Five luxury serviced apartments

Just like home, but with all the comforts of a good hotel. This is the life, says Fiona Griffiths

1. La Reserve, Paris

Live the Parisian dream by taking up residence on the place du Trocadéro, where La Réserve's 10 apartments all overlook the Eiffel Tower. Created by young French designer Rémi Tessier, the swanky flats have from one to four bedrooms, and cater to your every whim, with plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, music systems, modern art and fab views. Most are set on two or three floors; some have gardens, patios or balconies; one even has a cinema. There's a 24-hour concierge service, for everything from breakfast in bed to spa treatments.

La Réserve, 10 place du Trocadéro, Paris (00 33 1 53 70 53 70; www.lareserve-paris.com). Apartments start at €1,667 (£1,389) per night

2. Kefalari Suites, Athens

A grand former residence has been converted into the Kefalari Suites, in the suburb of Kifissia, 20 minutes' train ride from central Athens. The leafy streets of this affluent area are a welcome respite from the hectic city centre. The 19th-century building has 13 suites, each with a different theme, outdoor space and access to a sundeck with Jacuzzi. Benefits include coffee, desserts and daily housekeeping.

Kefalari Suites, 1 Pentelis & Kolokotroni Street, Kifissia, Athens, Greece (00 30 210 623 3333; ww.kefalarisuites.gr). Suites start at €190 (£158) per night

3. Quay West Suites, Sydney

Located in the Rocks district, with great harbour views, these one- and two-bedroom apartments feature colourful abstract art in an otherwise neutral decor. Extras include mini-bar, video/DVD player, in-house movies, restaurant, bar, gym and spa with pool.

Quay West Suites, 98 Gloucester Street, Sydney, Australia (00 61 2 9240 6000; www.mirvachotels.com). From A$272 (£129) per night, including breakfast

4. Residenza Napoleone, Rome

This palazzo was, indeed, once Napoleon III's residence. The two apartments and suite are accessed via a fine arcade, and inside there are parquet floors, oil paintings and tapestries. There's air-con, plasma TV, DVD and Wi-Fi; and services include housekeeping and breakfast.

Residenza Napoleone, Palazzo Ruspoli, Via Condotti, Rome (00 39 06 688 08 083; www. residenzanapoleone.com). From €530 (£442) per night

5. Staybridge Suites, Liverpool

Five minutes from the city centre, the Staybridge Suites comprise 99 studio and 33 one-bedroom suites. Decor is contemporary, with flat-screen TVs in the living area, and small but well-equipped kitchens. Breakfast is provided in The Hub, and Wi-Fi and maid service are free, too. There's also a gym, laundry and "honesty pantry".

Staybridge Suites, 21 Keel Wharf, Liverpool (0151-703 9700; www.staybridge.co.uk). From £69 per night, including breakfast