The background: SACO, 'the worldwide serviced apartment network', has access to over 12,000 different apartments in more than 35 countries worldwide. It currently has over 2,500 corporate clients. Its Bath apartments are comprised of studio, one and two-bedroom units in a converted Georgian terrace on
St James' Parade in the heart of the city.
The check-in: Located the apartments easily enough in busy central Bath and left the car round the corner while I went to check in and find out about parking – there's limited parking onsite but a long-stay car park is just down the road. The affable receptionist also briefed me on the area and provided numbers for a couple of local taxi companies.
The apartment: The apartment was comprised of a large, airy lounge and kitchen area looking out on to St James' Parade, plus a small bathroom and bedroom at the rear. The kitchen had an oven, kettle, toaster, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, plus a full selection of crockery and pans. A welcome pack included essentials such as tea, coffee and milk, plus dishwasher and laundry tablets. Furniture in the lounge consisted of a small dining table and chairs, coffee table, sofa, CD player and flatscreen TV with access to around 30 channels. In a cupboard was an iron and ironing board and a clothes dryer. Wired broadband was charged for at £5 per day or £15 per week, but there was no wifi. In the bedroom was a double bed, wardrobe, safe, dressing table, small TV and full length mirror, and in the bathroom a shower cubicle but no bath, plus plenty of towels and a few L'Occitaine amenities. There was just two minor irritations: a lack of power sockets in the bedroom and the apartment's heavily sprung fire doors. A few paintings and ornaments around the apartment added colour and character to the plain decor.
The Check out: Running a little late, a request for extra time beyond the standard 11am checkout was kindly granted, and on leaving it was a simple case of dropping off the entry cards at reception.
The verdict: A very well equipped apart-ment in an excellent central location. It could quite easily become a small home from home for those visiting for a few nights or longer. The details: SACO Bath, 37 St James' Parade, Bath, BA1 1UH. Rates are from £85 per night for a studio apartment, and £115 and £160 for a one and two-bedroom apartment respectively. www.sacoapartments.co.uk Andy Hoskins
