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What are the best areas of Bangkok to rent? What facilities and services can I expect from a Bangkok serviced apartment? What are the best and worst serviced apartments in Bangkok? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and much more in my simple and easy guide to renting a serviced apartment in Bangkok for expats and travelers.

Bangkok is the Center of Southeast Asia

As the commercial center of Thailand and the hub of business and leisure travel within Southeast Asia, Bangkok has exceptional hotels of all kinds catering to the business elite and casual traveler.

Recently, a new kind of accommodation has gained favor with business executives on short stays in Bangkok–the luxury serviced apartment. With increased commercial expansion over the past several years, serviced apartments are quickly becoming the favorite choice of living style for their affordable luxury.

What is a Serviced Apartment?

The serviced part of the equation usually refers to the daily or twice weekly cleaning of your room, the furniture, kitchen amenities and so on that normal apartments do not include. Some service apartments also function as hotels, and these are called Aparthotels.

What’s So Special About Bangkok Serviced Apartments?

Real estate and relocation agents believe Bangkok has the most number of sophisticated apartments the world has to offer. There are not just one or two luxurious apartments, but close to 50. This is because skilled labor is cheap in thailand, and the city itself is a major business hub for the southeast asia region.

Renting a serviced apartment in bangkok can be a daunting task for several reasons–the primary one being there are so many ‘fine print’ and extra costs involved when signing a weekly, monthly or yearly contract.

I have been living in Bangkok for a few years now, and have gone through several serviced apartments, learning on the way which ’services’ are included and what to expect from your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok’s City Plan

The Bangkok Jungle has several meanings, one of them being that the city was never built with a city plan or urban design in mind. The city is a sprawling landscape, a montage of residential and commercial buildings juxtaposing one another. It is home to 10 to 15 million people, depending on who is arriving from the rural country and abroad. The people as well, from poor to affluent, live side by side.

The city itself is lopsided; if you look down any major road in bangkok, you will see that both sides of the road arent balanced, building heights are different, and there is an overall lack of symmetry. This is what makes Bangkok unique and charming. And what makes it a jungle.

The Best Areas To Live In Bangkok

Bangkok contains inexpensive to exclusive apartments, but the best ones are found in the following regions of Bangkok:

Sukhumvit, the main road or artery of Bangkok

Asok, one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live

Thong Lo, the chic and fashionable street,

Sathorn, the business district of Bangkok

Silom, another business and red light district

Ploenchit, business district

Chit Lom, business district

The areas listed above are all within easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, trains, skytrains, and expressways. If you choose to live in one of these areas, you will experience life in the center of Bangkok’s thriving business and shopping centres while indulging in an ultra private serviced apartment in Bangkok. I personally recommend Asok and Chit Lom, as they are the classiest areas of Bangkok, but if you are looking to be close to the night markets Silom is perfect, and Sukhumvit is always a colorful experience.

Facilities and Services of Typical Bangkok Serviced Apartments

These vary between the different types of apartments and condos, but a standard of excellence has been establlished from the increasing competition among serviced apartments. Facilities and services are upgraded regularly to keep up with rival residences. However, before investing in a serviced apartment, be sure to check if these services and facilities are available.

5 Services That Should Be Included Free of Charge:

Room Cleaning

Water/Utilities

Internet Usage

24 Hour Security

Room Service/Errand Boy

4 Facilities That Should Be Included

Restaurant

Gym

Pool

Convenience Store

The Loopholes: Length of Stay, Deposits and Electricity

If you are staying for a month or year, the serviced apartment may charge you for electricity. Make sure that you negotiate this price to 6.5 Baht/Unit. A lot of times the apartment owners will charge 8 Baht/Unit for more profit. They only pay 3 or 4 Baht/Unit.

Be careful when signing leases; most require a 2 month deposit, and if you move out before your contract is finished you forfeit this deposit.

Make sure the serviced apartment has a laundry service, either in house or out of house. Most serviced apartments have coin operated laundry rooms as well as pick up services. More deluxe suites will have washing machine in the room. Note that most places do not have dryers.

How much Should I Pay?

This is a difficult question to answer, but the more facilities a serviced apartment has, the more it will cost. If a serviced apartment has a pool, gym and also functions as a 24 hour hotel, then the monthly price will be above 30,000 Baht.

Location also has a large part to do with cost of a bangkok serviced apartment. If you are staying in an area not close to skytrain or subway access, your price will be much lower. Conversely, staying in the business districts of Silom or trendy spots like Ekkamai or Thonglor will raise your monthly rent.

Which Serviced Apartment Should I Choose?

The serviced apartment market in Bangkok is lead by three groups, The President Group, The Ascott Group, and Centre Point. Most of them offer first class accomodation and have a decent system of serving their customers. However, there are numerous independent serviced apartments to choose from.

The 2 Worst Serviced Apartments in Bangkok

Ascott Bangkok Sathorn

There have been several articles written in trade journals about the decline in service at the once famous and most prestigious serviced apartment in Bangkok. Once known for attention to customer relations, their lack of it is now glaringly obvious to everyone who stays there. This place is an example of a chain serviced apartment becoming too much like a corporation with no human touch of service.

Lebua

Rumor is their staff is very untrustworthy. Read the trade journals and ‘google’ the residence for reviews.

Top 2 Most Luxurious Bangkok Serviced Apartments

Siri Sathorn Apartments

Siri Sathorn is a five-star luxury `boutique` property which epitomises private and elegant living in a residential setting. It is a concept of the perfect home which appeals to international traveller. This place caters to Japanese clientelle but of course is open to everyone.

Fraser Place Urbana Langusan

They have an exclusive 45-metre driveway leading from the main road to the serviced residence for great privacy. They also have some of the best services and customer relations I have ever experienced, pampered is the only word that comes to mind

Best Value Bangkok Serviced Apartments

Silom Convent Garden

Newly built in November 2006, this chic serviced apartment is located in the Silom-Sathorn area but has some of the cheapest rates for this business and night market district. For 36,000 Baht/$1000 a month you can have a 38 square meter, 1 bedroom, fully furnished luxurious apartment complete with full kitchen, washer machine, flat screen tv, and rain shower. The only drawback is the place doesn’t have a pool or gym, but thats the reason the price is so low and why its one of the best values in Bangkok.

If you are still undecided whether to have a stay in Bangkok on your next trip, it was just recently announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to make Bangkok a “paradise” city. The article from the Bangkok Post states the BMA will establish a fund to address trash, pollution and traffic problems. Now is the time to take your next vacation or business trip to Bangkok, as life couldn’t get any better in the City of Angels!

Rental apartments in Denmark are easier to get these days. Individuals, who look forward to touring abroad and seeking property on rent, may hope to do so in Denmark. Rental apartments in Denmark are available with a number of in-house facilities. By renting any of the apartments in Denmark, individuals get to enhance their standard of living. Below are the details of few rental apartments in Denmark:

Rental Apartments in Denmark-Accommodations

Grand Danish rental apartment, Copenhagen City

The Grand Danish among rental apartments in Denmark is newly refurbished in Copenhagen. This highly renovated and impressive apartment is 2 minutes away from Kongens Nytorv, which is popular as The King’s New Square. Inside the apartment, there are three living rooms, each displaying parquet wooden floors. The apartment has fireplace spread across 193-sqm floor area. The apartment features single grand bedroom. Adjacent to the bedroom is a ‘chamber’ that you may use either as office or as additional bedroom. The Grand Danish, a property for rental apartments in Denmark, has modern bathroom with tiling. The bathroom includes a shower cabin. Kitchen in the apartment has modern appliances. There is a separate room for dining table inside the apartment. Close to this exclusive rental apartment are cafes, shops and cultural institutions. The Grand Danish included in rental apartments in Denmark is the best place to own on rent.

Picturesque Danish rental apartment, Copenhagen City

This bi-level apartment in the heart of Copenhagen City features among rental apartments in Denmark. It is located near a courtyard allowing enough space for ventilation. Its surrounding environment is clean. This property as part of rental apartments in Denmark is spread across 128 sqm containing two rooms. They are suitable for professionals residing in urban areas, who are either married or single. The apartment’s entrance takes you through a hallway, where you witness an impressive living area and kitchen. This has made Danish living popular across the world. The apartment has wooden floorings. Adjacent to hallway on the first floor is bathroom with modern accessories. Living area takes you through staircase to a bedroom with windows that face the courtyard. You have easier access to cafes, fashion accessories and restaurants from this apartment. Picturesque Danish of rental apartments in Denmark is three minutes away from Radhuspladsen – The Town Hall Square, Tivoli and Stroget.

Fantastic rental apartment, Copenhagen City

Rental apartments in Denmark feature this apartment, which is modernized. The area where this apartment stands has numerous cultural sites. In this exclusive rental apartment, you have access to modern kitchen, bathroom, brightly lit living room and bedroom along with wardrobe. There is even another bedroom having exit toward balcony. Inclusive of rental apartments in Denmark, this apartment is nearby cafés and shopping complexes. A lot of greenery fills this area.

Executive rental apartment, Islands Brygge, Copenhagen City

This is yet another addition to existing rental apartments in Denmark. It is a newly constructed penthouse. The apartment features glass front and scenic views that overlook sea Downtown of the city. It has hallway along with closets and bathroom with washing facilities. The apartment kitchen is quiet modern. Besides, there is a huge bedroom. Basement of the apartment has a parking lot. By owning any of the rental apartments in Denmark, you have access to numerous facilities.

There are cities in the U.S where apartment rents are as high, or higher than house payments – but Atlanta apartments are not among them. In fact, there are plenty of great deals in terms of affordable apartments in Atlanta today, and many are offering some real move-in deals these days. If you are planning to relocate to the Atlanta metro area and are (A) on a limited budget, (B) don’t want the hassle and responsibility of home ownership, and/or (C) are planning on living in the area a limited time (5 years or less), you owe it to yourself to check your option for Atlanta Georgia apartments.

Economics

Let’s face it – since the mortgage brokers got burned in the recent sub-prime debacle, they’re being a lot more careful these days as to who they’re loaning money to. Gone are the days when almost anyone and their uncle could qualify for a home loan – and the median house payment in the Atlanta metro area is around $250,000, which means at least a four-figure house payment for most people – at least between $1400 and $2000 per month on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

Couples with small families (1-2 children) can rent a three-bedroom apartment convenient to shopping, entertainment and public transportation for as little as $750 per month. If your work is located close to town center and you can dispense with the expense and responsibility of owning an automobile, you’ll be amazed at how much money you’ll have left over each month – something to seriously consider when the cost of gasoline and car maintenance and insurance is factored into the equation.

Simplicity

As a homeowner, you bear all liability when something breaks down. You are also responsible for all property taxes. When renting apartments in Atlanta, payment taxes are the landlord’s responsibility (these are certainly factored into the rent, but you won’t have to worry about whether or not they’re paid). The greatest thing about Atlanta apartments however is the fact that when something breaks down or something starts leaking, there is usually an on-site maintenance staff right there to take care of it. You won’t have to worry about trying to schedule a plumber or HVAC repair person or taking time away from work to deal with the problem.

Equity

Even if you can afford to buy a house in Atlanta, chances are it won’t be worth it unless you plan to stay in the house for five years or longer. The days of skyrocketing, inflated home values are now past; even in areas where home values are not falling, the rate of increase is much more gradual than in the past. The general rule-of-thumb among realty experts is that is you are not planning to live in the home more than five years, it makes more economic sense to rent.

See Them Beforehand

Many apartments in Atlanta maintain websites at which you can take “virtual tours” of the property. You’ll be able to see pictures of apartments in Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area before you even arrive in town – saving a great deal of time in finding your new lodgings. This is especially important to those seeking long-term Atlanta apartments for students.

Finding an apartment can be one of the most exciting things that you do. Apartments can signal independence, and the next step in life. Or maybe you are moving to a new city, or simply changing from an old apartment. For whatever reason you are moving, apartment rentals can seem a bit overwhelming. How many bedrooms do you need, anyway? What type of neighborhood do you want? What amenities are you looking for? These are all good questions to ask and answer before beginning your hunt for the perfect apartment.

First, decide your price range. You may often be able to find great deals on apartments, but be sure that they are within your budget. No need to have a five bedroom six bath if it is just you, even if it is a steal of a deal. Be practical.

Next you need to find the place you want to look at. Check newspaper listings and the real estate section. Look for websites that guide you in your renting endeavors. Make a list of available places and rank them.

Pick apartments in an area that is good to you. If you commute, look for a place that is near your office. If you have kids, do not neglect to check the schools in the neighborhood. Ask the locals about the area to see if it is a good neighborhood or not.

Next, you must decide what size apartment that you want. If you are all alone, a studio or efficiency apartment may be a good choice. They have just one big room, making it ideal for those who do not need extra room. If you are a young couple, this may work as well.

Another couple friendly choice is a one or two bedroom apartment. One bedroom will perfectly suit your needs, while the two bedroom gives you a room to turn into a study, work room, extra bedroom, whatever you want.

There are a few other things to keep in mind as well. Many places are not quite as pet friendly as you might hope, so if you have a little Fido you take with you, ask them about their pet policy. There is often a weight or size restriction, as well as added rent per month. Check and see what each complex offers. Do they have a pool? Does your unit have a dishwasher? What about a washer and dryer? Hint: going to the laundromat every week gets very annoying, so try to find a building with this feature!

Finally: signing a lease can be scary. Find a lease that works for you. Month to month can be great if you are on the go, however, you will probably end up paying less if you do a six month or year lease. Ask about the utility bills as well. Are they included? What is a rough estimate of the monthly bill? Once you know these factors, finding apartment rentals is simple. Good luck and enjoy your new home!

Among all the areas of the DFW Metroplex, Dallas is considered to be one of the best places to reside in. There are a number of Dallas apartments available on rent in almost all the areas of the city. Each area has its own specialties and offers a unique living experience to all its residents. The very first decision that you need to take while checking out the apartments on rent in Dallas, is to decide upon the locality where you would prefer to live.

If you want to enjoy the night life of Dallas, then you can choose to live in the uptown areas of Dallas. However, if you choose to live in these areas, then you will need to pay higher rents because of the world class facilities available. If you want to live close by all the attractions, but at a lower rent, then you can choose to live in downtown Dallas apartments.

Once you have fixed upon in which area to reside in, the next thing that you need to decide upon is the type of apartment that you would like to take up on rent. Dallas offers a variety of apartments on rent. You can choose to live in Dallas luxury apartments, lofts, garden apartments, pent houses, town homes and many more.

Nowadays, most of the people choose to live in the Dallas loft apartments. In the downtown areas, one can find a number of historic loft buildings. The loft apartments are different from the regular apartments and include a huge open space with no walls separating the living and sleeping areas. The loft apartments offer a new and unique living experience to the residents.

The Dallas Texas apartments are equipped with the latest equipments and amenities. However, an individual should always remember that the more amenities and facilities he/she seeks in an apartment, the more rent amount he/she will need to pay.

For a person who is new in the city, it won’t be an easy task to locate a Dallas apartment matching all his requirement and preferences. The entire process of finding an appropriate apartment for himself, will also require a lot of money, energy and time. The best way to locate perfect Dallas apartments on rent for oneself is to contact a Dallas apartment finder.

Dallas apartment locators maintain their own database, where they have information about various apartments available on rent in different parts of the city. Therefore, when an individual approaches them and provides them the information about their requirements and preferences, they check out their database and provide information about the best options available. Most of these apartment locators offer their services free of cost.