Saop Apartments

The Top Three Places to Visit in Bucharest

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:39:10 +0000

Once you’ve secured your Bucharest accommodation, the next question of course is: where to go, what to do? Whatever you do, seek out accommodation in Bucharest that is central and near a metro station. This is a large city of two million citizens and compared to many European capitals is very spread out. There are plenty of choices for short and long term accommodation in Bucharest in the city’s core that offer excellent access to the most intriguing tourist attractions.

Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei) became famous the world over when television networks aired Nicolae Ceausescu’s final moments as communist leader of Romania on December 21, 1989. Footage of the crowd assembling and turning against him has become the stuff of legend and one of the turning points in the fall of communism the world over. The National Art Museum is on the square, as is the Romanian Athenaeum and the historic Athenee Palace Hotel as well as some more affordable long and short term accommodation in Bucharest.

The Arch of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf) is a testament to the French architectural influence in Romania. The wooden arch is the center point to an avenue wider than the famed Champs Elysées in Paris. Built of wood, to honor the Romanian soldiers who fought in World War One in 1922, the Arch was finished in granite in 1936. The arch is a symbol of national pride to this day.

The Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului) is the remaining legacy of Nicolae Ceausescu and the communist era in Romania. It is the second largest administrative building in the world next to the Pentagon in Washington. Twenty thousand people and over seven hundred architects collaborated to construct it. With over eleven hundred rooms, the enormous palace was intended to be the headquarters for the ruling party. After Ceausescu’s fall it became the parliamentary headquarters and a conference center. Visitors to Bucharest will be dazzled by the immensity and prominence of this structure.

Each of these attractions is within the city’s core. The best and most affordable way to access them is probably by renting a downtown apartment and fanning out from there. There are tons of cheap choices for short and long term accommodation in Bucharest that are central and convenient.

Paris City of Light, Hotels or Apartment Rentals ?

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:02:20 +0000

The dramatic increase of French hotel prices over the past few years, especially in Paris, have led many tourists to shorten their holiday or simply pick other European destinations to spend their vacation.

However, some wise travellers have already pitched on a far more money-saving accommodation system which, it appears, may well become as popular as the traditional hotel business in the years to come.

Indeed, weekly apartment rental has become for many the best way to experience the city of lights without putting further strain on their holiday budget.

If the advantageous financial aspect of vacation rentals is a well-known fact, it is also the best way to live in the city just like one of its native inhabitants and forget about all the hassle of “not being at home”. Don’t want to go to the restaurant? You can have a romantic dinner at home! Don’t want to go to the bar? You can have a bottle of wine in your own private living room with your guests! It goes without saying that renting an apartment in the very heart of a city is certainly the closest way to experience Paris just like a true Parisian would.

Choosing your pied-à-terre in the city is now as simple as booking a hotel room and can be done in a few clicks. And with such a large choice of apartments or studios, travellers can now find an accommodation that will match their expectations in terms of size, budget or location, be it for adventurous backpackers or luxury travel addicts.

Paris Be A Part Of It

http://www.paris-be-a-part-of-it.com

How to Avoid Apartment Rental Scams on Craigslist

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:12:23 +0000

Are you looking for an affordable apartment to rent? If so, you may turn to Craigslist.org to start the search. Although you fill find cheap apartments on Craigslist, you may also find apartment rental scams. How can you avoid becoming a victim?

Never pay without first seeing the apartment in-person. A scammer doesn’t have an apartment to rent. They pretend they do. Since there is no actual apartment, they will come up with many reasons why you cannot view it ahead of time. Run, as it is likely a rental scam. If relocating, send a friend or associate to view the apartment for you. Unfortunately, frauds like to target those relocating because there is often a last minute rush to rent an apartment and because some renters do not have the chance to view an apartment beforehand.

Don’t fall victim to upfront fees. It is common for landlords to perform background checks on their tenants. However, many frauds are using this legitimate practice to steal money. They claim all potential tenants must undergo a background check, but that you must pay the fee. You handover the money and they disappear. Most legitimate property owners cover the cost of background checks themselves. If you are asked to pay the fee, handle everything yourself. State you will request and pay for your own background check. A scammer won’t like this. Or, ask to have the fee rolled into your first month’s rent, which you will pay after viewing the apartment.

Never give out your credit card information. Rent is paid in cash or checks. Don’t offer to make payment another way. In fact, be cautious of any “landlord,” who asks for your credit or debit card number. Once again, they may use the background check as an excuse. Don’t do it! A landlord does not need your credit card information. Anyone who pressures you for this information is doing nothing more than trying to scam you.

Most importantly, look for a local contact number. Long distance landlords typically employee a local resident to collect rent checks, show the property, make repairs, and so forth. This individual may be a part-time or full-time caretaker. You will contact this individual to make an appointment to see the apartment. Make sure the number is semi-local.