Although Belgrade has a reputation for attracting tourists from all over the globe, it is also the center of various business activities which are bringing more and more people as the years go by. Over half a million tourists visit Belgrade each year, and that number is now on the rise. The main issue for every visitor is booking adequate accommodation that best suits their needs.
There are over 15 thousand registered beds located in various facilities specialized for tourist settlement, and the biggest share is held by hotels. However, that count is far from accurate, since a new option has arose – private accommodation which includes hostels as well as apartments for rent all over the city.
Renting apartments has recently become a craze, especially in Europe, and travelers often share their thoughts on how it's sometimes better to rent and apartment than it is to stay in a hotel. But, is that really true? What are your options for affordable, comfortable accomodation in a good location in Belgrade if hotels are out of the picture?
Size
Generally speaking, for stays that last from 2-5 days, a hotel is your best bet. Usually, visitors in Belgrade who are passing through or are there on business don't spend a lot of time in their hotel rooms, therefore, size isn't really that big of a factor. Families with 3 or more members might find smaller rooms to be cramped and have to resort to renting more than one room. which can be pricey at times.
For larger groups of people accomodation in apartments in Belgrade might be the best. They have separate rooms: bathroom, kitchen, storage, dining area and bedrooms – just like your regular apartment. They are perfect for families with children, couples, and friends backpacking – they take the cake when it comes to offering unmatched comfort and space. Hotels don't offer much privacy in that sense, and that's why more and more groups choose to stay in an apartment rather than a hotel. This, however, mostly applies to visitor that are staying for more than five nights, since that is the minimum for most apartments.
Service
Bear in mind that services (or rather lack thereof), is what makes renting apartments so much cheaper than conventional hotels – you won't be tied to a meal schedule or specific cleaning hours and you'll be able to plan your day freely, however, this means that you will have to do a lot of things by yourself. Chores such as washing clothes / dry cleaning aren't included and can be pricey. You can hop by the local grocery store and save money by cooking your own meals, especially if you have specific tastes or intolerances that restaurant menus just can't cater to .
The downside to this story is exactly that: you have to do everything yourself. Hotels however, have meals usually included in the room price, and you have fresh new towels, a clean room, and a bed neatly made and waiting for you at the end of the day.
Location
When hotels are built, in most cases they are purposely placed in commercial zones surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shopping districts. That's not always the case, but a better location usually means a higher price. Apartment prices also depend on the location, but they are not as drastic as hotel prices. And most of all, there are a lot more apartments you can choose from than hotels. If you take time to do some research, you can certainly find an apartment that best suits the purpose of your travel, be it in the city center or a more quiet neighbourhood.
A good location also means the proximity to the public transportation system. Hotels are almost always built precisely to fit this system, but not always. The situation is the same with apartments, some have an abundance of transportation options, while others don't. But even the most secluded ones are sure to have a bus stop or two nearby.
Final thoughts...
At the end, it all boils down to the price, so here is the guide overview:
- Hotels pay off if you're staying for a short period of time, and traveling alone or with a small group of people. Whether it is a business trip, or a quick sightseeing tour, things like budget, space and service won't pose as a problem for short-term visitors.
- Apartments are ideal for families, couples, and groups of people that are staying for a longer period – they can split the rent, save money on meals buy cooking and doing laundry and have more room for privacy and movement. Experiencing the local way of life is also a perk for people staying in rented apartments.
Like in most European cities, Belgrade is no exception when it comes to the rising popularity of apartments for rent – although hotels still hold the largest share, apartments are definitely becoming a rival when it comes to accommodation options.
