| Traveling the world in stylish boutique hotels is | | | | Florence is a beautiful city and you'll definitely enjoy |
| definitely high on my list of priorities. However, in | | | | being on the streets living La Dolce Vita instead of in |
| some destinations renting an apartment or villa for | | | | your hotel suite. I used The Smart Cactus to find a |
| your holiday can be a better choice. For instance, if | | | | beautiful apartment within walking distance on the |
| you choose a city that you are truly going to want | | | | city center. The cost per week is about $1,250 which |
| to explore, instead of a getaway where the main | | | | compared to paying $2,030 per week at the |
| focus is to sit near the pool all day, then finding the | | | | Lungarno or $2,450 at JK Place. |
| perfect apartment or villa should be on your list. A | | | | Example 3 |
| great example of this is the amazing city of Buenos | | | | Where: St. Bart's, Caribbean |
| Aires. Hip hotels in the Palermo district are | | | | # of People: One Couple (2 people) |
| inexpensive ($125-175/night). But, renting a luxury | | | | Duration: One Week (not Christmas/New Years) |
| apartment in the Palermo district is just as easy and | | | | A great way to enjoy St. Bart's is by renting a villa. |
| even more affordable (especially if you are doing a | | | | They're typically tucked away in the hillside with |
| mini-retirement for a month or more). I explored this | | | | spectacular views (from their private pools) of the |
| option and found that I could rent a beautiful | | | | surrounding islands such as Anguilla. I found a beautiful |
| 1-bedroom apartment for $500 per week and $1,200 | | | | luxury villa on the Villa Caribe website for |
| per month through a company called Buenos Aires | | | | $2,500-$4,000 per week for all weeks (except Xmas |
| Habitat. In this case, renting an apartment is almost | | | | New Years). The Eden Rock luxury hotel's cheapest |
| one third of the cost compared to staying in a | | | | rates range from $4,585-$6,426 for one week. |
| boutique hotel. Now, I know South America is | | | | Tips for Not Getting Screwed or Surprised |
| ridiculously inexpensive, so I came up with a few | | | | * When choosing an apartment to rent, ask for |
| more examples in other destinations around the | | | | references of people that you can contact that have |
| world. | | | | actually stayed in the villa or apartment that you are |
| Example 1 | | | | interested in. |
| Where: Cape Town, South Africa | | | | * Rent from a company rather than an individual. |
| # of People: Two Couples (4 people total) | | | | * Make sure you read the agreement. Are utilities, |
| Duration: 1 Week | | | | linens, towels, maid service etc.. included? |
| Cape Town is perfect for a beach getaway with | | | | * Confirm that they have wi-fi/internet access and air |
| friends. I used Cape Town Villas and found a two | | | | conditioning/heating? (Dont' assume they do) |
| bedroom villa directly on the beach 30 meters from | | | | * Is there parking available? |
| Camps Bay Beach for $283-591 per night depending | | | | * In what area of the city is it located? Check the |
| on the season (remember this can be split between | | | | area thoroughly to make sure you're exactly where |
| the two couples). Now, the luxurious boutique hotel | | | | you want to be. |
| 12 Apostles Hotel (also located in Camps Bay) is | | | | * Print a copy of your agreement and keep it with |
| $645-$1567 per night per couple! | | | | you. |
| Example 2 | | | | * Ask if there are any additional charges. |
| Where: Florence, Italy | | | | * Ask for the rules regarding the deposit. Make sure |
| # of People: One Couple (2 people) | | | | you follow them to ensure you get the deposit back |
| Duration: One Week | | | | at the end of your stay. |