Erin Arai  remembers spending countless hours searching for the perfect place for her large family and friends to stay when they travel as a group. That’s what gave Erin the idea to provide accommodation that offers guests of the bride and groom an ideal space to call their own for the days leading up to and following the wedding.

Giving Kitchener-Waterloo couples a new way to look at guest accommodations, Boardwalk Homes properties are a bit like having your very own private five star hotel. And whether it’s for three days, or thirty , all your guests have to do is move in and enjoy. Each home comes with natural down duvets, a fully equipped kitchen, large dining room, a cozy fireplace, a deck and yard for the kids to play in and more. They’re close to all of the city's best shopping - and if you've got a craving for noodles or sushi, they've even got the chopsticks! Boardwalk Homes is a company that seems to have thought of everything you could ever need while you're away. Let us explain…

Personally Speaking...

Erin kept running into the same problem time and time again. Her family loves to travel, exploring the world together. But they could never find accommodations that really worked for a large group. With grandparents, kids, cousins and friends, they loved being able to stay in the same place, but have always had trouble finding anything other than a hotel. Sure, they've stayed at some nice hotels during their trips, but they've always ended up being split up into separate rooms, with no common area where they can get together and hang out as a family.

Things changed a few years ago, when Erin and her family stayed at a ski chalet. They rented the whole house, and had one of their most memorable trips ever. Everyone had their own private room but they shared a common area where they could get together and spend time as a family. They would cook meals that were not only healthy, but cost a fraction of the price of eating out. They had a private place that they could truly call home for a week.

That ski trip had Erin and her family realizing that the best way to travel as a family or large group was to rent out a house for themselves – a place that acts as a hotel, but has all the amenities and comforts of home.

Erin knew other families were missing out on the same kind of family oriented accommodation too. So this year, she decided to bring that chalet experience to Kitchener-Waterloo. Along with her business partner, she opened up Boardwalk Homes in 2011; two brand new houses which families and groups can rent out when they travel to KW.  They are opening 3 more private one bedroom units in Fall 2011 as well. Read on…

So far, Boardwalk Homes has been a home away from home for all different types of people:; from professors teaching at the University of Waterloo and Wilfried Laurier University;  corporate executives at high tech companies; and Ggrandparents visiting for the week, and; politicians spending a few days in the area. Their guests have come to  from all over the world including England, China, the Bahamas, US, Vancouver, Calgary, the Muskokas, Toronto,  and the Maritimes.

Now, Erin is looking forward to helping brides accommodate their out-of-town guests throughout the week, or weekend of the wedding. "We want to make people feel good, and help them build a memorable experience. And we give them the right setting for that experience – gorgeous kitchen, warm fireplace, stylish living room, cozy family room, quiet den – then they make their own wonderful memories together."

Private & communal spaces with all the perks

Imagine staying somewhere with all of the perks of a high-end hotel; pristine accommodations, unobtrusive staff, and all of the amenities that you don't want to have to bring along with you like towels, linens, natural down duvets, hair dryers, shampoo and conditioner. Plus, the little comforts of a Bed and Breakfast; everything you need for breakfast each morning, (even including premium coffee beans and a grinder), a living room with a fireplace where you can unwind, all with that cozy home feel.  

Now picture all of this in a private, three story detached house, spread out over 3000 plus square feet with five living spaces, five bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen where your entire group can make meals together. Private bedrooms with communal living spaces are perfect for extended families who want to stay together.

Everything you would need, whether you're staying three days or a months; like free internet, digital cable, local phone, business station, laundry and central air. All of this for a price that is easily the most affordable way for families and big groups to stay together.

So far, Erin is thrilled with the feedback she's received from guests of Boardwalk Homes, “We've had comments like 'we’ll never have our family or friends stay at a hotel or B&B again when we come to KW' and 'this is better than a five star hotel'. Guest houses and chalets are an age old idea, and Boardwalk Homes does it the best. That's exactly why families and friends love it. It's private, spacious, carefree, comfortable, and best of all, high-end and low-cost! Where can you find all of this together, in KW?"

Babies, backyards & brides

Boardwalk Homes come with a deck and yard where you and your group can relax for the afternoon.

When the kids start getting bored, they can run outside to get rid of some of that pent up energy. If they come inside covered in mud, just throw their clothes in the washer and dryer like you would at home.

When Grandma is ready for bed, she can easily head up to her room without the logistics of getting her back to her hotel room early. And best of all, the bride doesn’t have to worry about who’s looking after Grandma!

Skip the restaurant meal and have a sumptuous dinner on the backyard deck  or by the fireplace with loved ones you might not have seen in months!

Where else are you going to find that kind of convenient experience?

Location, location, location

Boardwalk Homes’ location can't be beat. The properties are in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo, right by ‘The Boardwalk’, one of the largest shopping districts in the area. It’s easy for your guests to pick up some groceries and last minute items before the wedding. Walmart, Lowe’s, banks, Shopper ‘s Drugmart, Blockbuster, Winners and more are within walking distance.

If they want to grab a coffee or lunch, guests have easy access to  Starbucks and Tim Horton's, and to a wide range of restaurants from national chain pizzerias to award-winning bistros.

Private one bedroom suites...brand new, just arrived!

For people that are looking for a little more privacy or something extra special, Boardwalk Homes just opened these brand new private, one bedroom suites. Luxurious, European high thread count linen, natural down duvet, 50 inch flat screen TV, fireplace, granite counter top kitchen, hardwood floor…you name it, you’ll have it.

Bonding has never been better...

If your family is coming from out of town, chances are, they might only see each other a couple of times a year. Boardwalk Homes gives them the perfect place to spend some real quality time together. They'll have a house to themselves where they can hang out, cook dinners, play board games and celebrate your momentous occasion!

And for Erin, this kind of accommodation only works if guests feel comfortable, carefree and at home, "We're warm and welcoming and we do our best to provide an inviting space where families can gather and build even more memories around the bride and groom’s special day. It's a place where they can focus on each other and the upcoming ceremonies and truly feel at own home. We prepare the houses, including fresh fruit baskets and more, before guests arrive and then we're out of the way so they can enjoy spending time together ."

Group savings

Boardwalk prices will be a big selling point for any bride and groom. Boardwalk Homes is offering the entire house for $499-899 per night, plus tax (the number of rooms varies. The price is based on a three night minimum rental period. Shorter periods are negotiable). They've got two houses so you can rent both if you have a group of thirty or more people. Or, your family can rent one of the houses on their own.

You will spend less than what you would in a hotel, but have a whole lot more private space than you would in a hotel room. Your family can mingle and entertain in the large eat-in kitchen, four additional living areas, and most importantly, you will save a huge amount on restaurant meals!

Walking you through it...

Give Boardwalk Homes a call or send them an email and they'll reserve the house for you. You can also check out their website for some fantastic pictures of the houses and lots of information about Boardwalk Homes.

Next, you'll provide a down payment to secure the house for your requested dates. They'll get everything ready for your guests and you can strike one major thing off your list. It's that simple!

Before your guests arrive, Erin will provide you with all of the details about their stay, so that they know exactly what is included and what to expect before they arrive.

And if your guests decide they've had such a good time that they want to stay a little longer, and Boardwalk Homes has availability , Erin is happy to accommodate an extended stay.

Details, details, details,

•Each house has eight bedrooms and five bathrooms. So hosting groups of thirty plus is no problem!
•A refundable damage deposit is required (which can be paid by pre-authorization on a major credit card).
•Boardwalk Homes requires a one night equivalent deposit to confirm your reservation. Your deposit is refundable if cancellation is received 30 days in advance of the check-in date.
•Boardwalk Homes can be rented for as many or as few nights as you need them. During peak periods, a minimum stay of three nights is required.
•Homes come with fireplaces, back yards, decks, fully equipped kitchens, laundry, contemporary furniture and much more.
•As soon as you know you need hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests, give Boardwalk Homes a call instead!
•HST applies