sunset and even spot a skylark or two along the way! The Mount is particularly appealing during the spring and summer periods, when visitors are often seen hiking in groups and enjoying the beautiful outdoors that the southwest can offer.

    Finding yourself amidst the breeze and the sunlight, you’re sure to see The Mount as a natural stress reliever!

    3. Guildford Cathedral

    A popular tourist attraction in Guildford, you can find Guildford Cathedral right next to the University of Surrey campus.

    Built in 1936 (with construction disrupted by the Second World War) and completed in 1961, the cathedral is known for its modern architecture. The traditional Catholic-style stained-glass windows were replaced with simpler, clear glazing to provoke a subtle effect from the outdoor light. The three glass angels inside the cathedral were created by artist John Hutton, whose globally renowned work also includes Coventry Cathedral and the Shakespeare Centre.

    The cathedral regularly hosts local art exhibitions, cinema viewings and family events, for a wonderful summer evening in Guildford!

    4. G Live

    G Live is the main entertainment hall in Guildford, only a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The venue often hosts events such as live concerts and dance sessions, as well as theatre and comedy performances from local and national artists.

    Whether you want to unwind watching Casablanca or dance along to your favourite 90s Hits, G Live is the place to be!

    5. Stoke Park

    Stoke Park is Guilford’s largest park, with 52 hectares of land!

    With panoramic views of Guildford, a recently restored Japanese garden and even a paddling pool for those hot summer days!

    This wonderfully natural park is also a Green Flag award winner, offering high standards of service and a variety of events for children and adults alike. From a wide skate park range to daily mini-golf sessions between £4.75 (adults) and £13.45 (families), Stoke Park is perfect for families, couples and even business travellers looking for a day to unwind in nature.

    There are two kiosks in Stoke Park offering food and ice creams – and a direct view of the model boating pond!

    All venues described above are within 30 minutes (either by foot or by bus) from Roomspace’s Abbot’s Yard and Westnye House serviced apartments.

  • Five Things to do in Bracknell When you Stay in a Serviced Apartment

    Five Things to do in Bracknell When you Stay in a Serviced Apartment

    Five Things to do in Bracknell When you Stay in a Serviced Apartment

    November 7, 2022

    When you’re staying in one of Roomspace’s serviced apartments, there are always plenty of things to do nearby – and our accommodation in Bracknell is no exception! Whether you’re staying on your own for business, travelling with your family or organising a team event, Roomspace has you covered with these top five activities.

    1. The Lookout Discovery Centre

    If you’re visiting Bracknell with young family, The Lookout is not to be missed. With a great playground, a café and plenty of woodland walking trails, you’ll easily be able to pass a few hours here outdoors. Building an Eeyore den in the woods near the playground is always a popular activity!

    If the weather’s less kind, there’s plenty to do indoors as well. The fun, educational activities are organised into six zones, each containing interactive science exhibits. A family ticket for four is under £23 and there’s car parking on site.

    Sharing a carpark with The Lookout, and more suited to business or leisure travellers, is Swinley Forest. Consisting of over 2,600 acres of gentle hills, Swinley Forest boasts over 15 miles of destination mountain biking trails. Suitable for riders of all abilities, the green trails are for the more cautious rider and the red trails are for those that prefer their adventures to come with steep climbs and sheer drops. You can hire a bike, stop to buy kit or make some quick repairs to your own bike at the Bike Hub.

    The Lookout is just an eight-minute drive from our Bracknell apartments. Outdoor activities are free, apart from a small parking fee.

    2. Puzzalogical Escape Rooms

    Whether for family fun or team building, an escape room is guaranteed to have you all working together. Suitable for teams of up to six, these fully immersive rooms require you to find clues and solve puzzles to escape from a locked room. There are three standard rooms and seven VR rooms to choose from, with just one hour to secure your escape.

    For business guests, there are corporate packages and conference facilities available – if you manage to escape! Each escape room encourages better communication, group discussion, teamwork, friendly competition and skill development. As the venue is located in the city centre, you’ll be able to continue the team building over post-escape drinks or a meal nearby.

    You’ll find the escape rooms just a three-minute walk from your apartment. If you enjoy this experience, you’ll find more escape rooms near our other serviced apartments in London!

    3. Parks and Outdoor Spaces

    For those in Bracknell for business, you can’t go far wrong exploring some of the many parks and outdoor spaces that Bracknell has to offer. Perfect for winding down after work, taking a break when you’ve been working from your apartment or getting back to nature, there are plenty of green spaces nearby and, best of all, they’re all free to access.

    Lily park, a six-minute drive away, comprises 56 acres of restored heritage parkland and gardens, with a yew tree walk, traditional orchard, woodland, formal gardens, an array of wildlife, an oak sculpture, a story-telling throne and the longest picnic bench in England! Alternatively, you might like to explore Mill Park (a five-minute drive) for its lakeside walks and fishing, or Westmorland Park (a seven-minute drive) for its recreational activities.

    You can enjoy the convenience of serviced apartments in London with the open parks and green spaces you associate with Berkshire.

    4. Moss End Garden Village

    Moss End Garden Village is a garden centre with a twist. Alongside the usual garden centre offering, it also hosts local independent retailers, family activities and food and drink outlets. There’s a birds of prey centre, antiques barn, aquariums, a reptile centre and a board game café, among other attractions.

    Of course, in England the weather doesn’t always play fair and it’s sensible to have a back-up plan for when it’s wet and wild outside. Top of the Pots is a pottery painting studio within the garden centre, where you can unleash your creativity and forget about the rain lashing down outside. It’s ideal for amusing the kids for a few hours or making something for your family, to show them that you were thinking of them during your business trip.

    Moss End Garden Village is an eight-minute drive away from your accommodation in Bracknell, with on-site parking.

    5. Go Ape

    More than just a kids’ activity, Go Ape has plenty of potential for team building as well. For kids looking for adventure, there are the usual tree-top activities for all ages. For those who prefer to bond closer to the ground, there are also axe-throwing activities or forest segways available.

    Explore the forest trails on two wheels or release your inner warrior to show off your skill in hurling an axe at a target. Both activities include basic training and a safety briefing before you’re let loose with your colleagues to have fun as a team.

    Go Ape can host corporate team days and parties, so as long as the weather’s kind you’re bound to have a day to remember.

    The site is just an eight-minute drive from your Roomspace serviced apartment.

    Ready to go?

    When you’re looking for self-catering accommodation in Berkshire, it’s well worth considering Roomspace’s serviced apartments in Bracknell. Combining luxurious accommodation, a plethora of great things to do in the local area and easy access to central London, they’re the perfect option for business travellers, young families and leisure guests alike. Contact the Roomspace team today to discuss your needs.

  • Why You Should Book a Serviced Apartment for Your Next Family Holiday

    Why You Should Book a Serviced Apartment for Your Next Family Holiday

    Why You Should Book a Serviced Apartment for Your Next Family Holiday

    November 7, 2022

    Making all the arrangements for a family holiday can be daunting task. Defining your budget, arranging daytime activities that will suit everyone, considering transport to and from venues you’d like to explore… there are a lot of boxes to tick!

    Fortunately, booking a serviced apartment means that there’s less to think about. Roomspace’s serviced apartments are designed with our guests in mind – with a fully equipped kitchen, unlimited Wi-Fi and luxurious beds as standard.

    Central locations

    All of Roomspace’s apartments are central to locations of interest – both locally and in the wider area. Our London apartments are close to various museums and the Tower of London, while our Bracknell apartments offer mountain biking and an escape room venue only minutes away.

    For those interested in arts and culture, our Lisbon apartments are surrounded by tourist spots and restaurants and are within minutes of the coastline. The Madrid apartments are close to the Palacio Real and – for the football fans out there – are a 10-15 minute drive to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, home to the Real Madrid football team!

    Knowledge of the local area

    Our team members are based around the city, so our knowledge of the local area, both as a business and as individuals, is evident when we discuss our locations with others.

    We use our knowledge to enhance our guests’ experiences, offering recommendations for restaurants and entertainment venues as well as explaining transport links to landmarks and other points of interest. We make every effort to tailor our services to you, encouraging exploration of the local area throughout your stay.

    Value for money

    Serviced apartments are 30% bigger than hotel rooms, on average. While facilities in a hotel room consist of a mini fridge, kettle, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries, Roomspace serviced apartments offer all that plus a fully equipped kitchen, unlimited WiFi and a Smart TV. This is, in part, because hotel rooms are designed for overnight and short stays, while serviced apartments can be booked for as long as necessary – with the resources to fit your needs and preferences throughout the stay.

    Accommodation experts available 24/7

    Every day is a busy day for hotel staff, catering to thousands of people every night and rarely able to help with non-urgent requests over the phone. Despite their best efforts, there are simply not enough staff to offer support for each individual demand – many of which can come at short notice.

    By comparison, serviced apartment providers offer on-hand support at every moment of the day (or night!), by introducing the Guest Services team into the mix. This team is dedicated to providing support to you during your stay, whether it’s dealing with an unexpected problem or delivering a baby cot for their infant. Guests can call Guest Services at any time and the team will always be available to answer questions or concerns.

    Pet friendly apartments

    Serviced apartments are made for everyone, including our furry friends!

    Accommodation providers will often have strict requirements surrounding pets staying in the property, always keeping guests in mind by taking noise and allergies into account. With several pet-friendly apartments in our inventory, we always do our best to provide high-quality services to both our pet-guardian guests and those checking in after their stay.

    Our high standards of cleanliness mean that our apartments are already immaculate, with weekly housekeeping available to guests as a standard. But our Operations team takes particular care with pet-friendly apartments, with a one-off charge at the time of booking designed to support additional pet cleaning after the guest’s stay. This includes a deep-clean of the apartment, from key touch points (such as door handles and kitchen tables) to furniture and carpet cleaning.

    We make every effort to ensure that no one is excluded from a great experience!

    Want to find out more?

    Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a two-week family holiday, serviced apartments offer everything you need to have a great time exploring the city. Make memories passing on family recipes in our fully-equipped kitchen or catching up on your favourite TV show after a long hike in the countryside. With Roomspace serviced apartments, you can do it all!

  • Why You Should Book a Serviced Apartment For Your Next Business Trip

    Why You Should Book a Serviced Apartment For Your Next Business Trip

    Why You Should Book a Serviced Apartment For Your Next Business Trip

    November 7, 2022

    When it comes to booking business travel accommodations, you have a lot of options. But when considering location, budget and service, too many possibilities can be overwhelming.

    In this article, we have compiled our top tips to keep in mind when deciding on accommodation for your next business trip.

    1. Know what your options are…

    Hotels need little explanation; we’ve most likely all stayed in one. Hotels are designed for short-term stays, providing a room with basic amenities such as toiletries and kitchen essentials included as standard.

    Compared to hotels, longer rental flats provide their visitors a greater level of privacy. Apartment rentals are frequently the most practical choice when making reservations for stays longer than six months. But while you have more room than a hotel room, you will also be responsible for cleaning, maintenance and service bills throughout your stay.

    Serviced apartments combine the best both worlds. The apartments typically range from studio to three bedrooms and are approximately 30% larger than a hotel room. When booking a serviced apartment, you will often get a furnished apartment including amenities like weekly housekeeping, an in-house washer/dryer and a fully equipped kitchen.

    2. Why choose when you can have it all?

    A swimming pool and a bar sound great! But on a business trip, the things that make your trip easier are privacy and unlimited, high-speed WiFi. Serviced apartments also provide spacious rooms for each period of the day – separate spaces for working, sleeping and relaxing, making them an excellent choice for both short- and long-term accommodation.

    Serviced apartments are often in central locations, within minutes from various restaurants, tourist attractions and entertainment venues. Providers may also offer desks on request and recommend apartments near coworking spaces, with direct transport links to business hubs – ideal for corporate travel.

    3. Consider the corporate booking efficiencies

    You need an accommodation provider you can trust.

    Serviced apartment providers typically offer involved guest support, with a simple booking process and a quick response time. Serviced apartments allow for flexibility during your stay, with a cancellation policy and budget options that meet every guest’s needs. With a team always on-hand to help guests in the event of an unexpected delay, as well as weekly housekeeping and maintenance support, you are certain to find an apartment ideal for your next business trip.

    4. Specialists in accommodation for business travel

    Ask Apartment has been looking after our customers’ corporate accommodation needs for over 25 years.

    Our hassle-free booking process and high standards of service reflect our expertise in the field and our team’s commitment to providing only high-quality serviced apartments for your next business trip.

    Our diverse portfolio of modern, spacious apartments across London and the home counties, Madrid and Lisbon offer an alternative to hotels and rentals. Ask Apartment serviced apartments are ideal for business travel, whether you’re commuting to work or working from home.

    Work from your own space, unwind after a long day or provide a coworking space for your team – with Ask Apartment, you can do it all.

  • Enjoy Halloween Activities near a Roomspace Serviced Apartment

    Enjoy Halloween Activities near a Roomspace Serviced Apartment

    Enjoy Halloween Activities near a Roomspace Serviced Apartment

    November 7, 2022

    As Halloween approaches, now’s the time to start planning your entertainment.

    Staying at one of our serviced apartments in Europe means that you’ll be ideally positioned to enjoy the best Halloween activities in its top cities. Whether you’re looking for a spooky experience that will have you screaming in terror or you just need a pumpkin to carve your Jack-o’-lantern, we have you covered.

    Halloween Activities in London

    Tulley’s Pumpkin Farm

    Tulley’s famous Shocktober Fest combines special effects, live actors and immersive scenery at what’s billed as Europe’s largest scream park. Suitable for over-15s, there are terrifying attractions, fairground rides, food and more. With people travelling across the country to experience it, this is definitely one to book in advance.

    For a less spooky experience, the farm also offers pumpkin picking – you can go during the day, as expected, but you can also choose the Pumpkin Night experience, with street food, cocktails, craft beer and live music. Whatever your scare threshold, there’s something for everyone!

    Tulley’s is a 23-minute drive from our Trinity House apartments.

    Haunted Prison Inside the Tower of London!

    Where better to spend the spookiest time of year than walking around the infamous prison grounds inside the Tower of London!

    Meet ghosts from past inmates roaming the halls of the Tower and listen to the stories from the Duke of Clarence and others who were last seen alive inside the prison. Add some projected images and creepy sound effects and you have a recipe for a family-friendly Halloween haunting!

    Combining fun and education, you’ll be able to spot ghosts as you tour Traitor’s Gate, the scaffold – site of famous beheadings – and the Bloody Tower. Download the ghost guide and book tickets in advance.

    The Tower of London is only a 5-minute walk, or a 13-minute drive from our River House and Sterling House apartments, respectively.

    If you enjoy this experience, why not investigate some of the other London museums near to our serviced apartments?

    Halloween Activities in London

    Zombie Night Run

    Back for a seventh year, 31st October 2022 sees Lisbon’s Zombie Night Run take place at the University Stadium of Lisbon. Runners wearing masks flee from zombies and avoid the scares as they pace the course trying not to get caught. With three options – an 8km run, 4km walk or kids race – the focus is on fun over fitness and offers a truly alternative Halloween experience, whether you’re in Lisbon with family or a team of colleagues.

    The stadium is 17 minutes from our Castle View apartments by public transport.

    Hard Rock Café

    Lisbon’s Hard Rock Café will be decorated for Halloween and has events for both adults and children. On 31st October, solo travellers, friends and colleagues can enjoy the DJ set and a competition for the most terrifying mask. Halloween breakfast the next day is aimed firmly at children. Throughout the week, there’s a special Halloween menu, including a Voodoo Burger and an Evil Eye Cocktail.

    Helpfully located near your family holiday accommodation, the Hard Rock Café is a nine-minute walk from our Castle View apartments and an eight-minute drive from our Riverview apartments.

    Halloween Activities in Madrid

    Parque de Attracciones

    Families, friends and couples will all enjoy the terrifying ghosts, zombies, witches and monsters at Parque de Atracciones. Halloween activities include shows, parades, horror passages and performances to get your adrenaline rushing. There are also less frightening goings-on planned for younger children, to ensure that they can enjoy the Halloween season too.

    On top of the Halloween offering, you’ll be able to make the most of the rest of the theme park too. Divided into four zones, you’ll find plenty of thrill rides and other attractions that will ensure that this Halloween is one to remember.

    Bring your camera to make the most of those photo opportunities and get some snaps for the family album – or Instagram!

    Parque de Atracciones is less than a 30-minute drive from all of our Madrid apartments, with the Sandoval apartment just 17 minutes away.

    Questo City Exploration

    Questo is an app-based city tour game. The Ghosts of Madrid version will take you to all of Madrid’s haunted hotspots. Follow the tour on your smartphone to discover the chilling and terrifying tales of the city, solving puzzles, riddles and clues along the way. Set your own pace, with the average game lasting 90 minutes, and discover the creepy history around you.

    Taking in some of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Literary Quarter, Puerta del Sol and Prado Museum, will you succeed at your mission or will the ghosts get the better of you? Either way, it’s a fun way to discover the city at Halloween.

    After a tiring exploration of the city, and a spooky night to remember, it will be a relief to return to your safe and secure Roomspace apartment.

    The tour starts a 14-minute drive from our Sandoval apartment or you can get there in 15 minutes on public transport.

    Enjoy spooky season!

    Of course, if all this Halloween excitement is too much for you, you can avoid the terror by staying safely in your serviced apartment. With a Smart TV and fully equipped kitchen, you can avoid spooky season altogether if you’re not a fan of ghost and ghouls. You might even feel cosy enough to curl up on the sofa with a scary film!

    Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a hardcore horror fan, there’s Halloween fun to be had across Europe when you stay at a Roomspace serviced apartment. But of course, you’re welcome throughout the year and you’ll never be bored! Find out more about our locations and places to visit – we look forward to welcoming you soon!

  • Venue of the Month: Boxpark Croydon | Roomspace

    Venue of the Month: Boxpark Croydon | Roomspace

    Venue of the Month: Boxpark Croydon | Roomspace

    November 4, 2022

    If you’re in the Croydon area and looking for something to do this weekend, then Boxpark might just be the place for you!

    When you’re staying in one of our serviced apartments in Croydon, you have a fantastic choice of entertainment venues right on your doorstep. And whether you’re organising an after-work social event or having a leisurely lunch on your own, there’s something for everyone at Boxpark.

    What is Boxpark?

    For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, Boxpark hosts pop-up food and drinks venues in over 90 converted storage containers, positioned around a covered central atrium where visitors can eat and drink together. It’s relaxed and family-friendly until 8pm, with a livelier crowd enjoying the late evenings. Boxpark certainly ticks a lot of boxes if you’re looking for things to do in Croydon!

    Food and Drink

    Whether you’re visiting our accommodation in Croydon with family or staying at our serviced apartments on your own, at Boxpark Croydon you can choose from almost every cuisine imaginable. Current options include street food from Italy, Argentina, Taiwan, Mexico, Korea, Greece, Malaysia, Thailand, America, the Philippines, Brazil and of course the UK. With just as many options for sweets and desserts, plus a bar and a juicery, there really is something for everyone.

    Events

    There are regular events at the 2,000-capacity venue, including film and sports screenings, live music, workshops, exhibitions and comedy nights. Best of all, the majority of events are free to enter! There’s also a roster of resident DJs – it’s worth checking out the upcoming events to see what’s going on when you’re staying at Roomspace’s serviced apartments in Croydon.

    Business

    Boxpark is also ideal for a business gathering. You can hold an informal meeting or simply treat your team to post-work drinks with many long, communal tables. There are also opportunities for team building, with previous options including virtual reality baseball and table football.

    Bad Axe Throwing, described by their team as “the world’s best urban axe throwing bar!” is currently the largest entertainment venue inside Boxpark. While axe throwing may not be your first thought when planning a team-building event, Bad Axe Throwing’s friendly coaches ensure that even your most quiet members are energised, competitive, and collaborative.

    With music, food and drinks available throughout the day, Boxpark is the polar opposite of a stuffy meeting room and offers an ideal venue for a casual team gathering or an amazing team-building experience!

    Leisure

    If it’s time to relax with your family, Boxpark offers food for even the fussiest eaters and a regular half-term crafts table. Even better, no-one will bat an eyelid if the kids are a bit noisy – this is relaxed street food, not fine dining. Similarly, you can grab a meal on your own without feeling out of place. Boxpark does away with the decision-making if you’re out in a couple or a group – you don’t all need to choose the same restaurant, because you can buy your food from different outlets and still sit together to eat.

    Where is it?

    Ideally positioned outside East Croydon mainline station, it’s the perfect spot to stop off on your way back from work. Our Vertex House apartments are an 11-minute walk away and our Park Lane apartments are an eight minute walk away, meaning that you won’t need to go out of your way to find somewhere to eat.

    East Croydon station has frequent trains into London and towards the south coast, making Boxpark an easy place to enjoy some food wherever you’ve been during the day – or just to grab a drink while you wait for a train. Alternatively, if you’ve stayed local, it’s also close to the town centre with its retail malls and co-working spaces.

    When you’re ready to head back, there’s a taxi rank right outside the station if you’re feeling a bit worse for wear and don’t fancy the short walk!

    Fancy booking a serviced apartment in Croydon?

    When you’re staying at one of our serviced apartments in Croydon, there are plenty of food, drink and entertainment options close by. One thing’s for sure – you won’t go hungry or thirsty!

    For those of you that need your accommodation to be more central, we also have serviced apartments in London. If you need help picking the right location, the Roomspace team is on hand to provide all the information you need to make the decision.