By Jake Hamilton
Looking for stylish apartments in Europe with no weird hosts? These 8 secret European rentals are NOT on Airbnb. (See our full collection below)
1 These amazing apartments in Berlin
Location: Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin
Price: From £111
These amazing self-catering apartments in vibrant Prenzlauer Berg — one of Berlin’s coolest districts — will make you feel like a true Berliner. Friendly owner, Simon, has designed each apartment with individual retro-stylish flourishes and vintage statement pieces. Better yet, there is no signage out front. Why? Because unlike Airbnb, guests want to feel part of the community. Also, the amazing prices allow these apartments to fly below the Airbnb radar. Truly unique.
2 These stylish apartments in Lisbon
Location: Baixa, Lisbon
Price: From £125
Here’s a secret worth sharing. These chic apartments (sleeping 1-7) located in the heart of Lisbon are the perfect remedy to cookie-cutter rentals on Airbnb. Owner Jesus spent years meticulously restoring 13 unique apartments (9 unlisted on Airbnb) inside a striking 18th-century building called Baixa House. The result is breathtaking. Think spacious rooms with ultra-cool furnishings, fabulous kitchens and squeaky-clean bathrooms. Everything you need for short or long stays.
3 This boho apartment in Rome
Location: Trevi, Rome
Price: From £328
Fancy a Roman holiday? These 6 boho apartments hidden down a pretty cobblestone strada are the real Roman deal. We’re talking magnifico location – just a coin’s throw from the Trevi Fountain – matched with bellissimo interiors. Try finding that on Airbnb Rome! Swoon at the lovely beds, retro-chic furniture, spoiling bathrooms (some with saunas!) and the sleek kitchenettes stocked with Prosecco and chocolates. How’s that for a welcome gift?
4 This cool villa in Croatia
Location: Istria, Croatia
Price: From £341 for the whole villa
This 6-bedroom villa could be the beginning of your next love affair with Croatia. Set on a hillside in peaceful Istria, it’s a converted farmhouse sleeping up to 14 – perfect for families or large gatherings. Laze by the turquoise pool, pick your own vegetables in the garden, play on the private sports field or lounge on the sun terrace while your better half prepares a feast in the massive kitchen. You can dine outside beneath the stars.
5 These stylish apartments in Barcelona
Location: Eixample, Barcelona
Price: From £138
These gorgeous rentals for 2-4 are the perfect example of ‘Barcelona cool’. Super friendly owner Yessica previously worked in fashion and has created 2 stylish apartments with fabulous interiors. Each pad has high ceilings, large windows, galley kitchens and a terrace for morning coffee. As for the beds, it’s the best sleep of your life. You’ll be revved-up to explore Barcelona’s historic surroundings.
6 This amazing apartment in Venice
Location: San Marco, Venice
Price: From £416
Want to make a grand gesture? This trio of stylish apartments (sleeping 2-7) in a historic waterfront palazzo facing the Grand Canal is all the grandeur you need. Yes, it’s expensive, and you can find cheaper, less ethical options on Airbnb… but do you want to go bland in Venice? Fabulous terrazzo interiors filled with unique antiques from the owner’s private collection, each apartment has an elegant master bedroom (plus a second double/twin), a splendid kitchen and 2 bathrooms.
7 This country house in Provence
Location: Near Uzés, Provence
Price: From £97
We love this dreamy farmhouse conversion in sun-kissed Provence. The property is a cluster of 2-to-5-bedroom houses or apartments and comes with a picturesque courtyard and a lovely pool. You will adore the wisteria-covered terraces and the lavender-scented gardens. As for the views of the Cévennes hills? Instagram heaven.
8 These stylish apartments in Florence
Location: Arno River, Florence
Price: From £147
This is 1 of 10 ultra stylish apartments created by revered Italian architect Claudio Nardi. In other words, the exact opposite of what you see on Airbnb Florence. Varying in size and variety (studios, suites or lofts), these stylish apartments boast sharp interiors, huge beds, slick bathrooms and signature pieces like Mies van der Rohe chairs. The communal garden has a lap pool and a lounge bar, plus plenty of hammocks for lazing around. Oh my.
Explore all our European Rentals NOT on Airbnb
