Sure, you could have a party in your apartment, but why bother if your community has a designated party room?
Apartment communities are really bringing it with the amenities they offer these days. From dog parks to saunas, they’re trying to draw renters in with some innovative bells and whistles. Among those is the apartment party room, usually available to reserve or rent for a small fee (often refundable if no damage is done).
We’ve found that a lot of factors make or break the quality of a party room, though. For the avid party-thrower, such details could actually affect where they decide to rent. Here are some of the best characteristics of a truly high-quality apartment party room.
1. An on-site kitchen
The majority of parties involve food and drink to at least some degree. So it only makes sense that a community kitchen would prove a major asset to any party room. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a gourmet stove is a must, but basics like a refrigerator, sink, warming oven and such would be assets to any host. Bonus points for a wine fridge.
2. Access to amenities
A lot of parties are activity-based, so other amenities can really ramp up the fun factor. This can be as simple as access to a patch of green space to set up cornhole boards, giant tic-tac-toe or a bouncy castle.
Even better, many party rooms are conveniently placed next to community pool decks, making it ultra-easy to turn any fete into a splashy one. Outdoor grills, fire pits, fireplaces, a game room and other such perks add serious depth to any celebratory occasion.
3. It’s a very versatile space
The more neutrally decorated the party room is, the easier it is to use for any and all types of occasions. For example, it’s tough to transform a dark-paneled, leather furniture-filled, man cave-type space into the right vibe for a baby shower. Look for party rooms that have lots of natural light, furniture/decor in muted fabrics and plenty of space.
You’re going to need it for extra chairs, folding tables to hold catering, standing room, limbo lines or whatever else strikes your fancy. You’ll find it easier to fit any type of party into such a space, and themed decor won’t look completely out of place, either.
4. It’s easy to clean
Beware the party room that’s outfitted with wall-to-wall white carpeting, as all it takes is a wayward glass of wine to cause catastrophe. Fortunately, most apartment communities design party rooms with messes in mind, especially since most renters expect that it’ll be easy enough to get their security deposit back.
Still, a lot of light-colored fabric furniture in the room can get messed up in a hurry. Either move high-risk pieces out during the celebration or stylishly drape them with a throw blanket as an extra layer of protection. Obviously, the best party rooms factor in food and drink-related risks and have furniture and flooring in place that are extra stain-resistant.
5. The instructions are clear
Make sure you know what’s expected of you in terms of post-party cleaning. Is it a broom-clean/take-the-trash-out situation? Or are you expected to mop and sanitize and all that jazz? How about the bathroom? Does the community provide the supplies, or do you have to lug them in? These are important questions that many renters don’t think to ask.
6. Simple rental process
The best apartment party rooms have a seamless rental process in place to take much of the headache out of the planning process. Ideally, renters who want to reserve the party space can just go onto the community’s website to view available dates and times.
Once one is selected, the renter should be able to reserve the room and make any necessary deposit payments on the secure site. No one has time these days to write checks and play phone tag and all of that mess just to book a party room.
7. It’s safe for children
Not every renter has children, but plenty do. Many of those are understandably hesitant about having a ton of sweet but grubby little fingers in their apartment for a birthday party, playgroup or another event. However, this does mean that the apartment party room has to be safe enough for itty-bitty guests.
No cleaning solvents or other potentially toxic chemicals should be within reach (store them up in a high cabinet or remove them altogether during the party). Also, make sure to remove any power strips and ensure that furniture is kid-friendly. If there’s a sharp or glass-edged coffee table, for example, either cover it up with a soft blanket or remove it altogether.
Basically, just look around and use your common sense to identify potential hazards. And always make sure there’s someone or something blocking the exit, especially if the neighborhood pool is just outside.
8. It’s fully equipped, electronically speaking
The best party rooms have all of the electronics a party thrower could wish for, including Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi and so on. Some even boast miniature movie theaters, perfect for screening films or catching the season finale/premiere of hot television shows.
9. Delightful extra touches
Apartment communities like to sweeten the party room experience by having extras on site, like movie theater-style popcorn machines, adult beverage mixers, etc. Such bonus appliances will save you a rental fee or two and add an extra layer of fun to the event.
Get this party started!
These days, most apartment managers understand that a little bit of well-planned extra party space goes a long way to making your community more enjoyable and accessible to friends and family. Now that’s definitely something to celebrate.
And if you’re still searching for apartments, look here first.
Source: rent.com