Not quite a private residence and not quite your average hotel stay either, here are some of Hotel Designs‘ favourite European aparthotels…
The rise of aparthotels across the globe reflects a growing demand for flexibility and comfort in modern travel. Combining the best features of hotels with those of private residences, aparthotels offer convenience and freedom.
This unique and increasingly popular hybrid allows guests to enjoy a more personalised, home-like experience while having access to luxury hotel amenities such as pools, gyms, and on-site dining. Whether for short stays or extended visits, aparthotels provide the perfect balance of comfort and independence for contemporary travellers. Take a look at some of the hottest aparthotels catching our eye at Hotel Designs, in this episode of our 5 of the best… series.
Image caption: The Adagio Aparthotel Rome pool complex | Image credit: Adagio Aparthotel
Adagio Aparthotel Rome, Italy
Situated just outside of the Vatican City in Rome’s Balduina district, the Adagio Aparthotel Rome is conveniently located within easy walking distance of some of the world’s most notable tourist attractions and shopping district.
Home to 104 fully furnished apartments for one to four guests, each with fully-equipped kitchens, Adagio Rome’s guests can easily dip in and out of city life, but with the guaranteed privacy of their own facilities; situated within an elegant hotel complex that hosts a breakfast restaurant, an immense pool area, and laundry services, for that elevated home-away-from-home experience.
The lovechild of French hotel giant Accor and the Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs Group, the Adagio Aparthotel Rome encapsulates luxury holidaying with simple living, for a peaceful experience in one of Europe’s busiest cities.
Image caption: Apartment bedroom at Bob W Eolou | Image credit: Maria Eirini Moschona
Bob W Eolou, Greece
The ‘seriously sustainable’ Bob W Eolou aparthotel collection, residing in the heart of the iconic city of Athens, provides all the home and holiday comforts one would need to stay for days, weeks, months, or longer.
Designed to live in, work in, or play in, the Bob W Eolou apartment’s were renovated in 2019 by local Grecian designers, and were kitted out with Grecian designed and made furniture for the ultimate live like a local experience. Though being situated less than 2 kilometres from the Acropolis means that guests can also enjoy the local tourist delights too.
Stays at the Bob W Eolou are also 100 per cent climate-neutral and fully carbon-offset; the brand’s support of climate action projects fully offsets the emissions associated with guest stays, while its buying of 100 per cent renewable energy, installation of energy-saving smart home controls, sourcing of select second-hand furniture, and guest recycling facilities (plus more) allows the brand to reduce its hotel waste in the first place.
Image credit: Francisco Nogueira for Locke de Santa Joana
Locke de Santa Joana, Portugal
Now a contemporary, purpose-built hotel and apartment complex in central Lisbon, the Locke de Santa Joana, until rather recently, was a dilapidated 17th century convent. Rejuvenated by design studios Lázaro Rosa-Violán and Post Company, with thoughtfully commissioned and culturally collaborative Artiq art adorning the walls, the Locke de Santa Joana is so much more than an aparthotel.
The hotel’s public areas take inspiration from the building’s history, drawing upon the convent and auxiliary spaces to retell the story of the site to a modern audience, with each space retaining its own distinct character.
While the guest apartments have plenty of room to settle in and stretch out, thanks to inclusive yoga mats, modern kitchens and limestone bathrooms kitted out with all the home comforts. Plus blackout curtains, air con, laundry appliances and lounge seating too.
Image credit: Matt Jessop
SeaSpace, England
Situated in Porth just outside of Newquay, Cornwall, a town that has evolved significantly in recent years, the SeaSpace draws inspiration from both local culture and global movements. The aparthotel’s emergence was a vibrant response to the post-pandemic world, where people became increasingly aware of how important it is to relax and reconnect with nature.
The SeaSpace draws on a post-second World War movement that rebelled against increasingly minimalist architecture. The aparthotel’s mid-century aesthetics include terrazzo floors and rich veneers; the space then evolved to reflect its coastal location and focus on community.
The core of the building has been opened up to connect the community spaces and there’s now visible interconnectivity between the holistic experiences and facilities for guests and locals, like the pantry, swimming pool, café and restaurant, to encourage interaction and flow.
Image caption: Wilde Aparthotel Berlin | Image credit: Wilde Aparthotels
Wilde Aparthotels Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, GermanyÂ
Nestled at the historic crossroads of Checkpoint Charlie, the 48-room Wilde Aparthotel in the heart of Berlin offers a unique blend of style and comfort. Guests can choose from thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom apartments, each featuring the perfect mix of homely conveniences — such as fully equipped kitchens — and premium hotel services, including a 24-hour reception.
Inspired by a design-led philosophy, Wilde Berlin celebrates the beauty in every detail, with natural timber flooring, bespoke joinery, curated artworks, and carefully selected soft furnishings enhancing the aesthetic of each apartment. Luxurious touches such as Hypnos mattresses and GROHE rainfall showers ensure an indulgent guest stay.
True to its namesake, the witty Irish playwright Oscar Wilde, the Wilde aparthotel in Berlin offers a playful, glamourous atmosphere, where creativity and fun take centre stage. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a sophisticated experience, with each space thoughtfully curated to embody the Wilde brand’s distinctive charm.
Main image caption:Â Bob W Eolou | Image credit: Maria Eirini Moschona
