I’ve often discussed the benefits of serviced apartments for groups of friends, or colleagues working away on business. But what about individuals? Not everyone has the comfort of a travel companion when away from home. And whether it’s business or a social trip, many people find themselves having to sleep in a strange bed alone. So do serviced apartments and solitude mix?

Yes, in my experience. For some people kicking off their shoes and enjoying the luxury of a spacious serviced apartment is a dream come true. I stayed a couple of nights alone in a serviced apartment while on business, and the joys of a 42 inch plasma TV and the unlimited web access certainly removed any sense of loneliness.

Snuggling up in serviced apartments

Having my own fridge/freezer and a lovely kitchen, equipped with everything from a potato peeler to a toaster, also allowed me to prepare my own food. If my memory serves me correctly, I spent most of the evening snuggled up on a big leather sofa (one of those lovely L-shaped designs) watching DVDs and eating pizza. If I had stayed in a hotel, I’d probably have ended up ordering extortionately-priced beans on toast from room service. Not to mention raiding the mini bar.

There can also be a misconception that if you’re staying in a serviced apartment they’re not great value for money. Not true in my experience. Serviced apartments vary in size, and many are designed for up to two persons. As these are, on average, 30% cheaper than a hotel room of an equivalent standard you’ll still save money as a single occupant. And you’re likely to have a very safe and cosy night’s stay – even if you just have the TV and a teddy for company.

When it comes to holidays in 2009, many of us are re-evaluating our traditional week or fortnightly break in sunnier climbs. Difficult financial situations have dictated, for many at least, that the purse strings need to be tightened. This means abandoning hot, tropical destinations and pina coladas in favour of a UK city or beach break – often for a long four-day weekend. While you may miss the airport excitement and G&T at 30,000 feet, with serviced apartments you can inject a desirable level of luxury into your holiday even in the UK.

I’m used to a five-star hotel – why should I choose serviced apartments?

Serviced apartments are one of the most in-vogue types of accommodation in the UK at present. Their spaciousness, homely feel and state-of-the-art technical facilities such as fast internet connections and sophisticated plasma screens, have been appreciated by guests looking for very practical yet superior temporary accommodation. And, as serviced apartments are around 30% cheaper than hotel accommodation of an equivalent standard, they certainly make sense for anyone looking to reign in their spending during the recession.

Your four day break in serviced apartments – city or seaside?

If you’ve set aside four days – perhaps a Monday and a Friday either side of a weekend - you need to pick your destination carefully. Make sure there’s enough to see and do, while offering all the relaxation you need from a holiday. Most serviced apartments are available in the UK’s major cities such as Manchester, London, Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool. The surge in popularity of serviced apartments, however, has meant that certain coastal destinations and the more leafy suburbs of cities also have accommodation of this nature to offer. Do a little research on the web, and be sure to choose a destination and serviced apartment that meet your 2009 holiday requirements.