Apartments: What They Are, How They Differ from Cottages, and Where to Find Them

When you think of a place to stay in the woods, you might picture a cozy apartment, a self-contained living space within a larger building, often rented for short-term stays. Also known as rental units, apartments offer privacy, convenience, and sometimes even kitchen access—making them a smart pick for travelers who want more control over their stay. But here’s the thing: apartments aren’t the same as cottages. A cottage is usually a standalone building, tucked into nature, with a porch and maybe a wood stove. An apartment? It’s often part of a complex, maybe on the ground floor of a lodge, or above a restaurant in a quiet hillside town. You get the same peace, but with different layout, noise levels, and access to shared amenities like pools or parking.

People choose apartments when they want to save money without giving up comfort. You’re not paying for a whole house, just the space you need. That’s why many families, couples, or solo travelers who plan to cook their own meals or stay longer than a weekend go for them. Some apartments come with balconies overlooking forests, others have views of mountain trails—just like the cottages, small, often rustic homes used for vacations, typically in natural or rural settings. Also known as vacation rentals, cottages are great for total seclusion. But if you’d rather walk to a restaurant, use a shared laundry, or have someone cleaning your space daily, an apartment makes more sense. And unlike many luxury cottages that cost $500 a night, you can find decent apartments for under $150, especially outside peak season.

Not all apartments are the same. Some are bare-bones studios with a mini-fridge. Others are full-sized units with two bedrooms, a living room, and a washer. The best ones—like those at Woodland Retreat—mix comfort with nature. Think wooden floors, big windows, and quiet locations where you hear birds, not traffic. They’re perfect if you want to explore local markets, hike nearby trails, or just sit with a book and coffee in the morning. You don’t need to rent a whole villa to feel like you’re away from it all.

And if you’re planning a trip to India’s quieter corners—like the Western Ghats, the Himalayan foothills, or the forests of Madhya Pradesh—you’ll find plenty of apartments tucked into resorts and eco-lodges. They’re not always advertised as "apartments"—sometimes they’re called "self-contained units," "studio suites," or "guest apartments." But if they have a kitchenette, a separate bedroom, and a door that locks, they’re functionally the same.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve stayed in these spaces. Some wondered if an apartment was worth it compared to a cottage. Others discovered hidden perks—like free breakfast, pet-friendly policies, or late check-out—that made their trip better than expected. Whether you’re looking for affordability, flexibility, or just a different kind of quiet, the posts here will show you what actually matters when you book an apartment for your next getaway.