Thomas Burns Scully, Author at journiest

8 ways to be the NYC anti-tourist (While still technically being a tourist)

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Airbnbs have fallen out of Vogue. Like many millennial brands that disrupted their industries, Airbnb came into the hospitality world, priced everyone else out, and then raised their prices astronomically. Like how Ubers used to be cheap … until they wrecked the taxi industry.

Or how food delivery like Doordash or Seamless used to be cheap, fast, and convenient, but now there are longer waits and so many extra service fees.

In the same way, Airbnb has changed. Now, you get subpar spaces charging more than hotels plus cleaning fees and minus amenities. No wonder people are opting for hotels again. Yet, the convenience of Airbnbs has spoiled. An onsite kitchen? Separate rooms? Families, group trips, and couples have transformed how they travel, thanks to Airbnbs.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go back. Aparthotels are the latest travel trend that gives you the best of both worlds.

What is an aparthotel?

The term “aparthotel” is popping up everywhere these days. If you’ve noticed it in your travel planning, you’re probably wondering what it is. Aparthotel is a portmanteau of “apartment” and “hotel.” Sounds simple enough. But what does it actually mean? This hybrid accommodation style is the perfect combination of a boutique hotel and a stylish, city-slick Airbnb. Think the space and convenience of an apartment with hotel-level amenities. No more choosing between room service and a real kitchen. With aparthotels, you can have both.

Most aparthotels are the kinds of apartments I can’t imagine ever affording, let alone staying in. They have all the fixings of a cool condo, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and maybe even a washer/dryer. But when you look deeper, there’s the signifiers of a hotel: robes, slippers, and turn-down service.

These properties offer the independence and space of an apartment rental while maintaining the security, services, and amenities of a hotel. You don’t have to compromise, you can have it all: concierge service, daily housekeeping, shared social spaces, and sometimes even on-site restaurants or rooftop bars.

Gotta admit: Gen Z is a shallow generation who are a little too trigger-happy on credit cards. However, staying at aparthotels is a great strategy if you wanna be budget-friendly. The aparthotels also reflect a broader shift in how we travel in a post-pandemic world — people are taking longer trips and seeking more flexible, home-like spaces that can double as work environments. We’re also seeing a move away from traditional vacation rentals, as travelers grow weary of inconsistent experiences and unexpected fees. It’s revenge travel but the revenge is on Airbnbs.

A few pros to staying in aparthotels:

Flexibility: Cook when you want, order room service when you don’t

Space: Separate living areas mean you’re not confined to a bed

Amenities: Gym access, housekeeping, concierge services

Social Opportunities: Common spaces without the forced interaction of hostels

Security: 24/7 staff and hotel-level safety measures

Consistency: Professional management means fewer surprises

Location: Often in prime city centers or trendy neighborhoods

But there are some cons to consider:

Price: Can be pricier than traditional vacation rentals (but often cheaper than equivalent hotel suites)

Local Feel: You might miss out on the “living like a local” experience of a traditional apartment rental

Fewer Properties: While this trend is growing rapidly, there aren’t as many options as traditional hotels

Should you stay in aparthotels? We break it down:

@olivialmarcus
Aparthotel My Daum in the dolomites was amazing!! I could live here! #dolomites #italy #luxury #hotel
♬ original sound – Olivia Marcus

Aparthotels are far more than just a travel trend — they’re a response to how modern travelers want to experience destinations. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking community without sacrificing privacy, a family needing space and convenience, or a digital nomad looking for a longer-term base, aparthotels offer a fresh take on accommodation that is perfectly suited to contemporary travel needs.

Here’s what’s clear: aparthotels are carving out a solid niche in the travel industry. And if current trends are any indication, we’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the coming years. Just remember to book early — these spots are catching on fast, especially in world class city destinations.

They’re popping up in major European cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, where design-forward properties feel more like cool member clubs than traditional hotels. In the U.S., you’ll find them concentrated in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. But I promise this isn’t a red flag — quite the opposite! Aparthotels are coming soon to a city near you.

But like booking any portion of your travel, you have to consider not just where you’re traveling but who you’re traveling with. Aparthotels are wildly popular with solo travelers. Often based in big, buzzy cities and offering independence, they appeal to those planning a solo trip but wanting a step above hostels. You get the safety and social aspects of a hotel — 24/7 reception, other guests around, common areas for mingling — while also having a private oasis of your own.

And aparthotels know their audience, so they cater to it. Many properties organize social events or have co-working spaces for jetsetters and digital nomads. But there’s more to it than just elevated hostel living. Couples often find aparthotels ideal for longer stays. Having a living room means you’re not confined to sitting on the bed when you want to relax, and a kitchen allows for romantic nights in when you’re tired of restaurants.

Many aparthotels offer studio to multi-bedroom options, so you can choose the space that best suits your needs. So, parents, this just might be your new favorite way to travel. Having a kitchen means you can handle those early-morning breakfast demands or late-night snack emergencies. Separate bedrooms allow for proper bedtimes. And many aparthotels offer family-specific amenities like high chairs, cribs, as well as children’s activities.

This might sound a little tame for when your vacation finally makes it out of the group chat but aparthotels are great for group trips, too. Gone are the days of cramming the gang into one hotel room or splitting up the group across different floors. Aparthotels often offer multi-bedroom units ideal for friend groups, with common spaces for hanging out and private bedrooms for when you need your space.

Sounds idyllic to me. We won’t be surprised if aparthotel brands become ubiquitous over the next couple of years. Book a stay at one now and say you were ahead of the trend.