If you are visiting Barcelona as a family then it can be expensive to find suitable accommodation for the whole family. Hotels are convenient as many can be found in the heart of the city so you don't have to walk too far to the sights, however for accommodation that's easy on the pocket and offers space and privacy, how about renting a serviced apartment for your holiday?

There are a wide range of serviced apartments in the center of Barcelona that can be rented for long or short term stays, and fit a wide array of budgets. Booking is fast and easy if you go online as most websites now accept credit cards. Price is one of the main reasons behind why people choose to rent an apartment rather than stay in a hotel, especially if you have a large family travelling with you! If you are visiting Barcelona on a week's holiday or for a short break it's possible to find 2 and 3 bedroom apartment in Las Ramblas or downtown Barcelona for very reasonable prices.

Hotels of course provide lots of extra services, generally breakfast is free, laundry service, a bar and restaurant, room service and daily cleaning of your room. There's often a TV in the room and even free tea and coffee making facilities. However, a hotel room has limited space and if you have your family with you then you'll soon be getting on each others nerves.

Short term rental apartments in Barcelona can offer fully fitted kitchens with all the cooking equipment needed to prepare a meal. Wake up and make your own coffee in the morning, watch TV or put some music on. The more you pay the better facilities you receive, dishwasher, washing machine and fridge, TV and DVD, internet connection, should be supplied in most apartments. Imagine a spacious apartment to enjoy with your partner and children that has a Jacuzzi and a terrace to relax on? Another advantage to renting an apartment is that you get the everyday items included and don't need to carry them with you, such as cots, bedding and towels.

Apartments usually have 2 or 3 bedrooms depending on where you want to stay and the price. This means your children can sleep in their own room and you don't have to all try and sleep at the same time as you would if you were all sharing the one room. They are a great way to save money as you have the opportunity to cook in the apartment, in comparison to eating out at restaurants 2 or 3 times a day then this is a big saving.

For families on holiday a rental apartment will definitely save you money, and give your children the experience of living in a foreign city. Staying in a hotel you will generally eat at the hotel or restaurants and visit the sights, however preparing your own meals means you will need to go shopping at the local markets and give you more of an insight into local life and a chance to meet some of the local people.

Apartments offer so much more room, which in turn means privacy. Privacy for you and your partner, and for your children to get away from you too! A hotel just provides somewhere to sleep and, unless you like to stay cramped up together in one room, you are more inclined to go out which involves spending money, staying in an apartment is a more relaxed option as it is like being at home. If you want to stay in one evening and watch TV, then you have the space and facilities to do that. A quality apartment will have a lounge to relax in and kitchen to cook family meals.

If you are looking for a more convenient way to travel then consider staying in holiday apartments, Barcelona has a large number of apartments available for travelers to rent. Renting an apartment in any city can help you keep costs down and give you a more authentic experience of living in a different culture.

Look online for tips, advice and destination guides to finding suitable holiday rental apartments. Barcelona offers a large choice of different accommodation levels and you should do some research beforehand to see what's available.