Aparthotel: who suits this format and what to look for when choosing

Choosing accommodation on a trip has long stopped being just "hotel or hostel." The aparthotel is increasingly claiming the title of the third format.

The format is growing fast. According to an HVS report (08/2025), in 2024 occupancy of apartments in Europe grew by 3.8% year over year, and revenue per room added 4.4%. You just need to understand three things: how an aparthotel differs from a hotel and Airbnb, who it suits, and what to check before booking.

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What an aparthotel is

💡 In short:

• In an aparthotel you get an apartment or studio with a kitchen, a washing machine, and an iron.
• Check-in happens online with a digital code, there is no front desk.

Essentially it is a residential complex with hotel-level service. You book a studio for a day, a week, a month, or longer, depending on the operator. Apartments are designed to a single standard, so the set of amenities is the same across different countries. Inside you will find kitchen appliances, an iron, an ironing board, and a washing machine or a shared laundry room.

The main difference from a regular rental: in an aparthotel guests do not just stay, they live. You cook and do laundry yourself, but you are not tied to a restaurant schedule. Daily housekeeping is not included; it is ordered separately.

How an aparthotel differs from a hotel

A hotel sells service, an aparthotel sells independence. In a hotel you leave your key at reception and get fresh towels every day. In an aparthotel you do laundry yourself and rarely see staff. But you pay less per square meter and live at your own pace.

There is also a compromise. Many operators, including STAYERY, add a shared lounge and coworking space to the apartments. That way guests get to know each other, while the price rises moderately.

How an aparthotel differs from Airbnb

At first glance the format resembles Airbnb: an entire place, with no neighbors behind the wall. The difference is who is responsible for the apartment. On Airbnb you message the owner, who may live in another country and reply with delays. In an aparthotel, a company handles booking and support.

You receive the door code online. It is not tied to your arrival time, but check the late check-in policy in advance. If something breaks, you write to the support service, not to the apartment owner.

The catch is that there will be no live concierge nearby. You resolve all issues in chat, in the app, or by phone.

Who an aparthotel suits

The format is designed for independent guests. You should be comfortable with technology, and your English should be enough to communicate with the support service. If you do not speak the language, a translator on your phone will help.

Another trait: you are fine without daily housekeeping and concierge recommendations. In return, you have a flexible schedule and save on restaurants.

Who it suits:

• solo travelers;
• couples;
• small groups of friends;
• business travelers;
• digital nomads;
• families with children.

For families, the kitchen is especially useful. You prepare baby food at home, without searching for a suitable cafe.

© Nick-D · CC BY-SAPhoto: Nick-D, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

What to look for when choosing

Before booking, check several points, otherwise surprises will ruin your trip.

• Support hours. The line is often 24/7, but confirm with the operator.
• Check-in and check-out. Late check-in is sometimes charged separately.
• Deposit. A large amount is blocked on your card until check-out; confirm the amount in advance.
• Housekeeping. Interim cleaning may be paid and follows a schedule.
• Neighborhood. Aparthotels are often located near a train station or in a residential area, not in the center.
• Noise reviews. The building may be residential, so neighbors live on their own schedule.

Separately, find out who receives you in the city. Large chains have a local team; small operators may offer online-only support.

Representatives

Among the notable players of the new wave are several European chains, and each operates in its own way.

• Bob W. A tech-driven operator from Helsinki, founded in 2019. According to industry publication Hospitality Tech, the company has more than 50 properties in Europe. Data current as of 09/2026, verified on the official Bob W website.
• Numa. A group from Berlin. After acquiring Lisbon Serviced Apartments in July 2025, the portfolio grew to more than 11,000 apartments in 42 cities across 15 countries (Numa press release, 07/2025).
• STAYERY. The chain operates in major German cities and focuses on design and coworking (official website).
• Be Mate. An apartment brand from the Room Mate group. Properties are located in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and cities in Italy (official website).

The service set is similar across all of them: digital check-in, kitchen, washing machine. What differs is support hours and guest perks. The basic package is the same; you confirm the details on the operator's website.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Can you live in an aparthotel for a month or longer?

Yes, many operators rent apartments for weeks and months, and sometimes even years. That gives you a stable address and a kitchen instead of restaurants. Check the terms and long-stay discount directly with the operator.

Is an aparthotel suitable for a family with children?

It is, if you are ready to cook and do laundry yourself. The kitchen makes meals easier, and a separate bedroom gives children quiet. Before booking, check whether a crib and an elevator are available in the building.

How is an aparthotel better than Airbnb?

The main advantage is predictability. One company manages the apartments, so the standard, support, and rules are consistent. You do not depend on the mood or schedule of a private host. You communicate with a support service, often 24/7; confirm this.

Is it safe to book accommodation without a front desk?

Yes, if you book through the operator's verified website. You receive a confirmation, and payment follows the standard process. Do not transfer money directly to a private individual's card, and keep your booking confirmation email.

What should you do if something breaks in the apartment?

Write to the support service; the phone number and chat are listed in the booking email. Minor repairs or replacements are usually handled the same day. A live concierge is not needed; the issue is resolved remotely.

In short: what to book

If you need a kitchen and freedom, choose an aparthotel. For a short trip of one or two nights, a regular hotel is often simpler and cheaper. Families with children and digital nomads benefit more from an apartment with cooking facilities.

If your visit is for 1-2 nights: look at a hotel in the center. If your trip is for a week or more: take an aparthotel with a kitchen. If four of you are traveling: compare the cost of an apartment and two separate rooms.

Check prices on Trip.com in a single search across both formats.